Many consider Bob Dylan our greatest living musician.
Other contenders, like Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Brian Wilson, also have their shrewd defenders.
Few lyrics are as gentle and unforgettable as Declan MacManus, AKA Elvis Costello.
Prolific musicians never reached the commercial heights of the aforementioned stars. Take a quick look at his best songs, though, and it’s easy to see why he belongs in their rare company.
Here are 17 examples of Costello at his best lyrical. Some stanzas fly, others burn. All are unmistakable and unforgettable Elvis.
“Occupy” (“Be Happy!!”)
Now you are sending me your best wishes
Signed with love and cruel kiss
You lack desire, you are dull
Is that all the strength you can muster
“Strict Time” (“Trust”)
Think about petty theft
Smoke the eternal cigarette of chastity
“From Whispering to Screaming” (“Trust”)
Accepting what she says is like an open invitation
But the power of persuasion is unpredictable.
“Human Hand” (“Royal Bedroom”)
Whenever I put my foot in my mouth and you start to doubt
It’s you that I’m dreaming of
Do I have to draw you a diagram?
All I want is to fall into your human hands
“I hope you are happy right now” (“Blood and Chocolate”)
He has all the things you need and some things you will never have
But you make him sound like frozen food, his love will last forever
“Brilliant Mistake” (“King of America”)
He thinks he’s the King of America
Where they pour Coca Cola is like vintage wine
“The Big Light” (“King of America”)
When this morning’s hangover has a personality
And I throw my broken mind on the chosen memories
I didn’t even touch the light switch so I knew I would never see
Haggard’s face will stare at me
“Jack of All Parades” (“King of America”)
Now the way I feel is no longer news
You know my love and how to refuse it
Because you know where the door is
And how to use it
Oh you know you do
“Veronica” (“Spike”)
Well, she used to have a carefree soul about her
possessive and a subtle look in her eyes
These days, I’m afraid she’s not even sure if she
name is Veronica
“The Other Side of Summer” (“Brutal Youth”)
Did a millionaire say “imagine having no assets”?
A poor school boy said “we don’t need to study”
“New Lace Sleeve” (“Trust”)
Good manners and bad breath won’t get you anywhere
“Can’t Call A Surprise 4” (“Mighty Like a Rose”)
We will be the lucky ones
Who composed this tune?
from the birds arranged on the high wire
“Sulky Girl” (“Brutal Youth”)
I’ve seen you practice your blackmail face
Suddenly you’re talking like a duchess
But you’re still a waiter
“Episode of Blonde” (“When I Was Cruel”)
Do her green eyes captivate you and make you so weak?
Is that red fire truck she left on your cheek?
“There is no hiding place” (“Momofuku”)
You can say whatever you want
In your fetching cloak of anonymity
Do you feel short of breath now?
In desperate pursuit of your disgrace
“All the Rage” (“Brutal Youth”)
So don’t try to touch my heart.
It’s darker than you think.
And don’t try to read my mind,
Because it’s full of ink disappearing
“Human Hand” (“Royal Bedroom”)
Tighter and tighter, I hold you tight,
You know I love you a little more.
