Elvis Costello - The Poisoned Rose (Song & Lyrics)

Album: King of America (1986)
Permissions: Universal Music Group.

King of America is the tenth album by the British rock singer and songwriter Elvis Costello, billed as "the Costello Show featuring the Attractions and Confederates." In reality, the Attractions appear on only on track, "Suit of Lights", but would return for Costello's next album, Blood and Chocolate.

Unlike his previous albums, King of America was recorded in Los Angeles. Costello references the Los Angeles smog in the liner notes from the Rykodisc and Rhino versions of the album as an explanation as to why his voice is strained on some of the tracks. Also, at the time of this album, the recently-divorced Costello legally changed his name back to Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus (the "Aloysius" being a new addition). Consequently, this is the first of a string of albums where the songs and production are credited to MacManus, while the album itself is credited to Elvis Costello. All of Costello's instrumental performances on this album are attributed to "the Little Hands of Concrete" (L.H.C. for short), a self-deprecating reference to his guitar-playing ability
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Elvis Costello a/k/a The Little Hands of Concrete a/k/a Declan Patrick Aloysius MacManus -- acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolins, lead vocal

Mickey Curry -- brushes, drums, sticks

Jerry Scheff -- string bass, electric bass

Tom "T-Bone" Wolk -- electric guitar, piano accordion, electric bass

Mitchell Froom -- Hammond organ, harpsichord, organ, doctored piano

Jim Keltner -- sticks, drums, brushes
David Hidalgo -- harmony vocal (on "Lovable")
James Burton -- electric guitar, Dobro, acoustic guitar
Ron Tutt -- brushes, drums
Michael Blair -- marimba
T-Bone Burnett -- electric guitar, production
Jo-El Sonnier -- French accordion on "American Without Tears"
Ray Brown -- string bass on "Eisenhower Blues"
Earl Palmer-- brushes, drums
Tom Canning -- piano
Steve Nieve -- piano, Hammond organ
Bruce Thomas -- electric bass on "Suit of Lights"
Pete Thomas -- sticks, drums on "Suit of Lights"
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Fan created video by: Tony Tuthill (www.tonytuthill.com), "Baron of Tee-Shirts" & Character Designer for 'The Venetian Princess'. "The Red Shirt Who Lived"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Universal Music Group
• Elvis Costello
• King of America
• The Poisoned Rose
• Mickey Curry
• Jerry Scheff
• Tom T-Bone Wolk
• Mitchell Froom
• Jim Keltner
• David Hidalgo
• James Burton
• Ron Tutt
• Michael Blair
• T-Bone Burnett
• Jol El Sonnier
• Bruce Thomas
• Pete Thomas
• Art
• Tony Tuthill

[jonasbrothersrock92]

wow.

this is beautiful :)

not just because of nick jonas

liking him,

seriously. hes amazing.

[omjitscarlee]

LOL thats how i found out about him and i love him now!

[TonyTuthill]

That is interesting...in a great way.

I found out about him from a girl who moved from the east coast to the midwest in the early 80's.

She handed me 'Punch the Clock'. His music has been a life soundtrack since.

[TonyTuthill]

What a great person to be inspired by. Yes. He truly is amazing.

[TonyTuthill]

Thank you for allowing me to keep this on YouTube, UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP!

[TonyTuthill]

Same here! It was a coin flip that decided I do this one over Indoor Fireworks. :)

[pacerdanny]

LOVE your 19th Century typography!

[Hankinsjj]

ONE person has no soul!

[wpollock1]

@TonyTuthill OK, I like both but Indoor Fireworks is the stronger song.  Maybe you will start a new project? We can only hope!

[sultana63again]

You were in my mind..... I was just pushing the play button...... How can you be in my mind some times????

My love to you!!!!

[Ghostorchid2]

Listening to this again. It tears me up.

See you later sweet.

5*****.

[sultana63again]

Thank you so much for this beautiful song!

Thank you Susie for sharing! Of course 5*****

[WildAlways]

Such a beautiful song, sings with such passion..Thanks Elvis...

Thanks TonyTuthill for a fab post..

[eekabostatic]

Some of his best, most heartrending singing ever. Elvis is known to be a big Gram Parsons admirer, and I wouldn't be surprised if he intended "spikes the drink" as a tip of the hat to Parson's "$1,000 Wedding".

[HailingFrequency]

oh, cool! Thanks. Sorry so long to reply!

[fattuchus]

I think I see Yoko!

[MGkings]

Timeless voice. Wish I could sing like that.

EC is so cool.

[PaulaMcEwan]

wow

[perchequi]

beautiful album, great song...'a rose is a rose is a rose...'

[eekabostatic]

Great choice! "but no more medicine..."

[danndi920]

raindogs DOT 8m DOT com, check us out

[dawnyb06]

One of my old all time favs besides Indoor Fireworks, Bravo!