Any King's Shilling

You're a fine one, oh yes you are
You're a fine one just like me
And we're friends now, oh wouldn't you say?
We've been friends now, oh haven't we?
Stay at home tonight if you know what's good for you
I can't say more, it would be telling
For if you don't what will become of you
Just isn't worth any king's shilling

I will answer when they make that call,
Pull upon this ragged uniform
Up 'til now I know it's been your trade
Spit and polish the potato parade
Stay at home tonight if you know what's good for you
I can't say more, it would be telling
For if you don't what will become of you
Just isn't worth any king's shilling

Please don't put your silly head in that pretty soldier's hat
You've done your duty, that's enough of that

I don't know if what I'm doing is right
I don't know if you should be forgiving
But for me it seems it means my life
While for you it could just be a living
Stay at home tonight if you know what's good for you
I can't say more, it would be telling
For if you don't what will become of you
Just isn't worth any king's shilling

Please don't put your silly head in that British soldier's hat
You've done your duty that's enough of that

You're a fine one, oh yes you are
You're a fine one, just like me

Any King's Shilling
Written by	Declan MacManus
Performed by	Elvis Costello
Produced by	Elvis Costello, Kevin Killen & T Bone Burnett
Musicians	Elvis Costello - vocal, acoustic guitar Dónal Lunny - bouzouki Christy Moore - bodhran Frankie Gavin - fiddle Steve Wickham - fiddle Derek Bell - Irish harp, tiompan Davy Spillane - Uilleann pipes, low whistle Buell Neidlinger - double basses
Recorded	1988, Southlake Studios, New Orleans & Ocean Way, Los Angeles
Released	February 6, 1989
Albums	Spike, 1989
Length	6:04