Strict Time
Elvis Costello · Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]
I can hear you knocking but I'm not coming out
Don't want to be a puppet or a ventriloquist
'Cause there's no ventilation on a critical list
Fingers creeping up my spine are not mine to resist
Strict time
Chorus:
Toughen up, toughen up
Keep your lip buttoned up
Strict time
Oh the muscles flex and the fingers curl
And a cold sweat breaks out on the sweater girl
Strict time
Oh he's all hands, don't touch that dial
The courting cold wars weekend witch trial
Strict time
All the boys are straight laced and the girls are frigid
The talk is two-faced and the rules are rigid 'cause it's strict time
Strict time
Chorus
You talk in hushed tones, I talk in lush tones
Try to look Italian through the musical Valium
Strict time
Thinking of grand larceny
Smoking the everlasting cigarette of chastity
Cute assistants staying alive
More like a hand job than the hand jive
Strict time
Chorus
Strict Time
Strict Time stands as a compelling song in Elvis Costello's expansive discography, showcasing the sharp wit and rhythmic precision that define his early punk and new wave era. The track captures the artist's signature ability to blend biting social commentary with driving musical arrangements, reflecting the urgency often found in his work from the late 1970s. As part of a broader collection of recordings, the song highlights Costello's versatility as a songwriter who seamlessly navigates between introspection and energetic performance. Its inclusion in various compilations underscores its enduring appeal among fans of British rock and post-punk. The recording remains a testament to Costello's prolific output and his lasting influence on the genre, offering listeners a concise yet powerful example of his songwriting craft during a pivotal period in his career.