After The Fall

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In an anonymous rendezvous
Where the forbidden lovers repair
They're burning down another damn candle
They're melting the tables and chairs

Beneath them applause from the balcony
Whenever they accomplished making love
Other times they thought they heard laughter
Coming from the balcony above

(chorus):
She lies to his right and she carelessly recites
All of her brand new appetites
She seems brittle and small, it don't sound like her at all
Since she came back to him after the fall

She said "You never visit the countryside
So I've made you a country to order"
She put up a little tent in the bedroom
Crickets played on a tape-recorder
The ceiling was festooned with phosphorous stars
She noticed his skin turning cold
Burning all his clothes on the bonfire
"Relax" she whispered and tightened the blindfold

(chorus)

You've changed but not for the better babe
I'd tell you why but what's the use
'Cos it's the same kind of pity
A drunkard gives as his excuse
You were sharp and ideal as a bobby pin
Now your eyes are deserted and quiet
We both look like those poor shattered mannequins
Thrown through the window in the riot

She lies in his arms and without any qualms
Revels in shallow delights
She seems brittle and small, it don't sound like her at all
Since she came back to him after the fall

After The Fall
Written byDeclan MacManus
Performed byElvis Costello
Produced byMitchell Froom, Kevin Killen & D.P.A. MacManus
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal, acoustic guitar
Marc Ribot - Spanish guitar
Rob Wasserman - 6-string electric upright bass
Steven Soles - vocal harmony
Larry Knechtel - harmonium
Mitchell Froom - celeste
Recordedlate 1990-early 1991, Ocean Way, Hollywood & Westside Studios, London
ReleasedMay 10, 1991
AlbumsMighty Like A Rose, 1991
Length4:34

First known performance:
July 23, 1991, Paris, France
Last known performance:
September 15, 2023, Randers, Denmark
     (28 known performances)


Mighty Like A RoseMLAR album cover large.jpg

Covers

Steve Nieve instrumental, performed live, 2020-04-12, The Daily Improvisation, France 2020 Facebook  (at 0:00)
Erich Sellheim home studio production, sung in German 2020 YouTube

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