(I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea

Elvis Costello

About (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea

"(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" is a song written by new wave musician Elvis Costello and recorded by Costello with his backing band the Attractions. The song appeared on Costello's 1978 second album, This Year's Model. Written by Costello while working as a computer programmer, the song was lyrically inspired by films Costello had been watching as well as childhood trips to Chelsea. Musically the song featured influence from bands such as the Who and the Kinks and is notable for Bruce Thomas's prominent bassline. "Chelsea" was released as the debut single from This Year's Model, reaching number 16 in the UK and charting in other countries. The release was accompanied by a music video. The song has since received positive reception from critics and remains a staple of Costello's live set. 


Year:
1978
3:07
100 

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Photographs of fancy tricks to get your kicks at sixty-six
He thinks of all the lips that he licks
And all the girls that he's going to fix
She gave a little flirt, gave herself a little cuddle
But there's no place here for the mini-skirt waddle
Capital punishment, she's last year's model
They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Oh no, it does not move me
Even though I've seen the movie
I don't want to check your pulse
I don't want nobody else
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Everybody's got new orders
Be a nice girl and kiss the warders
Now the teacher is away
All the kids begin to play

Men come screaming, dressed in white coats
Shake you very gently by the throat
One's named Gus, one's named Alfie
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Oh no, it does not move me
Even though I've seen the movie
I don't want to check your pulse
I don't want nobody else
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Photographs of fancy tricks to get your kicks at sixty-six
He thinks of all the lips that he licks
And all the girls that he's going to fix
She gave a little flirt, gave herself a little cuddle
But there's no place here for the mini-skirt waddle
Capital punishment, she's last year's model
They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Oh no, it does not move me
Even though I've seen the movie
I don't want to check your pulse
I don't want nobody else
I don't want to go to Chelsea

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Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello (born Declan Patrick MacManus, 25 August 1954) is an English singer-songwriter. He began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the first wave of the British punk/New Wave movement of the mid-to-late 1970s. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader than that of most popular songs. His music has drawn on many diverse genres; one critic described him as a "pop encyclopaedia", able to "reinvent the past in his own image". more »

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Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Fact
"(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea" is a song by Elvis Costello, an English singer-songwriter renowned for his lyrics' wit and musical style that blends multiple genres.
Album Fact
The song is taken from his second album, "This Year's Model," which was released in 1978. This album is largely considered as one of Elvis's best and most influential records.
Chart Fact
"(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea" was a hit in the UK, peaking at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart.
Genre Fact
The song is noted for its New Wave sound, a genre that combines elements of punk rock and pop music. It showcases Costello's signature wordplay and complex song structures.
Instrumentation Fact
One of the most noticeable features of the song is its searing guitar riff, played by Costello's long-time collaborator, the Attractions guitarist Steve Nieve.
Lyric Fact
The song presents a skeptical view of the trendy London district of Chelsea, with Costello expressing his disdain with the superficial trappings of fame and success.
Songwriting Fact
Costello has noted that the song was largely inspired by The Clash's "Complete Control," another song that critiques the music industry.
Music Video Fact
The music video for the song was one of the first to be directed by Paul McCartney's brother, Mike McCartney.
Cultural Impact Fact
"(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea" has been covered by several artists, including Dave Stewart and his band, The Spiritual Cowboys. It has also been included in numerous compilation albums for Elvis Costello.
Legacy Fact
The song continues to be a mainstay in Costello's live setlists, and it's one of his most recognizable and widely appreciated songs.

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