Impatience

How long do I have to wait?
Before I can tell you the things I've been wanting to say
How long must I hesitate?
I know it makes sense but it's hard for me to stay away

But if this is how it has to be
Maybe it's just a feeling
That I could name
But I'd probably best blame...impatience

You can't miss - what you've never known
It's quite absurd how you started disturbing me so
Sometimes - when I am all alone
I lose my senses
I have no defences to go

But if this is how I lose my heart
Then I shall just embrace that
My pulse is racing still
I'm secretly thrilled
By the laughter that tumbled
And the tears that I spilled
As far as I know no one ever got killed
By impatience

Tell me - is there danger still?
I took no heed so a word might as well be deed
Although - I'd really like to see you now
I'm almost certain it can't be accomplished with speed

So, if this is how I'll bide my time
Then I will set it down
Til we lose our caution
I'll honour your order
'Cos it's such sweet torture
To carry this torch

In the light of temptation
Beyond conversation and all expectation
Pausing a moment or two just to mention...
Impatience

Impatience
Written by	Elvis Costello
Performed by	Elvis Costello
Produced by	Elvis Costello & Kevin Killen
String arrangement	Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve
Horn arrangement	Roy Nathanson & Jay Rodriguez
Musicians	Elvis Costello - vocals, piano Davey Faragher - bass Pete Thomas - drums Steve Nieve - Hohner pianette Marc Ribot - guitar, tres Ku-umba Frank Lacy - trumpet, trombone solo Roy Nathanson - alto sax Marty Ehrlich - tenor sax, flute Jay Rodriguez - baritone sax, flute Clark Gayton - tenor trombone
Recorded	April-May 2003, Nola Studios and/or Avatar Studios, New York
Released	September 11, 2003
Albums	North (UK & Japan bonus track), 2003
Collections	Pomp & Pout: The Universal Years, 2010
Length	5:04