The Loved Ones

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Don't get smart or sarcastic
He snaps back just like elastic
Spare us the theatrics and the verbal gymnastics
We break wise guys just like matchsticks

What would the loved ones say

(Your pride and joy is all blown up)

What would the loved ones say

(The bride and boy are barely grown up)

You're not my particular poison
I've got nothing against you myself
You could have been a danger to the boys and girls
Now you're a danger to yourself

Chorus:
Oh what would the loved ones say
What would the loved ones say
Oh what would the loved ones say
What would the loved ones say

The ugly little dreams run 'round your bed
The ugly little scenes, you get the needle and no thread
They stitched you up this time
They said you'll do
Then bitch about your pretty face turning ugly on you

The butcher, baker and the bassline maker
Say you can leave her I can take her
You spend your your whole life like a minute or two later
One day its going to end sooner than greater

What would the loved ones say

(He'll be remembered young and pretty)

What would the loved ones say

(Now he's a hit in every city)

Now there's a name well never forget
There's one born every minute or two
Don't pin a medal on me yet
They might be waiting for you

(Chorus)

PPS I LOVE YOU

The Loved Ones
Written byElvis Costello
Performed byElvis Costello & The Attractions
Produced byGeoff Emerick from an original idea by Elvis Costello
MusiciansElvis Costello - vocals, guitar
Steve Nieve - keyboards
Bruce Thomas - bass
Pete Thomas - drums
RecordedNovember 1981, AIR Studios, London
ReleasedJuly 2, 1982
AlbumsImperial Bedroom, 1982
SinglesLondon's Brilliant Parade, 1994
CollectionsGirls Girls Girls, 1989 (CD/cassette)
PromosA Conversation With Elvis Costello, 1982
Highlights From Almost Blue & Imperial Bedroom, 1994
Length2:47

First known performance:
August 13, 1996, New York, NY
Last known performance:
September 17, 2023, Oslo, Norway
     (45 known performances)


Imperial BedroomIB album cover large.jpg

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

Girls Girls GirlsGGG album cover 300.jpg

London's Brilliant Parade singleLondon's Brilliant Parade (Part 1) UK CD single.jpg

Covers

Steve Nieve instrumental, performed live, 2020-03-19, The Daily Improvisation, France 2020 Facebook - 7:40
Erich Sellheim home studio production, sung in German 2016 YouTube

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