King Horse
Elvis Costello · Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]
Cheap cut satin and bad perfume
Showtime is almost here
Teased up by a strip cartoon
Laughing up your sleeve
Sniggering in your beer
He'd seen the bottom of a lot of glasses
But he'd never seen love so near
He'd seen love get so expensive
But he'd never seen love get so dear
Now I know that you're all King Horse
Between tenderness and brute force (repeat)
She can turn upon a sixpence in the mouth and trousers set
Hit the bill, ring the bell, never spill a sip
And still she knows the kind of tip that she is gonna get
A lot of loose exchanges, precious little respect
When it's someone else's weekend
That's the best you can expect
Chorus
So fond of the fabric
So fond of fabrication
From comic books to tragic
Through the heart of complications
Meanwhile back in some secluded spot
He says 'will you please?' and she says 'stop'
If I ever lose this good thing that I've got
I never want to hear the song you dedicated tonight
Cause I knew that song so long before we met
That it means much more than it might
Chorus
Showtime is almost here
Teased up by a strip cartoon
Laughing up your sleeve
Sniggering in your beer
He'd seen the bottom of a lot of glasses
But he'd never seen love so near
He'd seen love get so expensive
But he'd never seen love get so dear
Now I know that you're all King Horse
Between tenderness and brute force (repeat)
She can turn upon a sixpence in the mouth and trousers set
Hit the bill, ring the bell, never spill a sip
And still she knows the kind of tip that she is gonna get
A lot of loose exchanges, precious little respect
When it's someone else's weekend
That's the best you can expect
Chorus
So fond of the fabric
So fond of fabrication
From comic books to tragic
Through the heart of complications
Meanwhile back in some secluded spot
He says 'will you please?' and she says 'stop'
If I ever lose this good thing that I've got
I never want to hear the song you dedicated tonight
Cause I knew that song so long before we met
That it means much more than it might
Chorus
King Horse
Elvis Costello's "King Horse" stands as a quintessential example of his sharp, satirical songwriting style, blending intricate piano arrangements with biting social commentary. Recorded during the height of his career, the track exemplifies the British Invasion's enduring influence on his work, characterized by its rhythmic drive and witty lyrics that critique modern societal norms. As part of his extensive discography, the song showcases Costello's ability to craft memorable melodies that serve as vehicles for incisive observation, cementing his reputation as a master of the art song within the rock genre.

