(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes

Elvis Costello

About (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes

"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" is a song written and recorded by Elvis Costello for his 1977 debut album My Aim Is True. Written by Costello on a train ride to Liverpool in 1976, the song features lyrics, according to Costello, about "romantic disappointment". The song features Byrds-inspired music with an intro contributed by John McFee of Costello's then-backing band Clover. "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" was released as the third single from My Aim Is True. Despite greater exposure than Costello's past singles, the song failed to chart in the UK. The song has seen positive reception from critics and remains a staple of Costello's live set. 


Year:
1977
2:47
105 

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Oh, I used to be disgusted
And now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels want to wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, now that angels want to wear my red shoes

Oh, oh, I was watching while you're dancing away
Our love got fractured in the echo and sway
How come everybody wants to be your friend?
You know that it still hurts me just to say it

Oh, I know that she's disgusted (oh, why's that?)
Because she's feeling so abused (oh, that's too bad)
She gets tired of the lust (oh, I'm so sad)
But it's so hard to refuse
Can you say that I'm too old
When the angels have stolen my red shoes?

Oh, oh I said, "I'm so happy I could die"
She said, "Drop dead," then left with another guy
That's what you get if you go chasing after vengeance
Ever since you got me punctured, this has been my sentence

Oh, I used to be disgusted
But now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels want to wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, now that the angels want to wear my red shoes

Oh, I won't get any older, now the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes

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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


13 facts about this song

Release Information
"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" is one of Elvis Costello's earliest songs, released in 1977 on his debut album "My Aim Is True".
Song Meaning
The song is often interpreted as being about life's struggles and overcoming them, with the 'red shoes' symbolizing life's temptations.
Reception
Although "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" was never released as a single in the UK, it achieved modest commercial success in the US and is now one of Costello's most recognizable songs.
Live Performances
Elvis Costello has performed this song live many times, including in his famous "Saturday Night Live" debut in 1977 where he played it instead of "Less Than Zero" which was planned.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered this song, including The Staves and British indie rock band 10,000 Things.
Music Video
There is an official music video for the song, in which Costello appears wearing his signature pair of red shoes.
Pop Culture Reference
The song is referenced in the Stephen King novel "The Stand," when one character hears it on the radio and thinks it's being played for him.
Fiction Influence
"Red Shoes by the Drugstore," a song by Tom Waits from his album "Blue Valentine," is reportedly inspired by Costello's song.
Commercial Use
The song was used in a Charles Schwab commercial in the late 1990s.
Music Composition
As per Elvis Costello, this song was one that came all together quickly in writing comparing to his other compositions.
Special Lyrics Edition
A special Collector's Edition release of "My Aim is True" contains alternate lyrics for "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes."
Album Contribution
The track opens the UK version of Costello's greatest hits album "The Very Best of Elvis Costello."
Radio Airplay
Despite not being released as a single, "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" was widely embraced by radio DJs and became one of Costello's most played songs of 1977.

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