Almost Blue

Elvis Costello

About Almost Blue

"Almost Blue" is a song recorded by English group Elvis Costello and the Attractions from their sixth studio album, Imperial Bedroom (1982). Written by Costello and produced by Geoff Emerick, the track shares the name of the group's previous 1981 studio album. It was released on 2 July 1982 along with the rest of Imperial Bedroom, and would later be included on side two of The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions (1985). A traditional pop song, "Almost Blue" contains lyrics that compare a former relationship to a present one. Unanimously approved by music critics, "Almost Blue" was noted for being a highlight on Imperial Bedroom; Emerick's production on the track was also singled out by reviewers, who acclaimed his "aftermath" approach towards its composition. The song was covered by several performers, notably Chet Baker in 1987, Gwen Stefani in 1998, and by Costello's wife Diana Krall for her seventh studio album, The Girl in the Other Room (2004). 


Year:
1999
2:49
51 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Almost blue
Almost doing things we used to do
There's a girl here and she's almost you
Almost all the things that your eyes once promised
I see in hers too
Now your eyes are red from crying

Almost blue
Flirting with this disaster became me
It named me as the fool who only aimed to be

Almost blue
It's almost touching, it will almost do
There is part of me that's always true
Always
Not all good things come to an end, now it is only a chosen few
I've seen such an unhappy couple

Almost me
Almost you
Almost blue

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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 »

5 fans

Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Songwriting and Composition
"Almost Blue" was originally written and recorded by Elvis Costello for his influential 1982 album "Imperial Bedroom." - Even though Elvis Costello was mainly known for his new-wave and punk rock music, the song "Almost Blue" was inspired by jazz and showcased his versatility. - The lyrics of "Almost Blue" are intimate, heartfelt, and melancholy, depicting lost love and regret.
Chet Baker's Interpretation
The iconic jazz musician Chet Baker covered Costello's "Almost Blue" in 1987 on his album "Chet Baker in Tokyo." - Baker's version, characterized by his soft-spoken lyricism and unrivaled trumpet solos, brought a unique jazz charm to the originally pop-oriented ballad. - "Almost Blue" became one of Baker's most loved and celebrated performances, demonstrating his ability to elicit raw emotion through music.
Live Performances and Collaborations
In a demonstration of mutual admiration, Baker and Costello performed "Almost Blue" together during a live concert in 1983. - This collision of punk rock and jazz was an unusual yet beautiful combination, bringing forth an evocative and transcendent musical experience.
Impact and Legacy
The song "Almost Blue" has had a considerable impact on both the jazz and pop community. It is appreciated for its vulnerable lyricism and the emotional depth portrayed in the differing versions of Costello and Baker. - This song reinforced Elvis Costello's reputation as a talented and multifaceted songwriter while cementing Chet Baker's status as a significant interpreter of contemporary music. - "Almost Blue" continues to be covered by numerous artists from a variety of genres, underlining its enduring appeal and timeless quality.

Discuss the Almost Blue Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Almost Blue Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31765150/Elvis+Costello/Almost+Blue>.

    Missing lyrics by Elvis Costello?

    Know any other songs by Elvis Costello? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Almost Blue

    274.1K
    2,292     57

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which band is NOT from Oklahoma?
    A The Chainsaw Kittens
    B The Flaming Lips
    C Broncho
    D Brooks & Dunn

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Elvis Costello tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Almost Blue

    »
    • Georgia
    • Let's Get Lost