The narrator meets a stranger at a bar who tells him about a woman who can provide satisfaction to a sad and lonely man. The stranger gives the narrator a phone number, which turns out to be his own, causing him to realize his own faults.

Meaning of "The Number" by Vern Gosdin

The lyrics of "The Number" by Vern Gosdin tell a story of regret and self-realization. The narrator, feeling lonely and guilty, seeks solace in the idea of a woman who can provide comfort. However, when he discovers that the phone number given to him is actually his own, it serves as a revelation of his own shortcomings and mistakes. This realization leads to a moment of self-reflection and a painful understanding of the consequences of his actions. The song explores themes of regret, forgiveness, and the impact of our own choices on our lives. It serves as a cautionary tale about the danger of seeking fulfillment in external sources without confronting one's own faults.