Accidents Will Happen

Lyrics

Oh I just don't know where to begin

Though he says he'll wait forever

It's now or never

But she keeps him hanging on

The silly champion

She says she can't go home

Without a chaperone

Chorus:

Accidents will happen

We only hit and run

He used to be your victim

Now you're not the only one

Accidents will happen

We only hit and run

I don't want to hear it

'Cause I know what I've done

There's so many fish in the sea

That only rise up in the sweat and smoke like mercury

But they keep you hanging on

They say you're so young

Your mind is made up but your mouth is undone

(Chorus)

And it's the damage that we do

And never know

It's the words that we don't say

That scare me so

There's so many people to see

So many people you can check up on

And add to your collection

But they keep you hanging on

Until you're well hung

Your mouth is made up but your mind is undone

(Chorus)

I know, I know... (repeat)

Credits

• Written by: Elvis Costello
• Produced by: Nick Lowe
• Musicians:

Elvis Costello - vocals, guitar

Steve Nieve - keyboards

Bruce Thomas - bass

Pete Thomas - drums

Discography

Albums:

• Armed Forces, 1979
• Armed Forces (reissue), Rykodisc/Demon, 1993
• Armed Forces (Deluxe Edition), Rhino, 2002

Singles:

• Accidents Will Happen, 1979
• Alison, 1981 (U.S./Canada "Hall Of Fame" reissue)
• Accidents Will Happen, 1989 (U.S. "Hall Of Fame" 3" CD single)

Collections:

• 2½ Years, 1993
• This section may be incomplete.

Alternate Versions:

• Accidents Will Happen (live at Hollywood High School, Hollywood, CA 1978-06-04)

Live At Hollywood High, 1979

Almost New, 1982 (Australia/New Zealand mini-LP)

Armed Forces (Deluxe Edition), Rhino, 2002

• This section may be incomplete.

Soundtracks:

• none

Various Artists collections:

• none

Bootlegs

• This section is incomplete.