Watch your step
Costello (Elvis) Lyrics


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Don't say a word
Don't say anything
Don't say a word
I'm not even listening
I read in the papers about their escape
They be two bitter kids from a bunch of sour grapes
You better watch your step
Watch who's knocking on your front door
Now you know that they're watching
What are you waiting for?
Think you're young and original
Get out before
They get to watch your step

Ev'ry day is full of fun and family spice
They're making heroes out of fall guys
They say it's good for business
From Singapore to Widnes
You better watch your step

Broken noses hung up on the wall
Back slapping drinkers cheer the heavy weight brawl
So punch drunk, they don't understand at all
You better watch your step

Ev'ry night
Go out full of carnal desires
End up in the closing time choirs
When you're kicking in the cot room
And you're drinking down the eau de cologne
And you're spitting out the Kodachrome
You better watch your step

Bye
I send you all my regards
You're so tough
You're so hard
Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard
You better watch your step




You better watch your step
Ooh, watch your step

Overall Meaning

In "Watch Your Step," Elvis Costello warns about the dangers of being misled by others and becoming a victim of their schemes. He urges listeners to be careful about who they trust and to always watch their step. The song suggests that there are people out there who would try to take advantage of anyone who is vulnerable and that it is important to be aware of their intentions before it's too late.


The lyrics of the song also touch on themes such as violence and debauchery. Costello sings about broken noses that are hung up on the wall, backslapping drinkers, and heavy weight brawls. These themes suggest that there is a dark side to human nature that can lead people down a dangerous path if they are not careful.


Overall, "Watch Your Step" is a cautionary tale that encourages listeners to be vigilant and to stay on guard against those who would exploit them. It is a reminder that there are dangerous people and situations out there, and that it is always important to be aware of one's surroundings.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't say a word
Please remain silent


Don't say anything
Refusing to listen to anything you say


Don't say a word
Reiterating the initial request for silence


I'm not even listening
Not paying attention to what you're saying


I read in the papers about their escape
Read about the escape of two bitter children from a group of resentful individuals


They be two bitter kids from a bunch of sour grapes
The escapees were angry children from an unfriendly group


You better watch your step
Be cautious in your actions and decisions


Watch who's knocking on your front door
Be mindful of who visits you


Now you know that they're watching
You should be aware that you're being monitored


What are you waiting for?
Why are you hesitating?


Think you're young and original
Believing that you're unique and youthful


Get out before
Leave before it's too late


They get to watch your step
Before they begin scrutinizing your every move


Ev'ry day is full of fun and family spice
Life is filled with happiness and family traditions


They're making heroes out of fall guys
Idolizing individuals who are often blamed for things they didn't do


They say it's good for business
They claim it's beneficial for the industry


From Singapore to Widnes
From Asia to Europe


You better watch your step
Be mindful of your actions and decisions


Broken noses hung up on the wall
Injuries as a trophy


Back slapping drinkers cheer the heavy weight brawl
Drunkards are applauding the violence


So punch drunk, they don't understand at all
Too inebriated to comprehend what they're witnessing


You better watch your step
Be cautious of your actions and decisions


Ev'ry night
Every single evening


Go out full of carnal desires
Leaving home for lustful and hedonistic pursuits


End up in the closing time choirs
Inebriated until closing hours


When you're kicking in the cot room
Kicking and screaming in a private room


And you're drinking down the eau de cologne
Drinking heavily, including potentially harmful substances


And you're spitting out the Kodachrome
Either vomiting or getting rid of photographs, which may imply memories


You better watch your step
Be careful of your decisions and actions


Bye
A farewell


I send you all my regards
Sending you my sincerest wishes


You're so tough
Appearing strong


You're so hard
Seeming unyielding


Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard
Hearing the sound of destruction


You better watch your step
Be cautious of your actions and decisions


You better watch your step
Be mindful of your actions and decisions


Ooh, watch your step
Be careful of the choices you make




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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