\"Lyrics
SEARCH HERE:
BROWSE 410707 LYRICS BY ARTIST/BAND NAME:
#A A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
SITE MENU
Last Updates
Request Lyrics
Submit / Correct
Popularity Charts
Modern Site
VISITORS
Login / Register
Your Thoughts
My Playlists
[ More Elvis Costello lyrics ]
add to playlist     see a mistake?    comment

Artist/Band: Elvis Costello
Lyrics for Song: Battered Old Bird
Lyrics for Album: Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]



The landlady's husband came up to town today

Since he left them both ten years ago to serve the ministry

The dark down road of his approach in constant rain was drenched

The tenant's boy said "How d'ya do" then swore in French

Did you teach this little child these curses on my soul

You should both be shut down in the coal-hole

That's the way to treat a child who cries out in the night

And a woman who teaches wrong from right



He's a Battered Old Bird

And he's living up there

There's a place where time stands still

If you keep taking those little pink pills



"Hush your mouth you hypocrite"

His humour cut her deep

The tight lipped leer of judgement

That had seen her love desert her just like sleep

"Filthy words on children's lips are better, my dear spouse

Then if I were to speak my mind about this house"



He's a Battered Old Bird

And he's living up there

There's a place where time stands still

If you keep taking those little pink pills



On the first floor there are two old maids

Each one wishing that the other was afraid

And next door to them is a man so mild

'Til he chopped off the head of a visitor's child

He danced upon the bonfire

Swallowed sleeping pills like dreams

With a bottle of sweet sherry that everything redeems



He's a Battered Old Bird

And he's living up there

There's a place where time stands still

If you keep taking those little pink pills



And on the second floor is the Macintosh Man

He's in his overcoats more than out of them

And the typewriter's rattling all through the night

He's burgundy for breakfast tight

He says "One day I'll throw away all of my cares

And it is always Christmas in a cupboard at the top of the stairs"



He's a Battered Old Bird

And he's living up there

There's a place where time stands still

If you keep taking those little pink pills



"Well here's a boy if ever there was

Who's going to do big things

That's what they all say and that's how the trouble begins

I've seen them rise and fall

Been through their big deals and smalls

He'd better have a dream that goes beyond four walls"

You think he should be sent outside playing with the traffic

When pieces of him are already scattered in the attic


About Battered Old Bird

"Battered Old Bird" stands as a poignant song in Elvis Costello's discography, showcasing his signature blend of sharp lyricism and melodic sophistication. Released on the 2007 collector's box set, this recording reflects Costello's enduring ability to craft narratives that balance personal vulnerability with social observation. The track exemplifies his mastery of the mid-tempo rock and roll format, where intricate guitar work supports a vocal delivery that oscillates between wistful reflection and biting critique. As part of his broader body of work, the song contributes to a legacy defined by its intellectual depth and emotional resonance, capturing a moment in time that resonates with listeners who appreciate nuanced storytelling within the pop-rock tradition.


Album Lyrics: Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]


Elvis Costello
"Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]"


1. Welcome To The Working Week
2. No Dancing
3. Blame It On Cain
4. Alison
5. Sneaky Feelings
6. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
7. Less Than Zero
8. Mystery Dance
9. Pay It Back
10. I'm Not Angry
11. Waiting For The End Of The World
12. Watching the Detectives
13. No Action
14. This Year's Girl
15. The Beat
16. Little Triggers
17. You Belong To Me
18. Hand In Hand
19. (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea
20. Lip Service
21. Living In Paradise
22. Lipstick Vogue
23. Night Rally
24. Radio, Radio
25. Big Tears
26. Green Shirt
27. Big Boys
28. Senior Service
29. Oliver's Army
30. Party Girl
31. Goon Squad
32. Busy Bodies
33. Sunday's Best
34. Moods For Moderns
35. Chemistry Class
36. Two Little Hitlers
37. Tiny Steps
38. Clean Money
39. Wednesday Week
40. Why Don't You Love Me (Like You Used To Do)?
41. Sweet Dreams
42. Success
43. I'm Your Toy
44. Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
45. Brown To Blue
46. Good Year For The Roses
47. Sittin' And Thinkin'
48. Colour Of The Blues
49. Too Far Gone
50. Honey Hush
51. How Much I Lied
52. Tears Before Bedtime
53. Uncomplicated
54. I Hope You're Happy Now
55. Tokyo Storm Warning
56. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head
57. Blue Chair
58. Battered Old Bird
59. Crimes Of Paris
60. Poor Napoleon
61. Baby's Got A Brand New Hairdo
62. Love For Tender
63. Opportunity
64. The Imposter
65. Secondary Modern
66. King Horse
67. Possession
68. Men Called Uncle
69. Clowntime Is Over
70. New Amsterdam
71. High Fidelity
72. I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
73. Black And White World
74. Motel Matches
75. Human Touch
76. Beaten To The Punch
77. I Stand Accused
78. The Only Flame In Town
79. Home Truth
80. Room With No Number
81. Inch By Inch
82. Worthless Thing
83. Love Field
84. I Wanna Be Loved
85. The Comedians
86. Joe Porterhouse
87. The Great Unknown
88. The Deportees Club
89. Peace In Our Time
90. Beyond Belief
91. Shabby Doll
92. The Long Honeymoon
93. ...And in Every Home
94. The Loved Ones
95. Human Hands
96. Kid About It
97. Little Savage
98. Boy With a Problem
99. Pidgin English
100. You Little Fool
101. Town Cryer
102. Brilliant Mistake
103. Lovable
104. Our Little Angel
105. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
106. Glitter Gulch
107. Little Palaces
108. I'll Wear It Proudly
109. American Without Tears
110. Eisenhower Blues
111. Poisoned Rose
112. The Big Light
113. Jack Of All Parades
114. Suit Of Lights
115. Sleep Of The Just
116. Let Them All Talk
117. The Greatest Thing
118. The Element Within Her
119. Love Went Mad
120. TKO (Boxing Day)
121. Charm School
122. The Invisible Man
123. Mouth Almighty
124. King Of Thieves
125. The World and His Wife
126. Girls Talk
127. Clubland
127. You'll Never Be A Man
127. Pretty Words
127. Strict Time
127. Luxembourg
127. Watch Your Step
127. New Lace Sleeves
127. From A Whisper To A Scream
127. Different Finger
127. White Knuckles
127. Shot With His Own Gun
127. Fish 'n' Chip Paper
127. Big Sister's Clothes