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Elvis Costello — Everyday I Write the Book
Album: Punch the Clock
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1227









Released: 1983
Length: 3:49
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Don't tell me you don't know what love is
When you're old enough to know better
When you find strange hands in your sweater
When your dreamboat turns out to be a footnote
I'm a man with a mission on two or three editions.

And I'm giving you a longing look
Everyday
Everyday
Everyday I write the book.
Chapter One: We didn't really get along.
Chapter Two: I think I fell in love with you.
You said you'd stand by me in the middle of Chapter Three

But you were up to your old tricks in Chapters Four
Five and Six.
And I'm giving you a longing look...
The way you walk
The way you talk and try to kiss me
And laugh in four or five paragraphs.
All your compliments and your cutting remarks
Are captured here in my quotation marks.

And I'm giving you a longing look...
Everyday I write the book.
Don't tell me you don't know the difference
Between a lover and a fighter.
With my pen and my electric typewriter
Even in a perfect world where everyone was equal
I'd still own the film rights and be working on the sequel.

And I'm giving you a longing look...
Everyday
Everyday
Everyday I write the book.
Everyday
Everyday
Everyday
Everyday I write the book...
Comments (99)add comment
I remember the funny video with Charles and Diana lookalikes
Posted 8 months ago by grandemarch    [ Reply ]
Stick to writing them, Elvis
Posted 1 year ago by BonzoWiltsUK    [ Reply ]
*writes* hmm yas oh let me listen to this song then I will go back to writing my book.
Posted 1 year ago by TDS513    [ Reply ]
love this. lyrics are so great! so smart. great album.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Good song, brings back memories of 1982-1983, the good old days.  I can see how it's a little bland for the RP crowd though.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 WakeUpWorld wrote:

This is one of his better songs, but I DON'T get the attraction for this guy. He sings like he's throwing up, my least favorite singer on the planet, sorry to say. He has some songwriting skills though. Won't ever buy anything by EC or the other EC for that matter. Jeff Beck, now we're talking.




Jesus. So then just listen to JB, who couldn't be any different than EC. What's the point of even mentioning it?  And thanks for adding authoritatively that "this is one of his better songs". Obviously we've got a genius in our midst.
Posted 2 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
A long-admired song for me, especially the playful arrangement, and a fine example of why the late '70s Yamaha Electric Grand (i.e. CP-70/CP-80) is my all-time favorite keyboard instrument.
Posted 7 years ago by Synth80s    [ Reply ]
Funny...i was just singing this song last night...and I don't particularly like it
Posted 8 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Yep, still don't like this song. Can't explain it...I like other Elvis Costello songs. This one grates on my nerves like fingernails on chalkboard.
Posted 8 years ago by doktorpsilo    [ Reply ]
Unvergessen Rockpalast mim Elvis und ich waaa dabei
Posted 9 years ago by tonispizzeria    [ Reply ]
the first Elvis Costello song I ever heard :) not hisbest but, oh! the memories! love him.
Posted 9 years ago by adpucci    [ Reply ]
The book be written...  meanwhile, back at the ranch, everybody in my alien space craft loves this groovy song soooo much...
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 suesblues wrote:
wonderful songs from Elvis C - watched Lost in Translation the other day (on flight) and there's another great Costello song there...Peace Love and Understanding - great to hear him again. My favourite Costello album was always Get Happy..

 
PL&U was actually written by Nick Lowe another amazing songwriter and musician.   {#Clap}
Posted 10 years ago by dingusbother    [ Reply ]
Cool!
Posted 10 years ago by allmodcons    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
I have always very truly loved this song....

 
{#Clap} ..... and me
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
wonderful songs from Elvis C - watched Lost in Translation the other day (on flight) and there's another great Costello song there...Peace Love and Understanding - great to hear him again. My favourite Costello album was always Get Happy..
Posted 10 years ago by suesblues    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 10 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
 obstetricus wrote:
sweet vid...remember when it came out on MTV when they actually played music.  Lady Di and Charles theme if I remember correctly.

 
Was thinking the same thing...though I do believe this video doesn't exactly paint the Royal couple in a good light...particularly Charles. I suppose this video would be rather outdated and inappropriate today. Have always liked this pop song.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
This is one of his better songs, but I DON'T get the attraction for this guy. He sings like he's throwing up, my least favorite singer on the planet, sorry to say. He has some songwriting skills though. Won't ever buy anything by EC or the other EC for that matter. Jeff Beck, now we're talking.
Posted 11 years ago by WakeUpWorld    [ Reply ]
I have always very truly loved this song....
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]

This song is soooo good for the ears!!!!
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
As always, great lyrics from Costello. Not sure about the backing music in this, but I guess it was the era where this kinda sound was popular - sounds very cheesy now.
Posted 11 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
Some of the best lyrics ever written (in my opinion) by this master songwriter. A long-time favorite.
Posted 11 years ago by slr242    [ Reply ]
 horstman wrote:
If this song and Veronica caught your ear for this musician, then you missed his genius . . . his Buddy Holly meets the Ramones rock and roll quick shuffle side step. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Elvis died after Armed Forces. He is an artist that is constantly reinventing himself. And that's great if the end result is evolution. But in this case, and in Elvis's career in general, it is more a de-evolution in sound as he matures. Give me New Years Model anyday over this pop tripe! 6.6 is pretty fair if not generous. Hey Bill, let's round off to the nearest 100. That way we might get the blessed 6.66 rating for such a devilish song.
 
Truth-  This song could have been anybody's throw away.
Posted 11 years ago by :+:_DL    [ Reply ]
Elvis gets better with age. 

His catalog is huge.  His pop was smart and catchy!

Holds up as such.
Posted 11 years ago by Bargamon    [ Reply ]
ten
Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
 horstman wrote:


If this song and Veronica caught your ear for this musician, then you missed his genius . . . his Buddy Holly meets the Ramones rock and roll quick shuffle side step.

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Elvis died after Armed Forces. He is an artist that is constantly reinventing himself. And that's great if the end result is evolution.

But in this case, and in Elvis's career in general, it is more a de-evolution in sound as he matures.

Give me New Years Model anyday over this pop tripe!

6.6 is pretty fair if not generous.

Hey Bill, let's round off to the nearest 100. That way we might get the blessed 6.66 rating for such a devilish song.
 

Couldn't disagree more vociferously.  And I have been a huge fan of this absoulute and total fucking musical genius since before THIS Years Model. 

He is constantly reinventing himself and that is what makes any artist continually interesting rather than some one note wonder who keeps going out on tour with other oldies acts to play their 3 or 4 songs we all remember from way back when.


Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
A lot of wisdom in this song - a great one by EC!
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 hencini wrote:
Great song.  This was one of two that really turned me towards EC, the other being "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror".  Both very hard to beat.  
 
gotta admit, was never a fan, but this song and "Alison" (sp?) stuck with me, and now, I grudgingly admit that Elvis has done some really good stuff....
Posted 12 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
Great song.  This was one of two that really turned me towards EC, the other being "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror".  Both very hard to beat.  
Posted 12 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
sweet vid...remember when it came out on MTV when they actually played music.  Lady Di and Charles theme if I remember correctly.
Posted 13 years ago by obstetricus    [ Reply ]
sugarbaby wrote:
first song that made me really pay attention to this guy. if not this song, then veronica would caught my fancy later...
If this song and Veronica caught your ear for this musician, then you missed his genius . . . his Buddy Holly meets the Ramones rock and roll quick shuffle side step. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Elvis died after Armed Forces. He is an artist that is constantly reinventing himself. And that's great if the end result is evolution. But in this case, and in Elvis's career in general, it is more a de-evolution in sound as he matures. Give me New Years Model anyday over this pop tripe! 6.6 is pretty fair if not generous. Hey Bill, let's round off to the nearest 100. That way we might get the blessed 6.66 rating for such a devilish song.
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
RobK wrote:
just amazed at the (low) rating for this song, ........ people are strange.
People are Strange - that's a Door's song ;). I think maybe the reason for the low rating is that compared to other Elvis Costello songs this is not his best work - closer to generic pop and less like Elvis Costello's usual. Not what people expect from him. That said a 6+ rating ain't bad.
Posted 17 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
just amazed at the (low) rating for this song, and the amount of negative comments. it's such a good tune, so well-crafted...i never ever ever would have thought there'd be any significant number of people out there who truly disliked it. it's a solid 9 for me. people are strange.
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
first song that made me really pay attention to this guy. if not this song, then veronica would caught my fancy later...
Posted 17 years ago by sugarbaby    [ Reply ]
Probably my favorite EC song (closely followed by Veronica). It's clever, it's self-deprecating, it's tuneful, and I love the bass line. Stellar.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Ohhhhhhhhh, I do like Elvis C. :)
Posted 17 years ago by honeygirl    [ Reply ]
bmeador wrote:
Oh dear lord this is painful. Make it stop.
Actually this song is listenable, but only on mute. Sorry, only Presley is my Elvis.
Posted 17 years ago by js5280    [ Reply ]
Oh dear lord this is painful. Make it stop.
Posted 17 years ago by bmeador    [ Reply ]
Kind of a strange period for Elvis. One last attempt at mainstream success, winning no new fans and alienating old ones. (At least for a while.)
Posted 17 years ago by suddenchad    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
This is one of the tunes I take with me to test speakers/headphones at the audio shop. I love the strings in the background, and only a good piece of equipment can bring them out.
I LOVE the bass line on this... Saw him do this at the Greek years ago right after this album. Sounded great. Did anybody catch his Elvis and Friends special recently on VH1? Super cheezy interviews, but he played with Alanis Morrisette, Billy bob what's his name from Green Day and those Death Cab for Cutie guys. The music wasn't too bad...
Posted 17 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
This is one of the tunes I take with me to test speakers/headphones at the audio shop. I love the strings in the background, and only a good piece of equipment can bring them out.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
oufason wrote:
That may have been when the CD was re-released or re-issued. I think the LP came out in 83
I was, uh, you know, kidding....? :~
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
This song always reminds me of my favorite poem by Wallace Stevens, The Planet on the Table. The song refers more to Stevens than the book of love. One of my fave costello tunes. And I'venot been a fan in years.
Posted 17 years ago by MCKY    [ Reply ]
SigmaBetaTooth wrote:
his original backup band was Clover better know as Huey Lewis and The News
Actually, they were never his back-up band...just the studio players on the first album. The Attractions were formed before the album was released, which is why Watching The Detectives sounds so different than everything else on the American version of the debut. Clover did some tasty stuff, I might add, and was a killer, tight live band. Saw them about a month before Elvis rolled through St Louis in '78...all the elvis crew asked about when they heard they missed them was if they left any pot!!! And only Huey Lewis and the bass player went on to the news. John McFee joined the Doobie Brothers...
Posted 17 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
I'm a big EC fan. There are so many good songs, why pick this one? It's dippy and trivial, plus it already gets radio play on commercial stations.
Posted 17 years ago by newfor    [ Reply ]
RobK wrote:
I clicked on the link under the album, says September of '03. I agree, I thought this song was a lot older than that...;)
That may have been when the CD was re-released or re-issued. I think the LP came out in 83
Posted 17 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
I'm not much of an Elvis C fan, but I like this.
Posted 18 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
SigmaBetaTooth wrote:
WOW this is an oldy. Quick! RELEASE DATE?
I clicked on the link under the album, says September of '03. I agree, I thought this song was a lot older than that...;)
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
SigmaBetaTooth wrote:
WOW this is an oldy. Quick! RELEASE DATE?
Fine i'll answer it myself. 1983 Sidnote: didn't know he had been around since 1977 and his original backup band was Clover better know as Huey Lewis and The News
Posted 18 years ago by SigmaBetaTooth    [ Reply ]
A musician I have tremendous respect for. But just don't care for his music. This is one the few I enjoy.
Posted 18 years ago by MtnGoat    [ Reply ]
WOW this is an oldy. Quick! RELEASE DATE?
Posted 18 years ago by SigmaBetaTooth    [ Reply ]
Chi_Guy wrote:
The ONLY Elvis that counts!
Oh, is THAT what he was doing?
Posted 18 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
Saw him do this at the Greek in Berkeley 20 or so years ago. Great tune.
Posted 18 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Gotta love this album, if only because I used to wear glasses like that too. Back in the day.
That's why I love it too, xkolibuul. Because of your eyewear fashion at the time.
Posted 18 years ago by kevin36    [ Reply ]
This is the song I take to the stereo shop to test out the equipment. This is a fine arrangement, including a background string section that is subtle, but discernable with the right system.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Just a cool song with a catchy hook - what's the big deal?
Posted 18 years ago by Rickmerr    [ Reply ]
I am a huge EC fan but this has got to be one of my least favorites.
Posted 18 years ago by Lensles    [ Reply ]
Gotta love this album, if only because I used to wear glasses like that too. Back in the day.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Govi wrote:
I am another. Nothing at all about his performances on RP appeal to me. His voice gets to me the way fingernails scraping on a black board do. There's no accounting for tastes, I guess, not ours, nor the ones who like him.
There are maybe three songs by E.C. that I like: Alison, Veronica, and this one. He can sing, but most of his songs suck. What I could never understand was the critics: they loved this guy.
Posted 18 years ago by pianocomposer    [ Reply ]
Govi wrote:
I am another. Nothing at all about his performances on RP appeal to me. His voice gets to me the way fingernails scraping on a black board do. There's no accounting for tastes, I guess, not ours, nor the ones who like him.
I am yet another one (maybe more of us out there than we thought?). I just don't understand this guy's appeal. RP is still the best, though.
Posted 18 years ago by raven121x    [ Reply ]
highwindows wrote:
Exactly - The man just can't sing.
I Hope this is sarcastic....I can't even come up with words to disagree with you.....
Posted 18 years ago by Farquwaar    [ Reply ]
Govi wrote:
I am another. Nothing at all about his performances on RP appeal to me. His voice gets to me the way fingernails scraping on a black board do. There's no accounting for tastes, I guess, not ours, nor the ones who like him.
Exactly - The man just can't sing.
Posted 18 years ago by highwindows    [ Reply ]
ChicagoEmily wrote:
I think I may be one of the few people on earth that hates Elvis Costello. But I do. I hate him. I have absolutely no idea why, either. Sorry.
I am another. Nothing at all about his performances on RP appeal to me. His voice gets to me the way fingernails scraping on a black board do. There's no accounting for tastes, I guess, not ours, nor the ones who like him.
Posted 18 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
i've learned to tolerate (if not necessarily appreciate) a few elvis songs over the past few years, but this one is simply dreadful.
Posted 18 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
catbirdman wrote:
It was with this song, way back when, that Elvis jumped shark. I still love the guy, but please -- "I'm giving you a longing look"?
Agreed. In recent years he's managed to produce some fine music, though. This particular song is a definite low.
Posted 18 years ago by Gribnif    [ Reply ]
"I'd rewrite the book of love. I'd make it funny." --Laurie A
Posted 18 years ago by quesarah    [ Reply ]
Boosiewolf wrote:
Aside from this song having personal sentimental value for me, I just think it's one of the most classic and fun Elvis songs to listen to.
I'm wit ya Boosie! Fun and enjoyable doesn't necessarily = unlistenable. I still like it. A lot.
Posted 18 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
I think I may be one of the few people on earth that hates Elvis Costello. But I do. I hate him. I have absolutely no idea why, either. Sorry.
Posted 18 years ago by ChicagoEmily    [ Reply ]
Catchy.
Posted 18 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]
It was with this song, way back when, that Elvis jumped shark. I still love the guy, but please -- "I'm giving you a longing look"?
Posted 18 years ago by catbirdman    [ Reply ]
I almost never say this, but: For the love of all that is holy, if you're gonna play something from Punch the Clock, puh-lease play something other than this.
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
MickMan wrote:
I rented this album for a buck back in '83 from "Home of the Hits" in Buffalo and taped it. My room-mates wanted to kick me out of the house for this song alone. I've always liked it, but then again, I'm a huge Elvis fan.
Wow--so you're the person that single-handedly brought down the music industry in the early 80's with home taping...I'm calling Declan right now to tell him your check for $6.99 is on the way. Clive Davis
Posted 18 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Great production values. Love the piano. Lsiten to the dreany strings. This is the cut I take on a CD to the stereo store to evaluate sound systems. Most times the salesman wants to know what it is so he can use it on his next customer.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
My God. It's not fair to say it's bad, dreadful, or awful, but I hate it.
Posted 18 years ago by Zweiblumen    [ Reply ]
The ONLY Elvis that counts!
Posted 18 years ago by Chi_Guy    [ Reply ]
I love his style. And I like the music too.
Posted 18 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
I rented this album for a buck back in '83 from "Home of the Hits" in Buffalo and taped it. My room-mates wanted to kick me out of the house for this song alone. I've always liked it, but then again, I'm a huge Elvis fan.
Posted 18 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
ObsidianInfinity wrote:
doesn't live up to his standards. just bad.
I agree. It's weak. There's some other stuff on 'Punch the Clock' that's a whole lot more engaging. 'Let Them All Talk' being one example.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Everyone on RP knows what an Elvis fan I am, but I'll say it again - he can do no wrong in my book (ha!).
Posted 19 years ago by laprincessa    [ Reply ]
doesn't live up to his standards. just bad.
Posted 19 years ago by ObsidianInfinity    [ Reply ]
I vaguelly recall reading somewhere that this was meant as a spoof of Motown songs and he ended up liking it enough to keep.
Posted 19 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
Elvis! (the other one...) Great motto for writers...
Posted 19 years ago by markvery    [ Reply ]
I think it is overrated :-$
Posted 19 years ago by rolf    [ Reply ]
sorry - for me, this one's not good. the "everyday everyday" echoes are just cheezy and painful. I know, I know - Elvis Costello is great... I like his music too, but this one's not for me.
Posted 19 years ago by LLMikeJ    [ Reply ]
There are so many great songs by Elvis Costello and this one ranks high among them. Articulate, engaging, and boppy (in a good way!). Keep it coming, Bill!
Posted 19 years ago by Cdog    [ Reply ]
Skeletor wrote:
Give me Alison or Lip Service or Pump it Up anyday. This is too synth-poppy. Enjoyable, but too smooth. Everyone can agree on it, even the boss.
Must, MUST disagree. This particular tune is so well written, snappy, the cadence of the lyrics, it's ALL good. A higher level of Elvis. 9.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
:-#
What he said.
Posted 19 years ago by Skeletor    [ Reply ]
FishInHongKong wrote:
I wish all Elvis Costello songs were enjoyable like this one.
Give me Alison or Lip Service or Pump it Up anyday. This is too synth-poppy. Enjoyable, but too smooth. Everyone can agree on it, even the boss.
Posted 19 years ago by Skeletor    [ Reply ]
FishInHongKong wrote:
I wish all Elvis Costello songs were enjoyable like this one.
But it is!
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
I wish all Elvis Costello songs were enjoyable like this one.
Posted 19 years ago by FishInHongKong    [ Reply ]
:-#
Posted 19 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
Aside from this song having personal sentimental value for me, I just think it's one of the most classic and fun Elvis songs to listen to.
Posted 20 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Like many Elvis fans, I prefer the darker, edgy material, but how can you not like this song? Pop perfection! If it were someone else, it might be one of those "guilty pleasure" tunes, but it does make a difference that it's Elvis.
Posted 20 years ago by DBCinCA    [ Reply ]
rulebritannia wrote:
I love listening to Elvis and he never gets all the play he deserves. So, for me, it's a rare thing to say that this Elvis song is overplayed and over-rated.
Agreed. "Imperial Bedroom" needs RP exposure. Let the uploading begin now.
Posted 20 years ago by sass    [ Reply ]
I love listening to Elvis and he never gets all the play he deserves. So, for me, it's a rare thing to say that this Elvis song is overplayed and over-rated.
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
What a great--ahem, literate--song. Always loved the wordplay in this. Have you heard Alison Brown's bluegrass cover? It is surprisingly good.
Posted 20 years ago by Rockabobbie    [ Reply ]