Elvis Costello — 13 Steps Lead Down
Album: Brutal YouthAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 351
Length: 3:08
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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When nobody knows she puts on secret clothes
And lies in the meadow with her hands tied behind her back
I won't refuse if you know how to use it
Just stop playing that ugly drug music
Thirteen steps lead down
Thirteen steps lead down
There's commoners and kings
And everyone's a prisoner of
Paper and glue
And a decent pair of scissors
So tonight I'm drinking to your health
Because I just can't stand myself
Thirteen steps lead down [4x]
She stands and fails
On fashion fingernails
Her lovers have her walking 'round
On instruments of torture
And one of them is poisonous
The other is a thief they say
So what one could give to her
The other cannot take away
When nobody knows she puts on secret clothes
And lies in her splendour for a picture opportunity
Cover up that bruise, put on patent leather shoes
Just stop playing that bad mood music
Thirteen steps lead down
Thirteen steps lead down
There's commoners and kings
And everyone's a prisoner of
Paper and glue
And a decent pair of scissors
So tonight I'm drinking to your health
Because I just can't stand myself
Thirteen steps lead down [4x]
And lies in the meadow with her hands tied behind her back
I won't refuse if you know how to use it
Just stop playing that ugly drug music
Thirteen steps lead down
Thirteen steps lead down
There's commoners and kings
And everyone's a prisoner of
Paper and glue
And a decent pair of scissors
So tonight I'm drinking to your health
Because I just can't stand myself
Thirteen steps lead down [4x]
She stands and fails
On fashion fingernails
Her lovers have her walking 'round
On instruments of torture
And one of them is poisonous
The other is a thief they say
So what one could give to her
The other cannot take away
When nobody knows she puts on secret clothes
And lies in her splendour for a picture opportunity
Cover up that bruise, put on patent leather shoes
Just stop playing that bad mood music
Thirteen steps lead down
Thirteen steps lead down
There's commoners and kings
And everyone's a prisoner of
Paper and glue
And a decent pair of scissors
So tonight I'm drinking to your health
Because I just can't stand myself
Thirteen steps lead down [4x]
Comments (57)add comment
tictocsailor wrote:
lol
I don't get the appeal either
I've tried to understand what people like about this song. But the tone and inflection reminds me of one kid tattling on another. And it is so repetitive!
lol
I don't get the appeal eitherCOSTELLO AND HORNSBY
into one intellectual bag...!
into one intellectual bag...!
Not my favorite tune of Elvis!
catchy tune!
like it
like it
the true King.
Love this tune
Love this tune
Professor_C wrote:
Brilliant fun, catch, smart, dark, very cool. Very sorry for those that don't get EC. He's a master.
In my holy trinity with Bowie and the Beatles. The commonality - eclectic.
How can this only be averaging a 6.4? It's smart, quick, quirky, slightly dark pop. Nothing better.
Brilliant fun, catch, smart, dark, very cool. Very sorry for those that don't get EC. He's a master.
In my holy trinity with Bowie and the Beatles. The commonality - eclectic.
I've tried to understand what people like about this song. But the tone and inflection reminds me of one kid tattling on another. And it is so repetitive!
OldFrenchie wrote:
I second that
Third
I second that
Third
ObsidianInfinity wrote:
Just lowered my 2 to a 1.
This album shouldnt be called "Brutal Youth". It should be called "Brutal to the Ears".
I second that
rocteur wrote:
Elvis Costello twice in one day.. That is not nice.
Aren't there enough musicians ???
Agreed - try playing it backwards, more entertaining
Very fun and catchy song! 
I DIG this song! Sounds like it should be on the Armed Forces album, my favorite. Man, this tune makes my feet jump around!
Professor_C wrote:
It's smart, quick, quirky, slightly dark pop. Nothing better.
Elvis Costello in a nutshell.
I like everything he does. Even the albums with Burt Bacharach. I catch myself singing 'Toledo' from their first collaboration.
c.
Best song on this album is "You tripped at every step." Otherwise, not my favorite of his.
okobojicat wrote:
Exactly. Its not better. Its also those things, but not fantastic. Thus, about a 6.
Ha! That is some satisfyingly clever reading. There's truly nothing better than that. Though as one of those people who love to clever reading, I am also one of those people who cringe at the sight of misplaced or missing commas.
Professor_C wrote:
How can this only be averaging a 6.4? It's smart, quick, quirky, slightly dark pop. Nothing better.
Exactly. Its not better. Its also those things, but not fantastic. Thus, about a 6.
How can this only be averaging a 6.4? It's smart, quick, quirky, slightly dark pop. Nothing better.
ThePoose wrote:
Maybe Elvis's in utero twins will be born on Christmas Day--just like God's son!
they will be the new-age jesuses. they will ride around in their white robes on motorcycles with shotguns strapped to their backs. beards and long hair flipping around in the wind; it will be good.
One of many things that I'm grateful to RP for is re-introducing me to Elvis Costello. I'd heard a CD of his here and there, but never really got into it. Since Bill plays nothing but his best stuff, I've realized how much talent he really has. This is a terrific track, especially the jam at the end.
Maybe Elvis's in utero twins will be born on Christmas Day--just like God's son!
Just lowered my 2 to a 1.
This album shouldnt be called "Brutal Youth". It should be called "Brutal to the Ears".
Elvis Costello twice in one day.. That is not nice.
Aren't there enough musicians ???
stubbsz wrote:
I'm afraid that people who have the multiple artists in their TOP ranks with ALL 10's and then other artists in their BOTTOM Ranks with ALL 1's have biases and not opinions. Your not worth responding too. This begs the question why am I responding.
Wow - bad grammar and violation of BTQ.
(click here)
Oh, and this song sucks.
mojoman wrote:
But is that even possible?
Not merely is it possible, but it seems to be our Fate. Everytime Costello is played, I feel like I'm on a hell-bound train. Fortunately and mercifully, his songs are short.
Lovely handling of the snare
This reminds me I really need to get me some Joe Jackson 
Great track from an oft-overlooked album. Thanks RP!!
"You Tripped at Every Step" is by far the best song on this CD. I wonder why it never got much attention.
catchy song and inventive lyrics better than wankers singin about murdering each other this guy doesnt even get a no1 yet hes the best song writer of our time whilst 50 cent is praising guns etc. the guy then gets a no1 wheres the justice in that?
imabubblygirl wrote:
You've already played him twice today and that was two times too many.
That's okay, you've commented one too many times.
imabubblygirl wrote:
You've already played him twice today and that was two times too many.
I'm afraid that people who have the multiple artists in their TOP ranks with ALL 10's and then other artists in their BOTTOM Ranks with ALL 1's have biases and not opinions. Your not worth responding too. This begs the question why am I responding.
Gregorama wrote:
I've had the pleasure of seeing him about 4 times in 20 years, and his concerts are always among the best I've ever seen, in 40 years of going to concerts.
Going to see him in Charlotte, NC in a little over a month or so. Looking foward to it.
I've had the pleasure of seeing him about 4 times in 20 years, and his concerts are always among the best I've ever seen, in 40 years of going to concerts.
Ouaouaron wrote:
Perhaps there is indeed a "little bit" too much Costello on this channel...
But is that even possible?
imabubblygirl wrote:
You've already played him twice today and that was two times too many.
Perhaps there is indeed a "little bit" too much Costello on this channel...
You've already played him twice today and that was two times too many.
normally his voice really bugs me, but it really works on this tune, for some reason.
Is his style of music Elvish? I like it! An 8.
He needs to blow his nose.
rulebritannia wrote:
Very complex, even for an Elvis song. Having a hard time getting my arms and ears around it. Always love his signature Farfisa Compact Deluxe riffs......
.......then you must love "Kinder Murder". Great guitar on that one. This is an under-rated disc in my opinion.
Very complex, even for an Elvis song. Having a hard time getting my arms and ears around it. Always love his signature Farfisa Compact Deluxe riffs......
dawiese wrote:
I have no patience for Elvis Costello's voice. 
your loss, dude!
I've died and gone to radio paradise.
For those who normally can't stand EC's voice, check out anything off The Juliet Letters... you just might be impressed :-k
whats with all the elvis today??
I have no patience for Elvis Costello's voice.
Originally Posted by audiozeb:
Jumpshot only rates 2 songs a ten... one by Dylan, one by Neil Young. You'd think this meant he was tolerant of less than technically perfect vocals... 
Here, Here! c<_>
Originally Posted by JumpShot:
Atonal song sung by a man who needs to take off the nose plugs...
Originally Posted by JumpShot:
Atonal song sung by a man who needs to take off the nose plugs...
Jumpshot only rates 2 songs a ten... one by Dylan, one by Neil Young. You'd think this meant he was tolerant of less than technically perfect vocals...
Atonal song sung by a man who needs to take off the nose plugs...
Great song from a great album. More, more, more!
can\'t get enough of elvis rockin\' it out. a great song, play it again soon! :D
Clever word play is Elvis\' forte and this twelve step group takeoff spotlights his incomparable wit.
lol
You can put me down in the "I don't get Elvis Costello at all" column. Something about his music that just turns me off.