— 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
14 min
Jul 21 20249 min