Elvis Costello And The Attractions - Strict Time (1981) [+Lyrics]

From the album "Trust" (1981).

There's a hand on a wire that leads to my mouth
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

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

Toughen up, toughen up
Keep your lip buttoned up
Strict time

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

Toughen up, toughen up
Keep your lip buttoned up
Strict time

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Elvis Costello
• The Attractions
• Strict Time
• Trust
• 1981

[Darkstarlive18]

My favorite EC song, hands down.

An infectious groove that can't be resisted.

Awesome....

[skylinedave54]

My favorite EC album. And it's not even close. 

[zeppy215]

Might be his best album? Definitely in the top 3 !!!

[siamesebailey22]

love the album