White Knuckles

Lyrics

White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on

I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on

It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit

There's no charge for changing it

Oooh ooh

What are you doing

You see right through him

You don't have to take it when he gets cruel

White knuckles on black and blue skin

You don't have to take it so you just give in

White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard

He never found out what the kisser was for

Losing face with the boys while she's whispering in his ear

They never found out why they called it laughing gear

Maybe they weren't loved when they were young

Maybe they should be hung by their tongues

Oooh ooh

Under the blankets with the body jerk

He needs her like the axe needs the turkey

Making a mockery of his fancy footwork

White knuckles on black and blue skin

He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing

White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard

He never found out what the kisser was for

There's always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot

Now it's all petty crime on the news at nine

But it's all she's got

Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap

I don't close my eyes when I go to sleep

Oooh ooh

It gets right under your skin

It makes you as miserable as sin

But you don't have to take it so you just give in

White knuckles on black and blue skin

He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing

White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard

He never found out what the kisser was for

White knuckles on black and blue skin

You don't have to take it so you just give in

White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard

He never found out what the kisser was for

Why you don't come round anymore

Mama said

He's using you

Sister said

I told you so too

When he goes through your head

You took him to be true

Credits

• Written by: Elvis Costello
• Produced by: Nick Lowe, in association with Roger Bechirian, assisted by Neil King
• Musicians:

Elvis Costello - vocals, guitar

Steve Nieve - keyboards

Bruce Thomas - bass

Pete Thomas - drums

Discography

Albums:

• Trust, 1981
• Trust (reissue), Rykodisc/Demon, 1994
• Trust (Deluxe Edition), Rhino/Edsel, 2003

Singles:

• none

Collections:

• none

Soundtracks:

• none

Various Artists collections:

• none

Alternate Versions:

• none

Covers

Recorded by:

• none
• This section may be incomplete.

Performed by:

• none
• This section may be incomplete.

Bootlegs

• This section is incomplete.