Clowntime Is Over
Elvis Costello Lyrics


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Tears on your blackmail
Written to ransom
A point of the fingernail
Says that he`s handsome

Clowntime is over
Time to take cover
While others just talk and talk
Somebody`s watching where the others don`t walk
Clowntime is over

A voice in the shadows
Says that his men know
He don`t step back as expected
He`s otherwise and unprotected

[Chorus:]
Almost too good to be true
Who do you? why do you? what do you do?
While everybody`s hiding under covers
Who`s making lover`s lane safe again for lovers?





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "Clowntime is Over" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a politically driven song that critiques the actions of those in power who are more concerned with their own interests than the welfare of the people they serve. The song begins with the line "Tears on your blackmail, written to ransom, a point of the fingernail says that he`s handsome," which suggests that those in power are using blackmail to get what they want and are more concerned with their own appearance and image than with genuine concern for those they represent.


The chorus of the song repeatedly declares "Clowntime is over," indicating that it is time for these leaders to stop being foolish and start taking their responsibilities seriously. The following lines refer to those who are willing to criticize the leaders but do nothing to change the situation, and those who are watching out for the people where others are not.


The final verse discusses a hidden voice that says the men in power are aware of what is going on but are not taking action, and that this lack of action leaves those who need it unprotected. The repetition of the question "Who do you? Why do you? What do you do?" in the chorus emphasizes the need for answers and action.


Overall, "Clowntime is Over" is a song that openly critiques the actions of those in power and calls for them to stop being foolish and start taking the needs of the people seriously.


Line by Line Meaning

Tears on your blackmail
Your attempts to extort or manipulate someone have failed and now you are crying.


Written to ransom
Your threats were put in writing with the purpose of obtaining a ransom.


A point of the fingernail
A small detail that appears insignificant, but can potentially cause significant harm.


Says that he`s handsome
He is flaunting his looks and relying on his charm to get what he wants.


Clowntime is over
It's time to be serious and stop playing games.


Time to take cover
It's time to protect yourself from the consequences of your actions.


While others just talk and talk
While others are all talk and no action.


Somebody`s watching where the others don`t walk
Someone is paying attention to things that others tend to overlook.


Clowntime is over
It's time to be serious and stop playing games.


A voice in the shadows
Someone who is hiding and giving instructions.


Says that his men know
He claims that his accomplices are aware of the situation.


He don`t step back as expected
He does not react in the way that was anticipated.


He`s otherwise and unprotected
He is in a weak and vulnerable position.


Almost too good to be true
It seems almost unbelievable.


Who do you? why do you? what do you do?
Asking questions in order to understand someone's motives.


While everybody`s hiding under covers
While everyone is scared and trying to hide.


Who`s making lover`s lane safe again for lovers?
Who is protecting people who want to express their love without fear?




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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