Damnation's Cellar

Did anybody notice, over marmalade and eggs In between the Princess' legs What with wars and floods and beggars Not to mention stocks and shares Well, if you have a moment to spare Can you write and reassure me that I have seen That they're constructing a time machine There will be no need for the obituary pages We can have any hero from the bygone ages 'Til the truth emerges, an argument rages The major and the minor turn from tallow into tar Should we leave them in their place down in damnation's cellar? When any form of deity that you might enjoy Can be conjured with a test-tube and a flame If it's out there then science can explain it Or at least remove the blame And if there is anyone you'd like to see again Then speak up quickly Send us back Da Vinci then we don't have to ponder The maddening smile of "La Giaconda" The critics say Nijinsky, the dancer, of course While the punters would probably prefer the horse You'll find it's quicker than history, cheaper than divorce The major and the minor turn from tallow into tar Should we leave them in their place down in damnation's cellar? Bring back Liberace or Ollie and Stan Shakespeare will have to wait his turn Elvis Presley and Puccini shall return I suppose we live and learn Though it's hard to believe as we cheerfully burn It's curious Some will call for justice, there are murders to solve What about Hitler? Or at least Lee Harvey Oswald Give us this day and everything we squander Anyone beautiful, somebody blonder They'll never please mankind, so lie back and enjoy it Stop press: They've just decided to destroy it The major and the minor turn from tallow into tar Should we leave them in their place down in damnation's cellar?

Damnation's Cellar Words by Declan MacManus Music by Declan MacManus Performed by Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet Produced by Kevin Killen, Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet Musicians Elvis Costello - voice Michael Thomas - violin Ian Belton - violin Paul Cassidy - viola Jacqueline Thomas - violoncello Recorded September 14-October 1, 1992, Church Studios, London Released January 15, 1993 Albums The Juliet Letters, 1993 Promos Excerpts From The Juliet Letters, 1993 Length 4:57 First known performance:  July 1, 1992, London, England Last known performance:  January 28, 1995, Guadalajara, Spain      (17 known performances)

Internal Links

• Elvis Costello Home Page: The Juliet Letters | lyrics | TJL info page 1
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External Links

• Elvis Costello Reissues: The Juliet Letters