Watching the Detectives
Metropole Orchestra, Elvis Costello
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Nice girls, not one with a defect Cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct Red dogs under illegal legs She looks so good that he gets down and begs She is watching the detectives Ooh, he's so cute, she is watching the detectives When they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot They beat him up until the teardrops start But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart Long shot at that jumping sign Invisible shivers running down my spine Cut to baby taking off her clothes Close-up of the sign that says, 'We never close' He snatch at you and you match his cigarette [unverified] She pulls the eyes out with a face like a magnet I don't know how much more of this I can take She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake She is watching the detectives Ooh, he's so cute, she is watching the detectives When they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot They beat him up until the teardrops start But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart You think you're alone until you realize you're in it Now fear is here to stay, love is here for a visit They call it instant justice when it's past the legal limit Someone's scratching at the window, I wonder who is it The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents Who are ready to hear the worst About their daughter's disappearance Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay It only took my little fingers to blow you away Just like watching the detectives Don't get cute, it's just like watching the detectives I get so angry when the teardrops start But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no hearts Watching the detectives It's just like watching the detectives Watching the detectives Watching the detectives Watching the detectives
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Elvis Costello
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Composition"Watching the Detectives" was written by Elvis Costley himself, making it one of his original compositions to debut his career.
|
Production InformationThe song was produced by Nick Lowe, a renowned English singer-songwriter and musician known for his involvement in new wave and punk rock.
|
Musical StyleThis song is often categorized under new wave, reggae and punk rock, showcasing Costello's diverse genre involvement.
|
Release Date"Watching the Detectives" was first released as a single in October 1977, making it one of Costello's earliest works.
|
Album InclusionAlthough the song was initially a non-album single, it was later included in the U.S. version of Costello's debut album "My Aim Is True."
|
Chart PerformanceThe song had significant chart success in the UK, reaching No. 15 on the UK singles chart. However, it did not chart in the U.S.
|
Song InspirationCostello reportedly wrote "Watching the Detectives" while listening to "The Clash," a British punk rock band.
|
Song InterpretationThe lyrics of the song appear to relate an individual's fascination with crime-regarding TV shows, which turns into a real-life crime scene.
|
Significant RecognitionThe song is regarded as one of Costello's signature songs. In 2001, it was put at number 354 in "Rolling Stone" magazine's list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time,"
|
Live VersionsElvis Costello often performs "Watching the Detectives" in his live shows, with a rotating line-up of band members, but always keeping the original arrangement largely intact.
|
Literary ReferenceThe lyrics of the song reportedly reference the popular Raymond Chandler novel "The Big Sleep," illustrating how Costley effectively exploits literary techniques in his songwriting.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Watching the Detectives Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27146682/Elvis+Costello/Watching+the+Detectives>.
Discuss the Watching the Detectives Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In