Men Called Uncle
Elvis Costello · Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]
Well maybe that's why I can read you like a book
Just when I thought I was getting my taste to bite
I go and lose my appetite
Look at the men that you'd call uncle
They'd like to sink their teeth into you
For the pride and the pleasure
And the privilege of having you
If I say you're the one do you think that I'm serious
You get that kind of talk from older men
If I say I love you then I must be delirious
So why are you trying to put my temperature up again
Look at the men that you'd call uncle
Having a heart attack round your ankles
When you wake up with X-rated eyes
When you wake up still shaking
How can I apologize
As you check your effects and check your reflection
I'm so affected in the face of your affection
Look at the men that you'd call uncle
Having a heart attack round your ankles
I could swear, I could promise that I'll always be true to you
But we may not live to be so old
I could even say I'm going to do something new to you
Now the girls I see just leave me cold
Look at the men that you call uncle...
Men Called Uncle
Elvis Costello's 'Men Called Uncle' stands as a poignant exploration of male vulnerability and the complexities of fatherhood, delivered with his signature melodic precision. Recorded during the late 1990s, the track exemplifies his ability to blend British pop sensibilities with introspective lyricism, often drawing on personal experiences to craft universal narratives. The song's emotional depth is underscored by Costello's distinctive vocal delivery, which balances warmth with a touch of melancholy, characteristic of his work from that era. It remains a notable example of his catalog, reflecting a period where he frequently examined the dynamics of relationships and societal expectations through a sharp, witty lens.