'But later on in the evening through the tears and fol de rol'

[onehandle]

'Come the sentimental feelings for the lure of vitriol'

Elvis Costello would be the greatest pop/rock lyricist of all time, if not for Paul McCartney.

[Proud Public Servant]

1. Elvis outstrips that Paul by a mile

His only real competition for that crown is with Paul Simon.

Great song from one of my favorite albums, btw. Lovely to come across it like this.

[onehandle]

2. Simon is up at the top with them for sure.

I've been listening to Elvis's 'Punch The Clock' album on Apple Music.

About half way through listening to it for the second time.

[Proud Public Servant]

3. Saw him on the Punch the Clock tour in '83

Aztec Camera opened. Great show, great album (though Imperial Bedroom is still my favorite; caught that show too).

[unblock]

4. i'm a real beatles fan but i'd have sir paul as best melodicist rather than lyricist.

elvis costello beats him in the lyrics department.

i said i'm so happy i could die /
she said drop dead then left with another guy

i crack up every time I hear that one, never gets old for me

punch the clock is one of my favorite albums, i agree imperial bedroom is awesome as well. but really, i could listen to elvis costello spinning wheel all day long. just put his entire collection on shuffle

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Good spot to post Elvis doing Penny Lane at the White House last month

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Elvis Costello is a great songwriter and a man of musical challenges. An artist capable of surprise.

I've seen him several times and it's always been excellent and completely different from the time before. First was Palomino Club 1979.