Psycho

From The Elvis Costello Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search

Can Mary fry some fish, mama?
I'm as hungry as can be
Oh lord, how I wish, mama
You could stop the baby crying
'Cause my head is killing me

I saw my ex again last night, mama
She was at the dance at Miller's store
She was with that Jackie White, mama
I killed them both and they're buried under Jacob's sycamore

You think I'm psycho, don't you, mama?
I didn't mean to break your cup
You think I'm psycho, don't you, mama?
You better let 'em lock me up

Oh, don't hand me Johnny's pup, mama
'Cause I might squeeze him too tight
I'm havin' crazy dreams again, mama
So let me tell you 'bout last night

I woke up in Johnny's room, mama
Standing right there by his bed
With my hands around his throat, mama
Wishing both of us were dead

You think I'm psycho, don't you, mama?
I just killed Johnny's pup
You think I'm psycho, don't you, mama?
You'd better let 'em lock me up

Oh you recall that little girl, mama
I believe her name was Betty Clark
Oh don't tell me that she's dead, mama
'Cause I just saw her in the park

We were sitting on a bench. mama
Thinking up a game to play
Seems I was holding a wrench. mama
And then my mind just walked away

You think I'm psycho, don't you, mama?
I didn't mean to break your cup
You think I'm psycho, don't you, mama?
Mama, why don't you get up?

Psycho (Live 1979)
Written byLeon Payne
Performed byElvis Costello & The Attractions
Produced byElvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal, guitar
Steve Nieve - keyboards
Bruce Thomas - bass
Pete Thomas - drums
John McFee - guitar
RecordedFebruary 16, 1979, Los Angeles, CA
Vocal apparently re-recorded in 1981
ReleasedDecember 4, 1981
AlbumsAlmost Blue (Rykodisc/Demon reissue), 1994
Almost Blue (Rhino/Edsel reissue), 2004
SinglesSweet Dreams, 1981
Good Year For The Roses, 1981 (Scandinavia)
CollectionsSingles, Volume 2, 2003
Various Artists collectionsFrom Hell To Obscurity, 1989
Length3:35


Alternate versions

Psycho (studio version)
Performed byElvis Costello & The Attractions
Produced byBilly Sherrill
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal, guitar
Steve Nieve - keyboards
Bruce Thomas - bass
Pete Thomas - drums
John McFee - guitar
RecordedMay 20, 1981, CBS Studio A, Nashville
ReleasedJuly 26, 2004
AlbumsAlmost Blue (Rhino/Edsel reissue), 2004
PromosSelections From Almost Blue, Goodbye Cruel World, Kojak Variety, 2004
Length3:20

The Psycho Song (Live 1981)
Performed byElvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocal, guitar
RecordedJune 1, 1981, London, England
ReleasedNovember 1981
Various Artists collectionsFundamental Frolics, 1981
Length4:04
Fundamental FrolicsFundamental Frolics album cover.jpg

Sweet Dreams singleSweet Dreams UK 7" single front sleeve.jpg

Almost BlueAB album cover large.jpg

Singles, Volume 2Singles Volume 2 album cover.jpg


Recordings by other artists

 Artist  Year  Release  Links
 Eddie Noack  1968
Jack Kittel  1973

Internal links

External links