Slow Drag with Remedy :: An Elvis Costello Appreciation

 — Dig it   Ballyhoo, my friend. The passion project is doing something a little different today.   My name is Remedy Robinson. And, for fun, this inaugural lyrics-only slow drag, let’s listen to brilliant lyrics of “The Boy Named If,” from the album of the same name, released in 2022. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello.   I'm a lucky so and so A fortunate stiff You said you never knew me but I'm the one you want to be with If I tumble from a tightrope or leap from a cliff I won't be dashed to pieces I'm the boy named "IF"   If I disappear and I slipper from your view I just step upon a crack and I won't come back Imagine me And I'll imagine you too   In a hollow of the bed sheet Or a picture in a frame I'm vivid as a summer's day Then never seen again Who'll pay the taxman? Who'll place the blame? Who'll point into an empty room And whisper my name?   If I disappear and I slipper from your view You will step upon a crack and I won't come back Imagine me And I'll imagine you too   Take my hand We'll go to "Magic Lantern Land" Take my hand See the pictures they've projected Take my hand We'll fill our pockets up with sand Dance in frantic passes 'Til the grains all turn to glasses Drums begin to navigate, the band strikes up a riff No one will believe you but the Boy Named If   Who'll pay your entrance fee? Who'll leave a tip? Who'll say, "Listen here, Sunshine Don't you give me no lip" Who broke your favorite heart? Who stops and never starts? Who kiss you stupid? It must be something you did Who'll keep you satisfied after a lover's tiff? It must be some other guy not… The Boy Named If   If I disappear and I slipper from your view You will step upon a crack and I won't come back Imagine me And I'll imagine you too   Take my hand We'll go to "Magic Lantern Land" Take my hand See the pictures we've projected Take my hand We'll fill our pockets up with sand Dance in frantic passes 'Til the grains all turn to glasses . . . Again, this has been a slow drag lyrics only reading of “The Boy Named If” from 2022’s album of the same name. Thank you for listening.   And, of course, until next time, adieu my little ballyhoo   Reference: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource: The Boy Named If https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=The_Boy_Named_If_(song)

Today’s slow drag is with “Country Darkness,” from “The Delivery Man,” released in 2004. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Country Darkness” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Country_Darkness “Country Darkness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwp42y6I8m8 Blade definition: https://appzaza.com/dictionary/blade Filament: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/filament#google_vignette Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Country Darkness" Lyrics  This tattered document A mystery you can solve Some burnt out filament Flies buzzing around the bulb   Country Darkness   He thought of traveling Heard an approaching train Drown out his desperate pulse A song with no refrain   Country Darkness   She daydreams of forbidden sins There must be something more The prison she lives in The one with the open door   A veil is covering A glistening cruel blade Suffer little children Repent, unfaithful maid   Country Darkness   She daydreams of forbidden sins There must be something more The prison she lives in The one with the open door   A veil is covering A glistening cruel blade Suffer little children Repent, unfaithful maid   Country Darkness

Today’s slow drag is with “Tears before Bedtime,” from “Imperial Bedroom,” released in 1982. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Tears before Bedtime” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Imperial_Bedroom “Tears before Bedtime” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v_inbXiPLQ   “Tears before Bedtime” Alternative version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8uLxyBF9I “Give up The Ghost” meaning https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/to-give-up-the-ghost#:~:text=Definition%20of%20'to%20give%20up%20the%20ghost'&text=If%20someone%20gives%20up%20the,what%20they%20are%20looking%20for. A chorus versus and hook: https://emastered.com/blog/hook-vs-chorus#:~:text=A%20chorus%20is%20usually%20preceded,make%20for%20a%20catchier%20tune. Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y "Tears before Bedtime" Lyrics I know the name on the tip of your tongue And I know that accusing look Everybody knows I've been so wrong That's the problem and here's the hook   Chorus: Tears before bedtime There'll be trouble tonight I don't want to talk about it anymore I don't want to have another fight I don't want to talk I don't want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right   For the tears that you boo hoo hoo There can be no defense You say you'll forgive and forget But it's only a pretense   (Chorus)   Either you can leave the past behind Or give me something to disconnect my mind I sleep with my fists clenched tight When I don't lie awake all night I guess time gave up the ghost too late And the balance of our love Very soon turns to hate   Darling your suspiciousness Tortures me at night But I can't excuse the cruel words That I use whenever we fight   (Chorus)   How wrong can I be before I am right   Alternate Version Lyrics I see that strange look in your eyes once again And the name on the tip of your tongue is of a woman and not a man There’ll be tears before bedtime, they’ll be trouble tonight I don’t want to talk about it anymore, oh I don’t want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right?   The pain that I’ve given you there is no defense You say you’ll forgive and forget but it’s only a pretense There’ll be tears before bedtime, they’ll be trouble tonight I don’t want to talk about it anymore, oh I don’t want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right?   Either you can leave the past behind or give me something to discount mind I sleep with my fists clenched tights when I don’t lie awake all night I guess time gave up the ghost too late And the balance of our love Very soon turns to hate   Suspicion and silence still torture my night And the cruel words of anger that run through all our fights They’ll be tears before bedtime, I’ll be trouble tonight I don’t want to talk about it anymore, I don’t want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right?

Today’s slow drag is with “Stella Hurt,” from “Momofuku,” released in 2008. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation   References:   Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Stella Hurt” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Stella_Hurt   “Stella Hurt” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W93e5f6py9U   “Chekhov’s Gun” https://screencraft.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-chekhovs-gun/   “Arcadia” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcadia#:~:text=Now%20English%20speakers%20often%20use,%2C%20simple%2C%20or%20untroubled.%22   Blue Birds Songs: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/sounds#   “The Other End of the Telescope” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grIxnYllZxk   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Stella Hurt" Lyrics You should wear your red galoshes Walking o'er the city pride Streets are paved with heaven's pennies Gutters full of suicides   Teddy steadily fell from grace Somewhere near Arcadia Once she overheard a voice she didn't hear on the radio   Velvet gloves and country clubs Were never going to hold her Ringing the necks of silly Southern belles Who wanted to scold her   Don't bring me down I'm trouble bound Blue song Red Alert Who made Stella Hurt?   Teddy soon dropped out of sight Turned up in another town Changed her name for the spotlight Singing like a blue bird in a sequin gown   She finally fell and married well But I knew it wouldn't last Reversing back into the limelight No one ever saw her even half-plastered   Don't bring me down I'm trouble bound Blue song Red Alert Who made Stella Hurt?   Then she saw those soldier boys Throw their bonnets in the air Self-made men would pledge their fortunes And dream of her And dream of her...   Generals in the commissary opened up a case of wine Checked the perfume of the cork Said "Made in 1929"...   They used her up, to raise morale for money And Old Glory Her voice was shot beyond repair  But this is not the last act of this story   The night is black as cracked shellac Abandoned in an attic Stella is silent as the grave Until the needle drags her through the static   Don't bring me down I'm trouble bound Blue song Red Alert Who made Stella Hurt?

Today’s slow drag is with “The Difference,” from “The Boy Named If,” released in 2023. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation   References:   Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The Difference” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=The_Difference   “The Difference” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tvg-OfP1LA   Octameter: https://poemanalysis.com/poetic-meter/#:~:text=Octameter%20Octameter%20refers%20to%20a,patterns%20in%20English%20language%20verse.   The difference between undertone and overtone https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/eb/qa/undertone-and-overtone   What is an appositive: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appositive   Fiddlehead Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDYe6ZMs3K4   Fiddlehead: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiddlehead   The Male Gaze: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-male-gaze-5118422   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y "The Difference" Lyrics I pulled a petal from the flower to tell just where my fortune fell About a boy beyond my caution before I lay beneath his spell And he said, "Do you know, do you know, do you, by chance, know wrong from right?" "Do you know, do you know, do you know what turns pleasure to plight? If you trust me, I know it may seem strange  I'll show you the way down into the underworld" I did just what he asked me to Lifted my skirt to show him my shoe Upon a reel of the finest fiddlehead Light as the dance around Milady's bed The steps came faster at his insistence 'Til he showed me all about the difference "It's not about the things I promised, it's not about the vow we broke If I am faithless or dishonest it's just the gaze that you provoke" And he said, "Do you know, do you know, do you, by chance, know wrong from right?" "Do you know, do you know, do you know what turns pleasure to plight? If you kiss me, at first it may seem strange I'll show you the way into another world" My father shamed me just like you Buried my name in a glass or two 'Til he came to me in his darkest house He mistook me, took me for his spouse And my cries for a woman in the distance  So, I took this knife to show him the difference 'Til he came to me in his darkest house He mistook me, took me for his spouse And my cries for the woman in the distance  So, I used this knife to show him the difference

Today’s slow drag is with “Lipstick Vogue,” from “This Year’s Model,” released in 1978. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation   References:   Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Lipstick Vogue” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Lipstick_Vogue   “Lipstick Vogue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3sqZUMgcX4  Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y "Lipstick Vogue" Lyrics Don't say you love me when it's just a rumor Don't say a word if there is any doubt Sometimes I think that love is just a tumor You've got to cut it out   You say you're sorry for the things that you've done You say you're sorry but you know you don't mean it I wouldn't worry, I had so much fun Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being   It's you Not just another mouth in the lipstick vogue It's you Not just another mouth in the lipstick vogue Oh yeah   Get to the slot machine almost dead on arrival Just hit me one more time with that live wire Maybe they told you you were only a girl in a million You say I've got no feelings This is a good way to kill them   Select the control and then insert the token You wanna throw me away but I'm not broken You've got a lot to say, well I'm not jokin There are some words they don't allow to be spoken Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being   It's you Not just another mouth in the lipstick vogue It's you Not just another mouth in the lipstick vogue   Not just another mouth lost in the lipstick vogue (repeats)

Today’s slow drag is with “The Spell That You Cast,” from “National Ransom,” released in 2010. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The Spell That You Cast” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=The_Spell_That_You_Cast “The Spell That You Cast” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEYZTE8BDuE The Difference between You Got and You Have: https://preply.com/en/question/you-got-youve-got-43032#:~:text=“You%20have%20got”%20fully%20correct,missed%20too%20many%20days%20already.”&text=“You%27ve”%20(short,”%20(have%20is%20missing). Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "The Spell That You Cast" Lyrics The spell that you cast Well, it seems to be wearing off fast (The spell that you cast) Come back baby, cos I don't think that I can last (The spell that you cast)   And I wonder whether You got some other kind of lover < grammar That you like to please Better than me Don't think I can take it How am I gonna break it? The spell that you cast The spell that you cast   The spell that you've woven Well, it seems to be coming undone (The spell that you cast) Come back, Baby or at least tell me where you are going (The spell that you cast)   And you know quite well That I'm not the jealous kinda fella But they look in your eyes And they're all hypnotized I'm gonna miss you madly 'Cos I love you sadly The spell that you cast The spell that you cast   Jimmy, come quickly ‘cos I feel quite sickly (Oh, the spell that you cast) You're like a gangster's Molly with a cannonade volley (Oh, the spell that you cast) (Oh, the spell that you cast) Here we go…   Don't think I can take it How am I gonna break it? The spell that you cast .  

Today’s slow drag is with “Blame It on Cain,” from “My Aim is True,” released in 1977. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f521a34-2ed9-4bd4-a936-1ad107969046/slow-drag-with-remedy-an-elvis-costello-appreciation   References:   Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Blame It on Cain” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Blame_It_On_Cain “Blame It on Cain” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfHaI7rVp9g  “The Ticker’s Rise and Fall” https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2008/02/01/the-tickers-rise-and-fall/ “Shallow Grave” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN5qkhNHEKg “Good Luck Grin” https://stirredblog.com/2017/03/13/baldwin-bar/   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Blame It on Cain" Lyrics Once upon a time, I had a little money Government burglars took it long before I could mail it to you Still, you are the only one Now I can't let it slip away So, if the man with the ticker tape, tries to take it, this is what I'm gonna say   Blame it on Cain Don't blame it on me Oh, oh, it's nobody's fault but we need somebody to burn   Well, if I was a saint with a silver cup and the money got low we could always heat it up or trade it in then the radio to heaven will be wired to your purse And then you can run down the waveband, coast to coast, hand in hand Bad to worse, curse for curse, don't be dissatisfied So, you're not satisfied   (Chorus)   I think I lived a little too long on the outskirts of town I think I'm going insane from talking to myself for so long Oh, but I never been acute But when they step upon your face, they wear that good look grin I gotta break out one weekend if I do somebody in But every single time I feel a little stronger they tell me it's a crime Well, how much longer?   (Chorus)   Blame it on Cain Please don't blame it on me It's nobody's fault, but it just seems to be his turn

Today’s slow drag is with “American Gangster Time,” from “Momofuku,” released in 2008. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References:   Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “American Gangster Time” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=American_Gangster_Time “American Gangster Time” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnRIKlVsk1w Flag Etiquette: https://www.vfw.org/community/flag-etiquette Flatter to Deceive idiom meaning: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/flatter-to-deceive#:~:text=to%20give%20the%20appearance%20of,just%20a%20lull%20in%20hostilities.   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "American Gangster Time" Lyrics:  One, two, three, four   Somewhere downtown a pretty girl kneels Offers her soft lips and a handful of pills Peels off her dress and then the rest of her skills It buys what she wants and the rest she just steals   He speaks between deep swallows of rum While her head is beating like a big bass drum And she wishes he were mute and not just dumb When the trick asked her quick, "Did you come?"   It's a drag Saluting that starry rag I'd rather go blind For speaking my mind Or use it just like a gag So, raise it in anger Just let it hang American Gangster Time   He sits back and starts to invent All about some Saigon correspondent "'Til the carbine fell silent and spent I never knew it could be so eloquent"   Next week there'll be some fashionable new sin For each harlot and each Puritan Pull off their wings stick them on a pin And just watch the money roll in   It's a drag Saluting that starry rag I’d rather go blind For speaking my mind Or use it just like a gag So, raise it in anger Just let it hang American Gangster Time   What you got hidden up your sleeve? The tracks of the train that were bidding you to leave When they say that you should flatter to deceive Don't count on any reprieve   The hands of the helpless are raised Your dead little secrets are praised The people stand dumbstruck and dazed By the inches that you have erased   It’s a drag Saluting that starry rag I'd rather go blind For speaking my mind Or use it just like a gag So, raise it in anger Just let it hang American gangster time Committing the perfect crime In American Gangster Time   Here we go Bye bye American Gangster Time

Today’s slow drag is with “Lip Service,” from “This Year’s Model,” released in 1978. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Podcasts References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Lip Service” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Lip_Service “Lip Service” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE6oRbX4CLc “Grice’s Maxims” https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/dravling/grice.html “Sharp Practice” meaning: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/sharp-practice Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Lip Service" Lyrics You left the motor running But I know you're so attractive Getting in some sharp practice You better not do anything reckless   But if everybody is going through the motions Everybody is going through the motions Are you really only going through the motions?   Lip service is all you'll ever get from me Lip service is all you'll ever get from me Lip service is all you'll ever get from me But if you change your mind You can send it in a letter to me   Don't make any sudden movements These are dangerous amusements When did you become so choosy Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes   But if everybody is going through the motions Everybody is going through the motions Are you really only going through the motions?   Lip service is all you'll ever get from me Lip service is all you'll ever get from me Lip service is all you'll ever get from me But if you change your mind You can send it in a letter to me But if you change your mind You can send it in a letter to me But if you change your mind You can send it in a letter to me

Today’s slow drag is with “The Man You Love to Hate,” from “The Boy Named If,” released in 2022. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com  Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The Man You Love to Hate” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=The_Man_You_Love_To_Hate “The Man You Love to Hate” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZU9b4NOQBQ Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "The Man You Love to Hate" Lyrics  I went to a theatre on Silhouette Street It had a taste of decay, and a scent of defeat All of the patrons in the pews were people that I'd killed or used The actors on the stage were equally skilled The players took turns in lighting the fuse One of them said "Now you must choose"   A man of infamy or ill-repute And that's the one that we will execute   None of that mob had turned up late They said, "You'd better concentrate” So, start the show, 'cos we can't wait for The Man You Love to Hate   All of the patrons sitting on pews Were the shades of the ghosts of the once accused There was music that dragged in line and word Not a penny was spent, or a conscience was spared The hero's motives were never in doubt We laughed at the speeches that he would spout Suddenly there arose a shout   Confessions simply tumbled out And marriage vows, that someone mumbled about   None of that mob had turned up late They said, "You'd better concentrate” So, start the show, 'cos we can't wait for The Man You Love to Hate   The closing act The first one billed Into the limelight thrilled   The tale of a ship lured onto the rocks under The cover of darkness, the hold was plundered My mouth was parched my eyes red-rimmed My false light shone  And my ghost light dimmed   I went to a house on Silhouette Street Where I lived once and died once more Awoke a woman I once adored Her husband came to the door In a masquerade of dignity He said, "I'm pleased to meet you but you don't know me" She took my money and handed me the key   The number on the fob was "999"  She whispered that's your room and this is mine But that's a chamber that you can't afford It's one door down, next to the Emergency Ward   None of that mob had turned up late They said, "You'd better concentrate” So, start the show, 'cos we can't wait for The Man You Love to Hate The Man You Love to Hate   I'm a one party state The Man You Love to Hate  The girl you used to care for Without a why or wherefore The country that I loved Is just a problem to solve Until we all disintegrate before The Man You Love to Hate

Today’s slow drag is with “Green Shirt,” from “Armed Forces,” released in 1979. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Green Shirt” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Green_Shirt   “Green Shirt” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilN9SpD6Y_Q   The Somerton Man Mystery: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/have-scholars-finally-identified-the-mysterious-somerton-man-180980540/   Quisling Clinic Photo https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM51270   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Green Shirt" Lyrics  There's a smart young woman on a light blue screen Who comes into my house every night And she takes all the red, yellow, orange and green And she turns them into black and white   But you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it   Better cut off all identifying labels Before they put you on the torture table   'Cause somewhere in the "Quisling Clinic" There's a shorthand typist taking seconds over minutes She's listening in to the Venus line She's picking out names I hope none of them are mine   But you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it   Never said I was a stool pigeon I never said I was a diplomat Everybody is under suspicion But you don't wanna hear about that   'Cause you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it   Better send a begging letter to the big investigation Who put these fingerprints on my imagination?   You tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it

Today’s slow drag is with “The First to Leave,” from “The Juliet Letters,” released in 1993. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com  Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The First to Leave” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=The_First_To_Leave   “The First to Leave” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS0dPEacnTY “The Dark Ensemble: Voice and String Quartet https://interlude.hk/the-dark-ensemble-voice-and-string-quartet-20th-century/   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "The First to Leave" Lyrics I should open with a kiss For if you're reading this You must have opened up your case And found this letter where I placed it In between the silk and lace There were other clues, like your walking shoes But I still refused to believe That you were meant to be the first to leave   Everybody here sends you their love How could I forget you still walk above Or below Perhaps you'll never know this Purgatory We never could agree There's a thought, there's a pause No time to repent Eternally yours in a permanent Lent   But if I should give you up If you're right and life just stops And I never see your face again Then from unearthly pleasures, proud and plain I shall abstain 'Til you realize, my loss is your surprise Unless you know otherwise, then don't grieve You see I had to be the first to leave

Today’s slow drag is with “God’s Comic,” from “Spike,” released in 1989. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com   Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “God’s Comic” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=God%27s_Comic “God’s Comic” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajjBxMCMQQs “God’s Comic” Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0N6TfU54o8 “Requiem” by Andrew Lloyd Webber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3CG8pUpVjg “God is dead”: What Nietzsche really meant”: https://bigthink.com/thinking/what-nietzsche-really-meant-by-god-is-dead/  Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "God's Comic" Lyrics  I wish you'd known me when I was alive, I was a funny fella The crowd would hoot and holler for more  I wore a drunk's red nose for applause  Oh yes, I was a comical priest  "With a joke for the flock and a hand up your fleece"  Drooling the drink and the lipstick and greasepaint  Down the cardboard front of my dirty dog-collar    (Chorus:) Now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead  And I'm going on to meet my reward  I was scared, I was scared, I was scared, I was scared  He might’ve never heard God's comic    So, there he was on a waterbed, drinking a cola of a mystery brand  Reading an airport novelette, listening to Andrew Lloyd-Webber's "Requiem"  He said, before it had really begun, "I prefer the one about my son"  "I've been wading through all of this unbelievable junk  And wondering if I should have given the world to the monkeys"    (Repeat Chorus)    I'm gonna take a little trip down Paradise's endless shores  They say that travel broadens the mind, till you can't get your head out of doors    I'm sitting here on the top of the world, I hang around in the longest night  Until each beast has gone to bed and then I say "God bless" and put out the light    While you lie in the dark, afraid to breathe  And you beg and you promise and you bargain and you plead  Sometimes you confuse me with Santa Claus  It's the big white beard, I suppose  I'm going up to the Pole, where you folks die of cold  I might be gone for a while if you need me    Now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead And you're all going on to meet your reward  Are you scared? Are you scared? Are you scared? Are you scared?  You might have never heard, but God's comic

Today’s slow drag is with “The World and His Wife,” from “Punch the Clock,” released in 1983. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The World and His Wife”  https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=The_World_And_His_Wife   “The World and His Wife” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4wgrLmdVaI   “The World and His Wife” Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KJTTmA_vvs “The World and His Wife” idiom: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/world-and-his-wife#:~:text=a%20great%20many%20people%2C%20especially,his%20wife%20will%20be%20there.   “It’s a Living” idiom https://www.englishforums.com/English/ItsALiving/mkphd/post.htm   “This is the life” idiom https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/this-is-the-life “Score Draw” https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/score-draw#:~:text=Word%20forms%3A%20plural%20score%20draws,the%20same%20number%20of%20goals. Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y "The World and His Wife" Lyrics The family circle gathers 'round from very far and near To pass around the same remarks they passed away last year The little girl you dangled on your knee without mishap Stirs something in your memory and something in your lap   Chorus: But it's a living This is the life For the world and his wife The world and his wife   The kissing cousins slip outside to cuddle and confess She says sweet nothing at all, it's much more of a mess The conversation melts like chocolate down their open jaws As the juniper berry slips down just like last night's drawers   (Chorus)   To tell the truth our Mum ran off with someone else's father Went for two weeks' holiday in Taramasalata Daddy went out with the rubbish and he kept on walking Between Mum and the walls God only knows who does the talking   (Chorus)   But late time in the evening through the tears and fol-de-rol Come the sentimental feelings for the lure of vitriol Longing thoughts go hankering for the old home overseas With a blindfold and a national anthem sung in different keys

Today’s slow drag is with “Black and White World” from “Get Happy!”, released in 1980. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com  Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Transcription: https://slowdragwithremedy.weebly.com/ Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Black and White World” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Black_And_White_World “Black and White World” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRDl6YvXhiw “Black and White World” Demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMLZi9v-RFM Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Black and White World" Lyrics: I was looking at the black and white world It seemed so exciting If you'd only put me back-to-back with that girl When the night's inviting With just a little lighting There'll never be days like that again When I was just a boy and men were men   You never go from moment to moment You're the living double of a single fiction You're very colorful with your compliments As you feel the finger's friction It's a freeze-frame till it’s real life You don't want to look 'Cause you've seen the film and you've read the book   I was looking at the black and white world Trying to name some pin-up Those days she was just a beautiful girl Now she's framed and hung up I thought she was young Up until I saw her last night in close detail Though they all fade away when you're so pale   It's more than just a physical attraction It starts with a face and ends up a fixation But you're never gonna feel a fraction Of the way it used to work on your imagination When you were looking at the black and white world

Today’s slow drag is with “Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?” from “Blood and Chocolate,” released in 1986. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com  Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Honey,_Are_You_Straight_Or_Are_You_Blind%3F   “Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqeSNPJ1bIY   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?" Who do you see when you turn your eyes down? Who do you see when I'm not seeing you? The news is out all over town And all these girls are taking turns at being you   Chorus: Well, well, well You'd better make up your mind Honey, are you straight or are you blind?   She's coming in between us, you know that she is I'm not holding on to her but one of us is My hands are in my pockets, my face is in a book She could walk 'round naked and I wouldn't sneak a look   (Chorus)   Honey, are you straight or are you blind? Honey, are you straight or are you blind? Honey, are you straight or are you blind? Honey, are you straight or are you blind?   She walked in and your eyes flew out the door You squeezed my hand until the circulation ceases She's just a doll like so many more She's the kind of doll that you'd like to pull to pieces   (Chorus)   Well!   Well, well, well You'd better make up your mind Honey, are you straight or are you blind?

Today’s slow drag is with “White Knuckles” from “Trust,” released in 1981. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slow_drag_remedy/ Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “White Knuckles” https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=White_Knuckles “White Knuckles” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbZ6TkpflKc Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Wave a White Flag”  https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Wave_A_White_Flag “Wave a White Flag” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJwALX5riiU “I need him like the axe needs the turkey” saying from “The Lady Eve.” https://melanienovak.com/2020/09/02/the-lady-eve-i-need-him-like-the-axe-needs-the-turkey/ Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "White Knuckles" Lyrics: White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit There's no charge for changing it   Oooh ooh What are you doing You see right through him You don't have to take it when he gets cruel   White knuckles on black and blue skin You don't have to take it so you just give in White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard Never found out what the kisser was for   Losing face with the boys while she's whispering in his ear They never found out why they called it laughing gear Maybe they weren't loved when they were young Maybe they should be hung by their tongues   Oooh ooh Under the blankets with the body jerk He needs her like the axe needs the turkey Thinking of après of this fancy footwork   White knuckles on black and blue skin Didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard Never found out what the kisser was for   There's always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot Now it's a petty crime on the news at nine But it's all she's got Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap I don't close my eyes when I go to sleep   Oooh ooh It gets right under your skin It makes you as miserable as sin You don't have to take it so you just give in   White knuckles on black and blue skin Didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard Never found out what the kisser was for   White knuckles on black and blue skin You don't have to take it so you just give in White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard Never found out what the kisser was for   Why you don't come round anymore Mother said He's using you Sister said I told you so too When he goes to your head You took it to be true

Today’s slow drag is with “They’re Not Laughing at Me Now” from “Hey Clockface,” released in 2020. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: slow_drag_remedy  Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “They’re Not Laughing at Me Now” http://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php/They%27re_Not_Laughing_At_Me_Now “They’re Not Laughing at Me Now” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_uR6jvQKAI Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "They're Not Laughing at Me Now" Lyrics: Tell me, how does it feel? In the hour of deception and the moment of pretend To be scorned by those rank and those unkind strangers You were fool enough to call your friends Will you say as the curtain descends? "They're not laughing at me now"   When the last of the garlands and laurel crowns and fine bouquets have all been swept away You were lost in the smokescreens and cavalcades and accolades instead of traitor's pay Where will you find the courage to say? "They're not laughing at me now"   You could shake my hand If I could unfold my fist If I were a gentleman If I were a Christian But I wouldn't risk it Why would you? You know my name now And it's "Mister" to you.   Now we're back at the start, no forgiveness in your heart, you turned your coat and asked me to turn my cheek And it's all in a language that I can understand but never bring myself to speak I'll leave it to you, if you dare It's a peal too appalling to bear I wonder if you're here or you're there They're not laughing at me now

Today’s slow drag is with “Mischievous Ghost” from the Rhino reissue of “Mighty Like a Rose,” released in 2002. It was originally released as part of the “Bringing It All Back Home” soundtrack, released in 1991. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. This episode has been requested by a loyal and astute fan who believes “Mischievous Ghost” was the impetus for Mr. Costello’s dalliance with long hair, as he seems to have spent much time “in the blank hillsides” of Ireland himself at the time. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/slowdragwithremedy.com Email: slowdragwithremedy@gmail.com   Podcast music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Rate this Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/slowdrag   References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Mischievous Ghost” http://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php/Mischievous_Ghost   “Mischievous Ghost” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfbsGZvdNbk   Unmask Us, Elvis Costello on “Mischievous Ghost” https://unmask.us/songwriters-c-e/elvis-costello-p5/ The Vibrato Debate: https://www.newsounds.org/story/43709-the-vibrato-debate/   The Scottish Bagpipes, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl9240HWXBU   Purchase “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday”   Listen to the audiobook for free at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7n1pN8D1Y   "Mischievous Ghost" Lyrics   She came dancing right before my eyes She said she came to warn me Before it dawned on me I went walking on the blank hillside Where the sunset falls Where the sunset dies She gave me love / she told me lies That most mischievous ghost She was in disguise, she was in disguise, she was in disguise   He started to whistle, they bought him a flute He was talking in tongues, they swore he was mute He scoffed and blasphemed, they said it was beautiful Busted a button, they bought him a suitcase full   They colored him cricket and laced him up tight As he drew on their days, resurrected his nights He raved in the dark, he went out in a blaze "There you go," they said, "he's good for nothing and lazy"   With scandal and shame, they slandered his name They told him to freeze, they damned him to roast Disappointed that he passed away peacefully Never dying to be a mischievous ghost   They dug him up quick with a polish and lick They powdered him up till he only looked sick The hinge in his backbone would bend to applause But his dancing was not quite as lively of course   These are the rewards immortality affords Bullied and bribed and beaten to bliss Parroting slack sentimental laments Of going away and not being missed   With scandal and shame, they slandered his name They told him to freeze, they damned him to roast Disappointed that he passed away peacefully Never dying to be a mischievous ghost   With the green beer and the shamrock tattoos Singing his songs of the battles we lose And "Will ye come home again," so we can murder you What would you do if they took his word With forty-eight million to join in the toast Move over my darling mischievous ghost Mischievous ghost