Slow Drag with Remedy

An Elvis Costello Appreciation Podcast. An appreciation & exploration of linguists, language, poetry, and clever word play as framed by the peerless poetry of the modern day master, Elvis Costello

130 :: Pressed Between The White Sheets :: A Slow Drag with Poisoned Rose 09/22/2024

129 :: Only You Do :: A Slow Drag with "Tear off Your Own Head" 08/12/2024

129 :: Only You Do :: A Slow Drag with "Tear off Your Own Head" Today’s slow drag is with “Tear off Your Own Head,” from “When I Was Cruel,” released in 2002. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA,MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Tear off Your Own Head” “Tear off Your Own Head” “Tear off Your Own Head” The Bangles “Shabby Doll” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgKhxZTYtq4 “Puppet Girl” Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: "Tear off Your Own Head" Lyrics Who dries your eyes when you cry real tears? Who know or cares what an imitation is? Only you do You can paint his nails Make him wear high heels Why waste time altering the hemline? Or do you? Tear off your own head Tear off your own head It's a doll revolution You can bat your lashes You can cut your strings You can pull his hair with your moveable fingers It looks so real If one won't do it, so collect the set Dress him in pink ribbons Put him in a kitchenette How does this feel? Tear off your own head Tear off your own head It's a doll revolution What’s that sound? It will turn you around It's a doll revolution They're taking over And they're tearing it down It's a doll revolution You can pull and pinch him 'Til he cries and squeals You can twist his body 'til it faces backwards Plastic features You could make somebody a pretty little wife But don't let anybody tell you how to live your life Broken pieces Tear off your own head Tear off your own head It's a doll revolution Tear off your own head Tear off your own head Revolution /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/32538202

Slow Drag Lyrics Only :: Stalin Malone 07/21/2024

Slow Drag Lyrics Only :: Stalin Malone — Dig it Ballyhoo, my friend. The passion project is back again with another lyrics only episode. My name is Remedy Robinson. And, for fun, let’s listen to the brilliant alternate lyrics of “Stalin Malone,” from Spike, released in 1989, off the 2001 Rhino re-issue of Spike. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name, the recitation is credited to Elvis Costello. "Stalin Malone" Lyrics I'm going to make you even fear the dream you dream Don't even think about it, don't make a wish You think that I don't see you as you trawl those young weak fish Hooked on those poor wonders, till they want you alone Though they can't tell a cuckoo-clock from the squeals of saxophones That's when they'll fear my name I'm telling you the day will come when this man gets what he merits Though people still wear animal skins to ward off evil spirits Only wife-swapping and witchcraft woke the dormitory town 'Til horse's heads up in the trees came dripping down Yes, horse's heads hung in the trees after the bird had flown Did you wonder of my whereabouts as the powder room was blown? Did anybody call my name? In a room called creation, where you all obey my laws Where Seconal is gravity and pain is like applause You think that this phenomenon is some coincidence I've got people everywhere, you're under my surveillance, in the pocket of my pants Okay, she left me, but I'll soon get over that Falling out of the "Blood Tub" and rolling on my back Waking up to the one o'clock gun with a Punch and Judy bird Reaching out for a gelignite beer that fills me up with murder To overhear forbidden songs her lover must have known Between the pity and advice... "There's no one here to help you now, but speak after the tone" Leave for me a message of hope Now the church door is a roller-shutter with padlocks and keys Just like all of the other dispensaries The saloon is like a casket, stained wood and human dust Stale with conversation that hangs on your clothes like smoke The wooden clock set time for her to dance dressed only in a flower As the jazz band drowned the hysterical bird that it spits out on the hour I drop out of sight and disappear, turn up in another town But somehow I can't seem to put it down now, put it down You probably wonder why I'm here, I don't trust myself alone But do I have to see her fall into his arms before I can atone? Get my jacket on, get my story straight I'm leaving on my own Again, this has been a slow drag lyrics only reading of “Stalin Malone” from 1989’s Spike. What a joy to read such mastery. Thank you for listening. So, until next time, adieu my little ballyhoo Reference: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource: Stalin Malone /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/32228822

128 :: It's Starts as a Flirtation :: A Slow Drag with "Heathen Town" 07/13/2024

128 :: It's Starts as a Flirtation :: A Slow Drag with "Heathen Town" Today’s slow drag is with “Heathen Town,” from “Out of Our Idiot,” released in 1987. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Heathen Town” “Heathen Town” “The Fall of Rome” . “Old hat” idiom: John Howard Payne’s, “Home Sweet Home,” written in 1822 “Ave Maria” (Ellen’s Third Song,” composed in 1825 “Ave Maria” words: Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: "Heathen Town" Lyrics They used to call it Sin City Now it's gone way past that Painting the town and then burning it down Now even that's old hat Now there's a choir of angels at the fall of Rome Singing "Ave Maria" or "Home Sweet Home" It's just a heathen town I hear only evil as my tongue is tightened I used to be god-fearing, now I'm so frightened Cos the devil will drag you under By the shark tail fin of your checkered cab And I can't sit down, I'm going overboard in this heathen town It starts as a flirtation And ends up as an expensive habit With one eye on her place in debtor's prison And the other on a girl dressed as a rabbit Now you can live forever Endure fits and starts But the only stake you cannot raise Is the one driven through your heart It's just a heathen town I hear only evil as my tongue is tightened I used to be god-fearing, now I'm so frightened Cos the devil will drag you under By the shark tail fin of your checkered cab And I can't sit down, I'm going overboard In this heathen town And I can't sit down, I'm going overboard In this heathen town In this heathen town In this heathen town In this heathen town In this heathen town /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/32123492

Slow Drag Lyrics Only :: The Boy Named If 06/09/2024

Slow Drag Lyrics Only :: The Boy Named If — Dig it Ballyhoo, my friend. The passion project is doing something a little different today. My name is Remedy Robinson. And, for fun, this inaugural lyrics-only slow drag, let’s listen to brilliant lyrics of “The Boy Named If,” from the album of the same name, released in 2022. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. I'm a lucky so and so A fortunate stiff You said you never knew me but I'm the one you want to be with If I tumble from a tightrope or leap from a cliff I won't be dashed to pieces I'm the boy named "IF" If I disappear and I slipper from your view I just step upon a crack and I won't come back Imagine me And I'll imagine you too In a hollow of the bed sheet Or a picture in a frame I'm vivid as a summer's day Then never seen again Who'll pay the taxman? Who'll place the blame? Who'll point into an empty room And whisper my name? If I disappear and I slipper from your view You will step upon a crack and I won't come back Imagine me And I'll imagine you too Take my hand We'll go to "Magic Lantern Land" Take my hand See the pictures they've projected Take my hand We'll fill our pockets up with sand Dance in frantic passes 'Til the grains all turn to glasses Drums begin to navigate, the band strikes up a riff No one will believe you but the Boy Named If Who'll pay your entrance fee? Who'll leave a tip? Who'll say, "Listen here, Sunshine Don't you give me no lip" Who broke your favorite heart? Who stops and never starts? Who kiss you stupid? It must be something you did Who'll keep you satisfied after a lover's tiff? It must be some other guy not… The Boy Named If If I disappear and I slipper from your view You will step upon a crack and I won't come back Imagine me And I'll imagine you too Take my hand We'll go to "Magic Lantern Land" Take my hand See the pictures we've projected Take my hand We'll fill our pockets up with sand Dance in frantic passes 'Til the grains all turn to glasses . . . Again, this has been a slow drag lyrics only reading of “The Boy Named If” from 2022’s album of the same name. Thank you for listening. And, of course, until next time, adieu my little ballyhoo Reference: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource: The Boy Named If /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/31665042

127 :: There Must Be Something More :: a Slow Drag with "Country Darkness" 06/02/2024

126 :: How Wrong Can I Be :: A Slow Drag with "Tears Before Bedtime" 05/13/2024

126 :: How Wrong Can I Be :: A Slow Drag with "Tears Before Bedtime" Today’s slow drag is with “Tears before Bedtime,” from “Imperial Bedroom,” released in 1982. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Tears before Bedtime” “Tears before Bedtime” “Tears before Bedtime” Alternative version “Give up The Ghost” meaning . A chorus versus and hook: . Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: "Tears before Bedtime" Lyrics I know the name on the tip of your tongue And I know that accusing look Everybody knows I've been so wrong That's the problem and here's the hook Chorus: Tears before bedtime There'll be trouble tonight I don't want to talk about it anymore I don't want to have another fight I don't want to talk I don't want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right For the tears that you boo hoo hoo There can be no defense You say you'll forgive and forget But it's only a pretense (Chorus) Either you can leave the past behind Or give me something to disconnect my mind I sleep with my fists clenched tight When I don't lie awake all night I guess time gave up the ghost too late And the balance of our love Very soon turns to hate Darling your suspiciousness Tortures me at night But I can't excuse the cruel words That I use whenever we fight (Chorus) How wrong can I be before I am right Alternate Version Lyrics I see that strange look in your eyes once again And the name on the tip of your tongue is of a woman and not a man There’ll be tears before bedtime, they’ll be trouble tonight I don’t want to talk about it anymore, oh I don’t want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right? The pain that I’ve given you there is no defense You say you’ll forgive and forget but it’s only a pretense There’ll be tears before bedtime, they’ll be trouble tonight I don’t want to talk about it anymore, oh I don’t want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right? Either you can leave the past behind or give me something to discount mind I sleep with my fists clenched tights when I don’t lie awake all night I guess time gave up the ghost too late And the balance of our love Very soon turns to hate Suspicion and silence still torture my night And the cruel words of anger that run through all our fights They’ll be tears before bedtime, I’ll be trouble tonight I don’t want to talk about it anymore, I don’t want to fight How wrong can I be before I am right? /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/31257372

125 :: Velvet Gloves and Country Clubs :: A Slow Drag with "Stella Hurt" 04/23/2024

125 :: Velvet Gloves and Country Clubs :: A Slow Drag with "Stella Hurt" Today’s slow drag is with “Stella Hurt,” from “Momofuku,” released in 2008. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Stella Hurt” “Stella Hurt” “Chekhov’s Gun” “Arcadia” Blue Birds Songs: “The Other End of the Telescope” Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: "Stella Hurt" Lyrics You should wear your red galoshes Walking o'er the city pride Streets are paved with heaven's pennies Gutters full of suicides Teddy steadily fell from grace Somewhere near Arcadia Once she overheard a voice she didn't hear on the radio Velvet gloves and country clubs Were never going to hold her Ringing the necks of silly Southern belles Who wanted to scold her Don't bring me down I'm trouble bound Blue song Red Alert Who made Stella Hurt? Teddy soon dropped out of sight Turned up in another town Changed her name for the spotlight Singing like a blue bird in a sequin gown She finally fell and married well But I knew it wouldn't last Reversing back into the limelight No one ever saw her even half-plastered Don't bring me down I'm trouble bound Blue song Red Alert Who made Stella Hurt? Then she saw those soldier boys Throw their bonnets in the air Self-made men would pledge their fortunes And dream of her And dream of her... Generals in the commissary opened up a case of wine Checked the perfume of the cork Said "Made in 1929"... They used her up, to raise morale for money And Old Glory Her voice was shot beyond repair But this is not the last act of this story The night is black as cracked shellac Abandoned in an attic Stella is silent as the grave Until the needle drags her through the static Don't bring me down I'm trouble bound Blue song Red Alert Who made Stella Hurt? /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/30951278

124 :: The Gaze That You Provoke :: A Slow Drag with "The Difference" 04/07/2024

124 :: The Gaze That You Provoke :: A Slow Drag with "The Difference" Today’s slow drag is with “The Difference,” from “The Boy Named If,” released in 2023. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: Slow Drag with Remedy on Amazon Music: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The Difference” “The Difference” Octameter: . The difference between undertone and overtone What is an appositive: Fiddlehead Reel: Fiddlehead: The Male Gaze: Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook of “The Most Terrible Time in My Life…Ends Thursday” for free at: "The Difference" Lyrics I pulled a petal from the flower to tell just where my fortune fell About a boy beyond my caution before I lay beneath his spell And he said, "Do you know, do you know, do you, by chance, know wrong from right?" "Do you know, do you know, do you know what turns pleasure to plight? If you trust me, I know it may seem strange I'll show you the way down into the underworld" I did just what he asked me to Lifted my skirt to show him my shoe Upon a reel of the finest fiddlehead Light as the dance around Milady's bed The steps came faster at his insistence 'Til he showed me all about the difference "It's not about the things I promised, it's not about the vow we broke If I am faithless or dishonest it's just the gaze that you provoke" And he said, "Do you know, do you know, do you, by chance, know wrong from right?" "Do you know, do you know, do you know what turns pleasure to plight? If you kiss me, at first it may seem strange I'll show you the way into another world" My father shamed me just like you Buried my name in a glass or two 'Til he came to me in his darkest house He mistook me, took me for his spouse And my cries for a woman in the distance So, I took this knife to show him the difference 'Til he came to me in his darkest house He mistook me, took me for his spouse And my cries for the woman in the distance So, I used this knife to show him the difference /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/30721838

123 :: Cut It Out :: A Slow Drag with "Lipstick Vogue" 03/25/2024

122 :: Come Back Baby :: A Slow Drag with "The Spell That You Cast" 03/14/2024

121 :: It's Nobody's Fault :: A Slow Drag with "Blame It on Cain" 02/24/2024

120 :: Dumbstruck and Dazed :: A Slow Drag with "American Gangster Time 02/11/2024

120 :: Dumbstruck and Dazed :: A Slow Drag with "American Gangster Time Today’s slow drag is with “American Gangster Time,” from “Momofuku,” released in 2008. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: “Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, Podcasts” Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “American Gangster Time” “American Gangster Time” Flag Etiquette: Flatter to Deceive idiom meaning: . Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook for free at: "American Gangster Time" Lyrics: One, two, three, four Somewhere downtown a pretty girl kneels Offers her soft lips and a handful of pills Peels off her dress and then the rest of her skills It buys what she wants and the rest she just steals He speaks between deep swallows of rum While her head is beating like a big bass drum And she wishes he were mute and not just dumb When the trick asked her quick, "Did you come?" It's a drag Saluting that starry rag I'd rather go blind For speaking my mind Or use it just like a gag So, raise it in anger Just let it hang American Gangster Time He sits back and starts to invent All about some Saigon correspondent "'Til the carbine fell silent and spent I never knew it could be so eloquent" Next week there'll be some fashionable new sin For each harlot and each Puritan Pull off their wings stick them on a pin And just watch the money roll in It's a drag Saluting that starry rag I’d rather go blind For speaking my mind Or use it just like a gag So, raise it in anger Just let it hang American Gangster Time What you got hidden up your sleeve? The tracks of the train that were bidding you to leave When they say that you should flatter to deceive Don't count on any reprieve The hands of the helpless are raised Your dead little secrets are praised The people stand dumbstruck and dazed By the inches that you have erased It’s a drag Saluting that starry rag I'd rather go blind For speaking my mind Or use it just like a gag So, raise it in anger Just let it hang American gangster time Committing the perfect crime In American Gangster Time Here we go Bye bye American Gangster Time /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/29890268

119 :: But if You Change Your Mind :: A Slow Drag with "Lip Service 01/19/2024

118 :: A Masquerade of Dignity :: A Slow Drag with "The Man You Love to Hate" 12/31/2023

118 :: A Masquerade of Dignity :: A Slow Drag with "The Man You Love to Hate" Today’s slow drag is with “The Man You Love to Hate,” from “The Boy Named If,” released in 2022. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The Man You Love to Hate” “The Man You Love to Hate” Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook for free at: "The Man You Love to Hate" Lyrics I went to a theatre on Silhouette Street It had a taste of decay, and a scent of defeat All of the patrons in the pews were people that I'd killed or used The actors on the stage were equally skilled The players took turns in lighting the fuse One of them said "Now you must choose" A man of infamy or ill-repute And that's the one that we will execute None of that mob had turned up late They said, "You'd better concentrate” So, start the show, 'cos we can't wait for The Man You Love to Hate All of the patrons sitting on pews Were the shades of the ghosts of the once accused There was music that dragged in line and word Not a penny was spent, or a conscience was spared The hero's motives were never in doubt We laughed at the speeches that he would spout Suddenly there arose a shout Confessions simply tumbled out And marriage vows, that someone mumbled about None of that mob had turned up late They said, "You'd better concentrate” So, start the show, 'cos we can't wait for The Man You Love to Hate The closing act The first one billed Into the limelight thrilled The tale of a ship lured onto the rocks under The cover of darkness, the hold was plundered My mouth was parched my eyes red-rimmed My false light shone And my ghost light dimmed I went to a house on Silhouette Street Where I lived once and died once more Awoke a woman I once adored Her husband came to the door In a masquerade of dignity He said, "I'm pleased to meet you but you don't know me" She took my money and handed me the key The number on the fob was "999" She whispered that's your room and this is mine But that's a chamber that you can't afford It's one door down, next to the Emergency Ward None of that mob had turned up late They said, "You'd better concentrate” So, start the show, 'cos we can't wait for The Man You Love to Hate The Man You Love to Hate I'm a one party state The Man You Love to Hate The girl you used to care for Without a why or wherefore The country that I loved Is just a problem to solve Until we all disintegrate before The Man You Love to Hate /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/29283083

117 :: Somebody's Gonna Get it :: A Slow Drag with "Green Shirt" 12/17/2023

117 :: Somebody's Gonna Get it :: A Slow Drag with "Green Shirt" Today’s slow drag is with “Green Shirt,” from “Armed Forces,” released in 1979. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Green Shirt” “Green Shirt” The Somerton Man Mystery: Quisling Clinic Photo Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook for free at: "Green Shirt" Lyrics There's a smart young woman on a light blue screen Who comes into my house every night And she takes all the red, yellow, orange and green And she turns them into black and white But you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it Better cut off all identifying labels Before they put you on the torture table 'Cause somewhere in the "Quisling Clinic" There's a shorthand typist taking seconds over minutes She's listening in to the Venus line She's picking out names I hope none of them are mine But you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it Never said I was a stool pigeon I never said I was a diplomat Everybody is under suspicion But you don't wanna hear about that 'Cause you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it Better send a begging letter to the big investigation Who put these fingerprints on my imagination? You tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/29119383

116 :: Unless You Know Otherwise :: A Slow Drag with "The First To Leave" 12/01/2023

115 :: Lipstick and Greasepaint :: A Slow Drag with "God's Comic" 11/20/2023

115 :: Lipstick and Greasepaint :: A Slow Drag with "God's Comic" Today’s slow drag is with “God’s Comic,” from “Spike,” released in 1989. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: Transcription: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “God’s Comic” “God’s Comic” “God’s Comic” Live “Requiem” by Andrew Lloyd Webber “God is dead”: What Nietzsche really meant”: Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook for free at: "God's Comic" Lyrics I wish you'd known me when I was alive, I was a funny fella The crowd would hoot and holler for more I wore a drunk's red nose for applause Oh yes, I was a comical priest "With a joke for the flock and a hand up your fleece" Drooling the drink and the lipstick and greasepaint Down the cardboard front of my dirty dog-collar (Chorus:) Now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead And I'm going on to meet my reward I was scared, I was scared, I was scared, I was scared He might’ve never heard God's comic So, there he was on a waterbed, drinking a cola of a mystery brand Reading an airport novelette, listening to Andrew Lloyd-Webber's "Requiem" He said, before it had really begun, "I prefer the one about my son" "I've been wading through all of this unbelievable junk And wondering if I should have given the world to the monkeys" (Repeat Chorus) I'm gonna take a little trip down Paradise's endless shores They say that travel broadens the mind, till you can't get your head out of doors I'm sitting here on the top of the world, I hang around in the longest night Until each beast has gone to bed and then I say "God bless" and put out the light While you lie in the dark, afraid to breathe And you beg and you promise and you bargain and you plead Sometimes you confuse me with Santa Claus It's the big white beard, I suppose I'm going up to the Pole, where you folks die of cold I might be gone for a while if you need me Now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead And you're all going on to meet your reward Are you scared? Are you scared? Are you scared? Are you scared? You might have never heard, but God's comic /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/28716598

114 :: The Lure of Vitriol :: A Slow Drag with "The World and His Wife" 11/03/2023

113 :: Colorful with Your Compliments :: A Slow Drag with "Black and White World" 10/20/2023

112 :: I Wouldn't Sneak a Look :: A Slow Drag with "Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind?" 10/07/2023

111 :: Après All This Fancy Footwork :: A Slow Drag with "White Knuckles" 09/05/2023

111 :: Après All This Fancy Footwork :: A Slow Drag with "White Knuckles" Today’s slow drag is with “White Knuckles” from “Trust,” released in 1981. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Instagram: Bluesky Social: Email: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “White Knuckles” “White Knuckles” Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Wave a White Flag” “Wave a White Flag” “I need him like the axe needs the turkey” saying from “The Lady Eve.” Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook for free at: "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 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 Thinking of après of this fancy footwork White knuckles on black and blue skin Didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard 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 a 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 You don't have to take it so you just give in White knuckles on black and blue skin Didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard 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 Never found out what the kisser was for Why you don't come round anymore Mother said He's using you Sister said I told you so too When he goes to your head You took it to be true /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/27940680

110 :: It's Mister To You :: A Slow Drag with "They're Not Laughing at Me Now" 08/20/2023

109 :: The Hinge in His Backbone :: A Slow Drag with "Mischievous Ghost" 07/04/2023

109 :: The Hinge in His Backbone :: A Slow Drag with "Mischievous Ghost" Today’s slow drag is with “Mischievous Ghost” from the Rhino reissue of “Mighty Like a Rose,” released in 2002. It was originally released as part of the “Bringing It All Back Home” soundtrack, released in 1991. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. This episode has been requested by a loyal and astute fan who believes “Mischievous Ghost” was the impetus for Mr. Costello’s dalliance with long hair, as he seems to have spent much time “in the blank hillsides” of Ireland himself at the time. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Bluesky: Email: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Mischievous Ghost” “Mischievous Ghost” Unmask Us, Elvis Costello on “Mischievous Ghost” The Vibrato Debate: The Scottish Bagpipes, Purchase “” Listen to the audiobook for free at: "Mischievous Ghost" Lyrics She came dancing right before my eyes She said she came to warn me Before it dawned on me I went walking on the blank hillside Where the sunset falls Where the sunset dies She gave me love / she told me lies That most mischievous ghost She was in disguise, she was in disguise, she was in disguise He started to whistle, they bought him a flute He was talking in tongues, they swore he was mute He scoffed and blasphemed, they said it was beautiful Busted a button, they bought him a suitcase full They colored him cricket and laced him up tight As he drew on their days, resurrected his nights He raved in the dark, he went out in a blaze "There you go," they said, "he's good for nothing and lazy" With scandal and shame, they slandered his name They told him to freeze, they damned him to roast Disappointed that he passed away peacefully Never dying to be a mischievous ghost They dug him up quick with a polish and lick They powdered him up till he only looked sick The hinge in his backbone would bend to applause But his dancing was not quite as lively of course These are the rewards immortality affords Bullied and bribed and beaten to bliss Parroting slack sentimental laments Of going away and not being missed With scandal and shame, they slandered his name They told him to freeze, they damned him to roast Disappointed that he passed away peacefully Never dying to be a mischievous ghost With the green beer and the shamrock tattoos Singing his songs of the battles we lose And "Will ye come home again," so we can murder you What would you do if they took his word With forty-eight million to join in the toast Move over my darling mischievous ghost Mischievous ghost /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/27367965

108 :: The Mightiest Rose :: A Slow Drag with "The Other Side of Summer" 06/04/2023

108 :: The Mightiest Rose :: A Slow Drag with "The Other Side of Summer" Today’s slow drag is with “The Other Side of Summer” from “Mighty Like a Rose,” released in 1991. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Bluesky Social: Email: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “The Other Side of Summer” “The Other Side of Summer” “The Other Side of Summer” Music Video Version: “Stand Like Greyhounds…” “Give It Away Now” Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Earthbound”: “Earthbound” Purchase “” "The Other Side of Summer" Lyrics The sun struggles up another beautiful day And I felt glad in my own suspicious way Despite the contradiction and confusion Felt tragic without reason There's malice and there's magic in every season (chorus): From the foaming breakers of the poisonous surf The other side of summer To the burning forests in the hills of Astroturf The other side of summer The automatic gates close up between the shanties and the palace The blowtorch amusements, the voodoo chalice The pale pathetic promises that everybody swallows A teenage girl is crying 'cos she don't look like a million dollars So help her if you can 'Cos she don't seem to have the attention span (chorus) Was it a millionaire who said "imagine no possessions"? A poor little schoolboy who said "we don't need no lessons"? The rabid rebel dogs ransack the shampoo shop The pop princess is downtown shooting up And if that goddess is fit for burning The sun will struggle up, the world will still keep turning Madman standing by the side of the road saying "Look at my eyes, look at my eyes, look at my eyes, look at my eyes" Now you can't afford to fake all the drugs your parents used to take Because of their mistakes, you'd better be wide awake (chorus) The mightiest rose The absence of perfume The casual killers The military curfew The cardboard city An unwanted birthday The other side of summer The dancing was desperate, the music was worse They bury your dreams and dig up the worthless Goodnight God bless And kiss "goodbye" to the earth The other side of summer /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/27036870

107 :: A Thrill Like This :: A Slow Drag with Dishonor the Stars" 05/28/2023

106 :: A Work of Fiction :: A Slow Drag with "There's a Story in Your Voice" 05/01/2023

106 :: A Work of Fiction :: A Slow Drag with "There's a Story in Your Voice" Today’s slow drag is with “There’s a Story in Your Voice” from “The Delivery Man,” released in 2004. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello, with the guest vocal of Lucinda Williams. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Bluesky Social: Email: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “There’s a Story in Your Voice” “There’s a Story in Your Voice” Purchase “” "There's a Story in Your Voice" Lyrics Once upon another time If you had the need I'd step right in the shoes that you've been walking 'Cos someone put the hurt in you For everyone to see And you only have to speak to tell your fortune There's a story in your voice Both by damage and by choice It tells of promises and pleasure And a tale of wine and woe The uneasy time to come And the long way 'round we go to get there Once you told me fairytales Everybody knows But I didn't care for their prediction Now you say you're leaving me And packing up your clothes I finally see you were a work of fiction There's a story in your walk Then you crumble just like chalk And I could say that I was sorry But I wouldn't mean it much There are pages I can't touch And something that's been torn out of this chapter Far away, not far enough 'Cos I can still recall How it felt when I read that last sentence Now I go inside some rooms with Gideon in them all And hide myself from all hope of repentance There's a story in your eyes Cheap sunglasses might disguise But when the bedroom light reveals All that bravado and that fright That you cover up in spite Attempts to strip away this fabrication There's a story in your voice Both by damage and by choice It tells of promises and pleasure And a tale of wine and woe The uneasy time to come And the long way 'round we go to get there /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/26706780

105 :: The Force of Habit :: A Slow Drag with "Suit of Lights" 04/17/2023

105 :: The Force of Habit :: A Slow Drag with "Suit of Lights" Today’s slow drag is with “Suit of Lights” from “King of America,” released in February, 1986. The songwriting is credited to Elvis Costello’s birth name. . . . Show Notes: Appreciation written, produced, and narrated by Remedy Robinson, MA/MFA Bluesky Social: Email: Podcast music by Rate this Podcast: References: Elvis Costello Wiki Resource, “Suit of Lights” “Suit of Lights” “Welcome to the Club” Nat “King” Cole: “Welcome to My World” Jim Reeves, 1963: “Workin’ Man Blues” Merle Haggard” “Everyday I Write the Book” “It’s a Dog’s Life” Idiom: 1987 Lasse Hallstrom Film, “My Life as a Dog” Trailer: Purchase “” "Suit of Lights" Lyrics: While Nat King Cole sings "Welcome to My World" You request some song you hate, you sentimental fool And it's the force of habit If it moves then you fuck it If it doesn't move you stab it And I thought I heard "The Working Man's Blues" He went to work that night and wasted his breath Outside there was a public execution Inside he died a thousand deaths And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they put him in a suit of lights In the perforated first editions Where they advocate the hangman's noose Then tell the sorry tale of the spent Princess Her uncouth escort looking down her dress Anyway, they say that she wears the trousers And learnt everything that she does And doesn't know if she should tell him yes Or let him go And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they put him in a suit of lights But, it's a dog's life in a rope leash or a diamond collar It's enough to make you think right now But you don't bother For goodness sake as you cry and shake Let's keep your face down in the dirt where you belong And think of all the pleasure that it brings Though you know that it's wrong And there's still life in your body But most of it's leaving Can't you give us all a break Can't you stop breathing And I thought I heard "The Working Man's Blues" I went to work that night and wasted my breath Outside they're painting tar on somebody It's the closest to a work of art that they will ever be And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they pulled him out of the cold cold ground And they put him in a suit of lights And they put him in a suit of lights /episode/index/show/slowdragwithremedy/id/26570052

104 :: With Glitter and With Dirt :: A Slow Drag with "Spooky Girlfriend" 03/20/2023

103 :: Imitation Lashes :: A Slow Drag with "You Little Fool" 03/05/2023

Slow Drag with Remedy

TOPICS