Many contemplate Bob Dylan to be our best residing songwriter.
Others contenders, like Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Brian Wilson, have their smart defenders, too.
Few pen lyrics as tart, and as unforgettable, as Declan MacManus, AKA Elvis Costello.
The prolific musician by no means rose to the industrial heights of these aforementioned stars. A fast take a look at his finest songs, although, and its simple to see why he belongs of their rareified firm.
Here are 17 examples of Costello at his lyrical finest. Some stanzas soar, others scorch. Theyre all unmistakably Elvis and brutally unforgettable.
“Possession” (“Get Happy!!”)
Now you’re sending me your finest needs
Signed with love and cruel kisses
You lack lust, you’re so lacklustre
Is that each one the power you’ll be able to muster
“Strict Time” (“Trust”)
Thinking of grand larceny
Smoking the eternal cigarette of chastity
“From a Whisper to a Scream” (“Trust”)
Taking ev’ry phrase she says similar to an open invitation
But the facility of persuasion isn’t any match for anticipation
“Human Hands” ((*17*))
Whenever I put my foot in my mouth and you start to doubt
That it’s you that I’m dreaming about
Do I’ve to attract you a diagram?
All I ever need is simply to fall into your human fingers
“I Hope You’re Happy Now” (“Blood and Chocolate”)
He’s bought all of the belongings you want and a few that you’ll by no means
But you make him sound like frozen meals, his love will final perpetually
“Brilliant Mistake” (“King of America”)
He thought he was the King of America
Where they pour Coca Cola similar to classic wine
“The Big Light” (“King of America”)
When the hangover this morning had a persona
And I solid my shattered thoughts over chosen reminiscences
I didn’t even contact the sunshine change so I knew I’d by no means see
The Haggard face that may be staring again at me
“Jack of All Parades” (“King of America”)
Now the best way that I really feel is now not information
You know my love and tips on how to refuse it
Cause you realize the place the door is
And tips on how to use it
Oh you realize you do
“Veronica” (“Spike”)
Well she used to have a carefree thoughts of her
personal and a fragile look in her eye
These days I’m afraid she’s not even certain if her
title is Veronica
“Other Side of Summer” (“Brutal Youth”)
Was it a millionaire who stated “imagine no possessions”?
A poor little schoolboy who stated “we don’t need no lessons”
“New Lace Sleeves” (“Trust”)
Good manners and unhealthy breath will get you nowhere
“Couldnt Call It Unexpected No. 4” (“Mighty Like a Rose”)
We’ll I’m the fortunate goon
Who composed this tune
from birds organized on the excessive wire
“Sulky Girl” (“Brutal Youth”)
I noticed you practising your blackmail faces
Suddenly you’re speaking like a duchess
But you’re nonetheless a waitress
“Episode of Blonde” (“When I Was Cruel”)
Did her inexperienced eyes seduce you and make you get so weak?
Was there hearth engine crimson that she left upon your cheek?
“No Hiding Place” (“Momofuku”)
You can say something you wish to
In your fetching cloak of anonymity
Are you feeling out of breath now?
In your determined pursuit of infamy
“All the Rage” (“Brutal Youth”)
So dont attempt to contact my coronary heart.
Its darker than you suppose.
And dont attempt to learn my thoughts,
Because its filled with disappearing ink
“Human Hands” ((*17*))
Tighter and tighter I maintain you tightly,
You know I really like you greater than barely.
