Girls Talk
Elvis Costello Lyrics


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There are some things you can`t cover up with lipstick and powder
I thought I heard you mention my name, can`t you talk any louder?
Don`t come any closer, don`t come any nearer
My vision of you can`t get any clearer
Oh, I just want to hear girls talk
I got a loaded imagination being fired by girls talk
But I can`t say the words you want to hear
I suppose you`re going to have to play it by ear
Right here and now

Girls talk and they want to know how
Girls talk and they say it`s not allowed
Girls talk, if they say that it`s so
Don`t you think that I know by now

That the word up on everyone`s lips
Stick that you`re dedicated
Though you may not be an old fashioned girl
You`re still going to get dated
Was it really murder?
Were you just pretending?
Lately I have heard you are the living end

Girls talk and they want to know about her
Girls talk, they want to know if I care




Girls talk and they want to know where
Girls talk girls talk

Overall Meaning

In Elvis Costello's song "Girls Talk", the straightforward lyrics tell the story of a conversation between two people. The singer is frustrated that the person they are talking to isn't being direct enough with them. The first verse talks about hiding behind lipstick and powder, suggesting that someone is hiding behind a façade. The second verse implies that the singer has feelings for the person they are talking to and mentions their "loaded imagination" firing with "girls talk", but can't seem to express themselves in the way the other person wants. There is a sense of urgency in the lyrics as the conversation is happening "right here and now."


In the chorus, the singer acknowledges and celebrates "girls talk", knowing that it's a natural part of social interaction. However, there's a hint of frustration in the second line, as "they say it's not allowed", suggesting that there are societal expectations that try to silence women's conversations. The last line of the chorus repeats the sentiment from the first verse, where the singer is aware of what's being discussed behind their back.


The final verse is the most mysterious, hinting at possible deceit and murder. The line "were you just pretending" could reference someone acting as if they cared for the singer, but they didn't mean it. The line "you are the living end" could mean that the person they are talking to is causing them distress. The chorus repeats with slight variations in the final lines of each section, continuing the idea that "girls talk" is a topic of interest.


Line by Line Meaning

There are some things you can`t cover up with lipstick and powder
You can't hide everything by applying makeup.


I thought I heard you mention my name, can`t you talk any louder?
I think I heard you say my name, can you please speak louder?


Don`t come any closer, don`t come any nearer
Please don't come any closer to me.


My vision of you can`t get any clearer
I already see you clearly and there's nothing left to see.


Oh, I just want to hear girls talk
I just want to listen to what girls are saying.


I got a loaded imagination being fired by girls talk
I have a vivid imagination from listening to what girls talk about.


But I can`t say the words you want to hear
I can't say what you want me to say.


I suppose you`re going to have to play it by ear
You have to handle this situation as it comes.


Girls talk and they want to know how
Girls ask questions and want to know how things work.


Girls talk and they say it`s not allowed
Girls say things that are not socially acceptable.


Girls talk, if they say that it`s so
Girls say things that may be true or false.


Don`t you think that I know by now
I already know about it.


That the word up on everyone`s lips
Everyone is talking about it.


Stick that you`re dedicated
You are loyal to a certain thing.


Though you may not be an old fashioned girl
Even though you're not a traditional girl.


You`re still going to get dated
You will still participate in dating in the future.


Was it really murder?
Was there really a homicide?


Were you just pretending?
Were you just pretending to do something?


Lately I have heard you are the living end
I've heard that you're the best or the living embodiment of something.


Girls talk and they want to know about her
Girls ask questions about a specific person.


Girls talk, they want to know if I care
Girls want to know whether or not I care about something.


Girls talk and they want to know where
Girls want to know the location of something.


Girls talk girls talk
Girls do a lot of talking.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Joseph Zummo

Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson were the 2 in steady rotation for my entire HS years great memories

Thom67

Such a catchy song. Pure pop brilliance.

Marty Jewell

Man, this song brings me back to the "good ol days" of FM radio in NYC. The premier rock station was WNEW 102.7 FM where rock lived. Think I saw (seen??) him do this live at one of the summertime pier concerts on Pier 84. One of my favorite Costello songs. At 70 years old I still think this is cool.

Charlie Honig

Saw Him at Pier 84 too, Great Concert.

Adrian Monk

It has aged Very Well.... I HAVE NOT. Enjoy the Ride while you can.

Ralph Ciardella

Saw

John Vogel

This song and this album just took my heart in '80 ❤️

mc2 mc2

Yeah, Ronstadt did a real good cover...but Dave Edmunds and Rockpile is the best!

André Ferrari

Dave is the best, but linda is better than Elvis... Can't understand a word he is singing here.

Wombat Willy

By a wide margin

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