Chelsea

Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Elvis Costello

About 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:
1990
3:57
224 
#1

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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 goin' 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 goin' 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 »

5 fans

Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Music Genre
One interesting fact about "Chelsea" by Elvis Costello is its genre. This song falls under the 'New Wave' genre, which is a style of rock music popular in the late 1970s and the 1980s.
Album Feature
"Chelsea" is a track on Costello's album titled "This Year's Model," which was his second album, released in 1978.
Band Contribution
An important fact to note about the song is that it wasn't solely a creation of Elvis Costello himself. His backing band, called The Attractions, also contributed to the song and the album it is featured on.
Live Performance
The song "Chelsea" has been performed live multiple times by Elvis Costello, both alone and alongside his band. It is a fan favorite at concerts.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics of "Chelsea" reflect Costello's cynical view of the music industry, which often focuses on the appearance and marketing of artists rather than their actual musical talent.
Song Popularity
Despite never being released as a single, "Chelsea" has always remained a popular song among Elvis Costello's fans.
Critical Reception
As with much of Elvis Costello's work, the song "Chelsea" has been met with critical acclaim, cited as showcasing his clever songwriting ability and unique sound.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists in various genres, indicating its impact and enduring popularity.
Audio Elements
"Chelsea" is known for its distinctive keyboard introduction, played by Steve Nieve, a member of The Attractions.
Songwriting
Elvis Costello holds the sole songwriting credit for "Chelsea," further cementing his reputation as an accomplished and versatile songwriter.

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