— Dig it

 

Ballyhoo, my friend. The passion project is back again with another lyrics only episode.

My name is Remedy Robinson. And, for fun, let’s listen to the brilliant alternate lyrics of “Stalin Malone,” from Spike, released in 1989, off the 2001 Rhino re-issue of Spike. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name, the recitation is credited to Elvis Costello.

"Stalin Malone" Lyrics

I'm going to make you even fear the dream you dream

Don't even think about it, don't make a wish

You think that I don't see you as you trawl those young weak fish

Hooked on those poor wonders, till they want you alone

Though they can't tell a cuckoo-clock from the squeals of saxophones

That's when they'll fear my name

 

I'm telling you the day will come when this man gets what he merits

Though people still wear animal skins to ward off evil spirits

Only wife-swapping and witchcraft woke the dormitory town

'Til horse's heads up in the trees came dripping down

Yes, horse's heads hung in the trees after the bird had flown

Did you wonder of my whereabouts as the powder room was blown?

Did anybody call my name?

 

In a room called creation, where you all obey my laws

Where Seconal is gravity and pain is like applause

You think that this phenomenon is some coincidence

I've got people everywhere, you're under my surveillance, in the pocket of my pants

Okay, she left me, but I'll soon get over that

Falling out of the "Blood Tub" and rolling on my back

Waking up to the one o'clock gun with a Punch and Judy bird

Reaching out for a gelignite beer that fills me up with murder

To overhear forbidden songs her lover must have known

Between the pity and advice...

"There's no one here to help you now, but speak after the tone"

Leave for me a message of hope

 

Now the church door is a roller-shutter with padlocks and keys

Just like all of the other dispensaries

The saloon is like a casket, stained wood and human dust

Stale with conversation that hangs on your clothes like smoke

The wooden clock set time for her to dance dressed only in a flower

As the jazz band drowned the hysterical bird that it spits out on the hour

I drop out of sight and disappear, turn up in another town

But somehow I can't seem to put it down now, put it down

You probably wonder why I'm here, I don't trust myself alone

But do I have to see her fall into his arms before I can atone?

Get my jacket on, get my story straight

I'm leaving on my own

 

Again, this has been a slow drag lyrics only reading of “Stalin Malone” from 1989’s Spike. What a joy to read such mastery. Thank you for listening.

So, until next time, adieu my little ballyhoo

 

Reference:

Elvis Costello Wiki Resource: Stalin Malone https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php?title=Stalin_Malone