Favorite Elvis Costello Song?

[Ulster Boy]

I thought it was sung from the point of view of the girl, to the soldier. In fact I always thought the first two verses were EC singing as the girl as well, though I never knew what to make of "holy coat" (thought it was along the lines of Sunday best/church clothes). Your post has shed a lot of light there, thanks.

This is what EC said about it in the NME review/interview on KOA:

"It's a construction from an actual event. The opening verse happened to me, but not the rest. It's just a little story about morally superior prigs. This one - a soldier, by coincidence - thinks he's better than his nude model sister. It's a parable, about pride, about pomposity . . "

[elvis_Costello]

Thanks for clearing that up

[Dr. Luther]

Couldn't Call It Unexpected No. 4

I saw a girl who'd found her consolation
She said, "One day my Prince of Peace will come"
Above her head a portrait of her father
The wilted favour that he gave her still fastened to the frame
"They've got his bones and everything he owns
I've got his name"

Well, you can laugh at this sentimental story
But in time, you'll have to make amends
The sudden chill where lovers doubt their immortality
As the clouds cover the sky the evening ends
Describing a picture of eyes finally closing
As you sometimes glimpse terrible faces in the fire
We'll I'm the lucky goon
Who composed this tune from birds arranged on the high wire

Who on earth is tapping at the window?
Does that face still linger at the pane?
I saw you shiver though the room was like a furnace
A shadow of regret across a young mother's face
So toll the bell or rock the cradle
Please don't let me fear anything I cannot explain
I can't believe, I'll never believe in anything again

[Ulster Boy]

The "Holy coat and hat"

[elvis_Costello]

Couldn't Call It Unexpected No. 4

I saw a girl who'd found her consolation
She said, "One day my Prince of Peace will come"
Above her head a portrait of her father
The wilted favour that he gave her still fastened to the frame
"They've got his bones and everything he owns
I've got his name"

Well, you can laugh at this sentimental story
But in time, you'll have to make amends
The sudden chill where lovers doubt their immortality
As the clouds cover the sky the evening ends
Describing a picture of eyes finally closing
As you sometimes glimpse terrible faces in the fire
We'll I'm the lucky goon
Who composed this tune from birds arranged on the high wire

Who on earth is tapping at the window?
Does that face still linger at the pane?
I saw you shiver though the room was like a furnace
A shadow of regret across a young mother's face
So toll the bell or rock the cradle
Please don't let me fear anything I cannot explain
I can't believe, I'll never believe in anything again

I listened to the song but its not quite my style. Thanks for the suggestion though And an actual video So then I dont have to search forever on the internet to find it So thanks!!!

[A rope leash]

But, how can you not like it?

[elvis_Costello]

But, how can you not like it?

I dont know. I just dont.

[The imposter]

I don't think even Elvis rated the recorded version too highly, and the melody IS slightly reminiscent of McCartney's "Frog Chorus" ! I think the song is much better performed live and with Elvis singing off mic. I love the words and sentiment though.

[Jocko Wainwright]

I love the recorded version. It's probably my favorite thing on that album. Despite the lyrics not being particularly uplifting, the song never fails to make me a little happy fizzy inside.

[sulky lad]

Yep I'd second that emotion, Jocko. I used to sing along to it whilst bathing my son ( now 23) and he'd join in on the "window" line especially. now of course he'd rather I didn't bath him or sing along

[Dr. Luther]

I have always considered the studio version of CCIU #4 to be a wonderous, magical thing.
And I hereby vow to go to my grave with that sentiment.


Contrarians will, in time, have to make amends.

[docinwestchester]

His voice sounds awful, but for some reason I love this (nearly) solo piano version:

https://vimeo.com/44080409
MTV Unplugged 1991

[the_roofdog]

I don't think even Elvis rated the recorded version too highly, and the melody IS slightly reminiscent of McCartney's "Frog Chorus" !

Ooof. Once heard, cannot be unheard.

[elvis_Costello]

im confused

[oliversa1]

One of my favourites and there are many is Episode of Blonde "live version", he does this so well live.

[Wolverinefan]

So many favourites it's hard to choose just one. I've always liked his earlier songs that were huge hits when I was a teenager:

Oliver's Army
(I don't want to go to) Chelsea
Accidents will happen

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that until recently I was only familiar with the singles, as I'd never actually bought any of his albums. Then my friend (who has all his old records on vinyl) said she'd like to see him in concert and we bought tickets. In anticipation of our first ever EC concert I bought us both a copy of Elvis' Hits 70s to 80s album and realised what I'd been missing! I'm now getting familiar with lots of songs that I'd never heard before, including the spellbinding I Want You, which is currently my favourite. As I start to work my way through EC's extensive back catalogue I'm sure there'll be new favourites along soon. I'm amazed at the vast amount of work that EC has produced over the years, much of which never seems to get airplay on the radio. It could take me months to work through it all, but I'm going to try!