Patch.com says
"Sometimes musical growth means a simpler route. As the music scene yearns for newer landscapes, somewhere beyond many cookie-cutter-counter-culture kids, "Attractions" take the stage with veteran pose and the best of intentions".
Alison
Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
In "Alison," Elvis Costello sings to a woman named Alison, who he hasn't seen in a long time. The opening lines reflect the awkwardness of seeing someone you haven't seen in a while, especially if you've had a complicated romantic history. The woman in question is not impressed by the singer's appearance, which could indicate that she previously rejected him. The line "But I heard you let that little friend of mine take off your party dress" suggests that she has moved on and possibly slept with someone else.
Later in the song, Costello reflects on the woman's current life, now that she is married. He seems jealous and unable to let go of his feelings for her. He says he wishes he could stop her from talking, which implies that she may say hurtful things. The line "I think somebody better put out the big light cause I can't stand to see you this way" is a deeply emotional moment, as Costello is expressing how painful it is to see someone he cares about suffering.
Overall, "Alison" is a hauntingly beautiful song about lost love, jealousy, and unrequited love. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth, which have contributed to the song's lasting impact and popularity.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
It's amusing to be meeting you again after such a long time.
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
Judging by your appearance, I can see that you weren't pleased.
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I heard that you allowed my friend to undress you.
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
I won't get too mushy or emotional like those cheesy Valentines.
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
I only know it isn't mine
I'm not sure if you're in love with someone, but I know it's not me.
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Allison, I know this world is hurting you, but my intentions towards you are sincere.
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
I notice you are married now. Did your husband smash your pretty fingers into the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take
You used to have him in your grip, but he couldn't take it anymore.
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
Sometimes I wish I could silence you when I listen to the foolish things you say.
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
I think someone should turn off the main light because I can't bear to see you in this condition.
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My intentions are sincere and honest, and I am determined to stay true to them.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elvis Costello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@markwatts1471
My wife was an absolute Elvis fan. I lost her last year aged just 58 This song reminds me so much of her
@daveinprogress3
so sorry for your loss Mark. That is so young and tragic for you and your family. I hope the music provides even a little bit of solace to assist with grief. I have found that to be so. Good wishes to you, Mark - Dave
@markwatts1471
@@daveinprogress3 music is my saviour Dave cannot wait until I can start seeing live music again
@humanity6fl9
You’ll find her again…❤️
@seawolf365
Sorry for your loss.
@jean-francoislouvrier1441
Diana KRALL aussi
@kattiemeat5405
My Dad wanted to call me Alison after this song. Mum prevailed though, so I got "John". Probably made school a bit easier
@Ystadcop
Thanks, so funny!
@lissyp6051
Lmao!! 🤣😜
@micoisgreat91ify
Hahaha