“Can You Pay My Telephone Bills” is a popular song by Destiny’s Child. The lyrics talk about a woman questioning if her partner can support her financially.
She wants someone who can handle the responsibilities, like paying her bills. The song highlights the importance of mutual support in relationships, especially when it comes to financial stability.
Can You Pay My Telephone Bills
Song Credits
Role | Name |
Artist | Destiny’s Child |
Songwriters | Beyoncé Knowles, LaTavia Roberson, LaToya Luckett, and Kelly Rowland |
Producers | Beyoncé Knowles, Rob Fusari |
Record Label | Columbia Records |
Release Date | 1999 |
Album | The Writing’s On The Wall |
Verse
… At first we started out real cool
Taking me places I ain’t never been
But now, you’re getting comfortable
Ain’t doing those things you did no more
You’re slowly making me pay for things
Your money should be handling
Summary
The verse talks about a relationship that started off exciting and fun. The partner took the woman to new places and treated her well. But now, things have changed, and the partner is becoming too comfortable. The woman feels like she’s now paying for things that the partner should be taking care of.
Verse
… And now you ask to use my car (car)
Drive it all day and don’t fill up the tank
And you have the audacity
To even come and step to me
Ask to hold some money from me
Until you get your cheque next week
Summary
In this verse, the partner asks to use the woman’s car but doesn’t refill the tank. The woman feels frustrated by the partner’s audacity to ask for money. She is upset that they expect her to lend money until their paycheck comes. It highlights the partner’s selfishness and lack of responsibility.
Verse
… You triflin’, good-for-nothing type of brother
Silly me, why haven’t I found another?
A baller, when times get hard
I need someone to help me out
Instead of a scrub like you, who don’t know what a man’s about
Summary
In this verse, the woman describes her partner as lazy and unhelpful. She questions why she hasn’t found someone better yet. She wants a partner who can step up and support her when times get tough. She’s tired of dealing with someone who doesn’t know how to be responsible.
Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks if her partner can pay her bills, including her telephone and car bills. She suggests that if he could take care of these, they might have a chance to relax together. However, she doubts he can do that. Because of this, she decides their relationship is over.
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Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman questions if her partner can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says if he could, they might be able to relax together. But she doubts he can manage that. Because of this, she decides their relationship is over.
Verse
… Now you’ve been maxing out my card (card)
Gave me bad credit, buyin’ me gifts with my own ends
Haven’t paid the first bill
But you’re steady headin’ to the mall
Goin’ on shopping sprees
Perpetrating to your friends like you be ballin’
Summary
In this verse, the woman talks about her partner maxing out her credit card and giving her bad credit. He buys gifts using her money but hasn’t paid any bills. Meanwhile, he goes on shopping sprees and pretends to be wealthy. She’s frustrated by his behavior and deceit.
Verse
… And then you use my cellphone (phone)
Callin’ whoever that you think’s at home
And then when the bill comes
All of a sudden you be acting dumb
Don’t know where none of these calls come from
When your momma’s number’s here more than once
Summary
In this verse, the woman talks about her partner using her cellphone to call people. When the bill arrives, he acts clueless about the calls. She notices his mom’s number appears multiple times. She’s frustrated by his behavior and dishonesty.
Verse
… You triflin’, good-for-nothing type of brother
Silly me, why haven’t I found another?
A baller, when times get hard, I need someone to help me out
Instead of a scrub like you, who don’t know what a man’s about
Summary
In this verse, the woman describes her partner as lazy and useless. She questions why she hasn’t found someone better yet. She needs a strong partner who can support her during tough times. Instead, she feels stuck with someone who doesn’t know how to be responsible.
Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks if her partner can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says if he could, they might spend time together. But she doesn’t think he can do that. As a result, she decides their relationship is over.
Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks if her partner can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says that if he could, they might be able to relax together. But she doesn’t believe he can handle it. Because of this, she decides to end the relationship.
Verse
… You triflin’, good-for-nothing type of brother
Oh silly me, why haven’t I found another?
You triflin’, good-for-nothing type of brother
Oh silly me, why haven’t I found another?
You triflin’, good-for-nothing type of brother
Oh silly me, why haven’t I found another?
You triflin’, good-for-nothing type of brother
Oh silly me, why haven’t I found another?
Summary
In this verse, the woman repeatedly calls her partner lazy and useless. She questions why she hasn’t found someone better yet. She feels frustrated and disappointed by his behavior. She wonders why she stayed with him for so long.
Verse
… Can you pay the bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks if her partner can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says if he could, they might hang out together. But she doesn’t believe he can manage that. So, she decides their relationship is over.
Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks if her partner can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says they could spend time together if he could do that. But she doesn’t think he can. So, she decides to end the relationship.
Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks her partner if he can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says they could hang out if he could manage that. But she doesn’t believe he can. Because of this, she decides their relationship is over.
Verse
… Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill
I don’t think you do
So, you and me are through
Summary
In this verse, the woman asks if her partner can pay her bills, including her phone and car bills. She says they could spend time together if he could. But she doesn’t think he can manage it. So, she decides to end the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings the song “Can You Pay My Telephone Bills”?
The song is by Destiny’s Child, a famous R&B group.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics?
The song’s lyrics express frustration with a partner who is not financially responsible, asking if they can take care of bills like the telephone and car payments. The woman is questioning whether her partner is supportive enough for the relationship to continue.
Is the song about a specific relationship?
While the song could relate to any relationship, it generally highlights the frustration many people feel when their partner isn’t contributing equally to the relationship, especially financially.
What genre is the song?
“Can You Pay My Telephone Bills” is an R&B song with elements of pop.
Is there a music video for this song?
Yes, Destiny’s Child released a music video for this song, featuring the group performing and singing in various settings.
Final Words
“Can You Pay My Telephone Bills” by Destiny’s Child remains a classic R&B anthem for many, addressing financial responsibility and relationship dynamics.
It’s catchy and relatable for those who appreciate songs that highlight real-life issues in a bold, fun way. If you’re looking for more music like this, Destiny’s Child’s other hits are worth exploring!

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