Boy With A Problem

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I feel like a boy with a problem
I can't believe what we've forgotten
And I even slapped your face and made you cry

It's the last thing I want to do
Pull the curtains on me and you
Pull the carpet from under love
Pull out like young lovers do
You swore you wouldn't shout
If it's not your punch, then it's your pout

Days in silence try my temper
Nights spent drinking to remember
How memories are always tender

I crept out last night behind your back
The little they know might be the piece I lack
Came home drunk
Talking in circles
The spirit is willing but I don't believe in miracles
I've got a problem but let's go to bed
I can roll over and I can play dead
But here I am in the doghouse instead

I feel like a boy with a problem
I can't believe all you've forgotten
Sleeping with forgiveness in your heart for me

Boy With A Problem
Words byChris Difford & Elvis Costello
Music byElvis Costello
Performed byElvis Costello & The Attractions
Produced byGeoff Emerick from an original idea by Elvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocals
Steve Nieve - keyboards
Bruce Thomas - bass
Pete Thomas - drums
RecordedNovember 1981, AIR Studios, London
ReleasedJuly 2, 1982
AlbumsImperial Bedroom, 1982
PromosA Conversation With Elvis Costello, 1982
Length2:09

First known performance:
July 17, 1982, Berkeley, CA
Last known performance:
July 25, 2017, Providence, RI
     (10 known performances, 2 as a snippet)


Alternate versions

Boy With A Problem (Trust reissue version)
Performed byElvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal, piano
Recordedlate 1980-early 1981, Eden Studios, London
ReleasedApril 29, 1994
AlbumsTrust (Rykodisc/Demon reissue), 1994
Trust (Rhino/Edsel reissue), 2003
Length2:30
Imperial BedroomIB album cover large.jpg

A Conversation With Elvis CostelloA Conversation With Elvis Costello album cover.jpg

TrustTrust album cover large.jpg

Covers

Bonnie Brett The Elvis Costello Songbook 2003
Steve Nieve performed live, 2020-04-26, The Daily Improvisation, France 2020 Facebook - 15:45
Erich Sellheim home studio production, sung in German 2016 YouTube

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External links