Elvis Costello (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding

Poster owns no copyright to music or video which is posted for the purposes of nostalgia, education and entertainment. Nick Lowe classic cover by Elvis Costello with either the Attractions or Imposters given the former were both Elvis' former bands, with video shot on English Bay, Stanley Park and other locations in Vancouver BC judging by the scenery and totem poles. The subtitles in whatever language reveal understanding wasn't the intent, so what of peace and love? Hope everyone gets as big a kick out of the subtitles and their irony when juxtaposed with the song title.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Elvis
• Costello

[macwaynester]

Thanks joshuak47, I thought it might be the lyrics, you've demystified that for me, now the question is whether Elvis put the subtitles there.

[macwaynester]

Hi,

I'm not sure whether the original video had subtitles or not. Declan McManus would be the guy to ask.

[macwaynester]

Thanks for the update. As I mentioned in the video blurb, Stanley Park is definitely in the background, but contrary to your earlier comment, the panel shown above left provides a view across English Bay with the North Shore Mountains likely taken from Jericho Beach, or at least that appears to be the case. I lived in Vancouver several years and spent a lot of time at Jericho crabbing and conducting surveys of anglers and became quite familiar with the waterfront from Horseshoe Bay to Pt Moody.

[xerochi]

This song reminds me of "Lost In Translation". Bill Murray for the win!

[TurnOffYourMind1]

@saintpala hes the coolest nerd ive ever seen

[Henjo29]

Wanderlust brought me here.

[badman11811]

@2011chauncey Please what? This is painful for me to listen to.

[2011chauncey]

@badman11811 That is utterly laughable and painful that you would think that version is better. Pete Thomas' drumming alone makes it stand out over that Perfect Circle cover. Please.

[2011chauncey]

I love the video. Reminds of the great MTV years where this was played 3 times a day, every day! However, I can't watch it now because it's in a higher key. Why did they speed it up??? Annoying! Never realized it back then.

[shortofalength]

Wow Elvis complete with Japanese translation of lyrics which are a hoot!!!!! Still one of my favourites songs. Written by Nick Lowe of course but gee Elvis and the lads do a great job.....

[Shoregirlie]

Wow! one of my fav's Elvis.... I can tell you what's so funny... why haven't I met you yet? ha!

[crapple009]

@charlyW34 The "jungle" scene could indeed have been filmed in Hawaii when they were filming the Oliver's Army clip during same tour (also directed by Chuck Statler, as well) and edited together as they appear to be wearing the same clothes (Steve Nieve in the policeman's uniform, Pete Thomas drumming on some kind of steel barrel). Perhaps, perhaps not. 

[crapple009]

@samhainkid I had always thought Costello's take on it was a sarcastic one as his arrogance and insolence were at its peak when this was filmed (1978). To be singing a "hippie"-type anthem during those halcyon days of (post) punk/new wave seemed like a novelty. Then again, I could be wrong but Elvis did wind-up a lot of people at the time (some rightfully so). Just my two cents' worth, that's all.

[r4bb1tr1pp3r]

what a legend!

[badman11811]

A Perfect Circle's version is better.