Just A Memory

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Layin' about lyin' in bed
Maybe it was something that I thought I'd said
With the tempo of today and the temptation of tomorrow
I don't know if I could give you anything but sorrow

They stay alive this late on Radio Five
But the pen that I write with won't tell the truth
'Cos the moments that I can't recall
Are moments that you treasure
Better take another measure for pleasure

Losing you is just a memory
Memories don't mean that much to me
Losing you is just a memory
Memories don't mean that much to me

Now you're here, I'm here too
Could be this easy for me and you

Losing you is just a memory
Memories don't mean that much to me
Losing you is just a memory
Memories don't mean that much to me

Lyin' about layin' in bed
Maybe it was something that I thought I'd said



Additional verse (written for Dusty Springfield in 1982 and included in subsequent live performances):


I count the pages of the letter I write
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine
Tearing up the sheets of love
This hand could not disguise
I start to count again and close my eyes

Just A Memory
Written byElvis Costello
Performed byElvis Costello
Produced byElvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocals
Steve Nieve - keyboards
Recordedearly 1980, T.W. Studios, London
ReleasedJune 1980
AlbumsGet Happy!! (Rykodisc/Demon reissue), 1994
Get Happy!! (Rhino/Edsel reissue), 2003
SinglesNew Amsterdam, 1980
CollectionsTaking Liberties, 1980
Ten Bloody Marys & Ten How's Your Fathers, 1980
Singles, Volume 2, 2003
Length2:15

First known performance:
January 5, 1981, Seattle, WA
Last known performance:
February 16, 2023, New York, NY
     (66 known performances)


Alternate versions

Just A Memory (Live 1996 - Supper Club)
Performed byCostello & Nieve
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal
Steve Nieve - piano
RecordedMay 22, 1996, New York, NY
ReleasedDecember 3, 1996
AlbumsCostello & Nieve, 1996
PromosLive At The Supper Club, New York, 1996
Length3:44

Just A Memory (Live 1996 - VH1 Storytellers)
Performed byElvis Costello (with Steve Nieve)
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal
Steve Nieve - piano
RecordedMay 29, 1996, New York, NY
ReleasedApril 25, 2000
Various Artists collectionsVH1 Storytellers, 2000
Length3:57
New Amsterdam singleNew Amsterdam UK 7" EP front sleeve.jpg

Taking LibertiesTL album cover 200.jpg

Ten Bloody Marys & Ten How's Your Fathers10BM album cover 280.jpg

Get Happy!!GH album cover large.jpg

Costello & NieveCostello & Nieve album cover.jpg

VH1 StorytellersVH1 Storytellers album cover.jpg

Singles, Volume 2Singles Volume 2 album cover.jpg

Covers

Tywanna Jo Baskette Almost You: The Songs Of Elvis CostelloVarious artists 2003 AllmusicAmazonAmazon.uk
Marti Jones Match Game 1986 AllMusicAmazon
Marti Jones Live At Spirit Square 1996 AllMusicAmazon
Steve Nieve performed live, 2020-12-10, The Immobile Tour Backstage, France 2020 Facebook: Steve Nieve
Erich Sellheim home studio production, sung in German 2015 YouTube
Shakin' Pyramids Celts And Cobras 1982 AllMusicYouTube
Shakin' Pyramids The Complete Pyramids 1983 info
Dusty Springfield White Heat 1982 AllMusicWikipediaAmazon
Dusty Springfield UK Elvis Costello (2006)  (promo) 2006

Internal links

External links