The Brodsky Quartet is an internationally acclaimed British string quartet,… Read Full Bio ↴The Brodsky Quartet is an internationally acclaimed British string quartet, in existence since 1972, though only Paul Cassidy is an original member. In addition to performing outstanding classical music, they have notably collaborated with such eminent rock and pop figures as Björk, Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney. They perform the 'Strings' on Björk's 'Family Tree' collection. The quartet is noted for the fact that its members perform standing up – Jacqueline has her cello fitted with an extra-long spike and she uses a small stool under her left foot so that the instrument can rest against her bent knee. The players often make humorous but informative introductory speeches when they perform.

In May 1998 the Brodsky Quartet was presented with a Royal Philharmonic Society Award for an outstanding contribution to the world of music.

My Mood Swings ft. Elvis Costello
Brodsky Quartet Lyrics

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She was smitten from the first
By a curious fellow
She said I love the way you talk
And with a flounce she then announces
I love the way that you pronounce it: "Marshmallow"

So she liked to sing along
To her favourite song

From the year that she was born
She had mysterious affairs
Until she woke up in the '80's

So speak to me
Just like you should
And then you can say those wicked things
And if you want
We'll make it good
Before my mood swings

Well he looked like one of those
Who would take off his clothes
Like he would peel a tangerine
No-one's been known to decline this
Until I've found out what your sign is

So speak to me
Just like you should
And then you can say those wicked things
And if you want
We'll make it good
Before my mood swings

So speak to me
Just like you should
And then you can say those wicked things
And if you want

We'll make it good
Before my mood swings

Overall Meaning

The song "My Mood Swings" by Brodsky Quartet featuring Elvis Costello is a love song that talks about a woman who is drawn to a man who speaks in a unique way. She finds his pronunciation of words charming, and so falls for him. The woman in the song also loves to sing along to her favorite song from the year she was born, which may suggest nostalgia as she remembers the past.

The lyrics in the second verse focus on a man who seems confident and willing to take clothes off without hesitation. It appears that others have been drawn to him in the past, but the woman in the song wants to know more about him, including his sign.

The chorus of the song is a request for the man to speak to her, in the way he does best, and say the "wicked things" that he wants. She's inviting him to make a move and make things happen between them before her "mood swings."

Overall, the song is about the excitement of falling in love and the anticipation of making a move. The lyrics also suggest the theme of nostalgia, and the desire to remember and cherish experiences from the past.

Line by Line Meaning

She was smitten from the first
From the very beginning, she was immediately in love with him.

By a curious fellow
He was quite an interesting and curious person.

She said I love the way you talk
She expressed her fondness for the way he spoke.

And with a flounce she then announces
With a slight bounce and in a dramatic manner, she announced something.

I love the way that you pronounce it: "Marshmallow"
She admired how he pronounced the word "marshmallow" and found it endearing.

So she liked to sing along
She enjoyed singing along to her favorite song.

To her favourite song
Her most beloved song.

From the year that she was born
The year she came into existence.

She had mysterious affairs
She had secret and puzzling relationships.

Until she woke up in the '80's
Until she suddenly found herself in the 1980s, as if waking from a dream.

Well he looked like one of those
He appeared to be one of those people.