Born in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington in London, Costello is the son of trumpeter, vocalist and band-leader Ronald (“Ross”) MacManus and record store manager Lillian Costello. His family had roots in Merseyside and he moved to Birkenhead at age 16, with his mother, when his parents separated. While he is better known as 'Elvis Costello', a stage name referring to the legendary Elvis Presley suggested by Stiff Records manager Jake Riviera, he has used many other aliases, including 'The Imposter' and 'Napoleon Dynamite'.
In the early 1970s Costello was a participant in London's pub rock scene with the group Flip City. Then in 1977 along with fellow Pub-Rockers Nick Lowe and Ian Dury he made his first releases on the independent label Stiff, tailoring his work towards the burgeoning punk, power pop, and new wave scenes. From 1980's Armed Forces onwards, however, other influences including soul, country, 1960s pop, and classical music began to re-emerge, and he soon became established as a unique and original voice. His output has been wildly diverse: one critic has written that "Costello, the pop encyclopedia, can reinvent the past in his own image".
His prolific and varied 30-year career has been marked by two constants: sharp songwriting and musical restlessness. The latter has seen him dabble in almost every musical form, from country to jazz to orchestral. This stems from the fact that, at heart, Costello is a fan. His desire to work with his musical heroes has attracted collaborators as diverse as Burt Bacharach and Paul McCartney, Anne Sofie von Otter, Allen Toussaint, Aimee Mann, Bill Frisell, and Brian Eno.
But his most successful partners were his long-term band The Attractions. They comprised Steve Nieve (keyboards), Pete Thomas (drums) and Bruce Thomas (bass). Between 1978 and 1983, this outfit produced a peerless series of albums: This Year's Model; Armed Forces; Get Happy!!; Almost Blue; Trust; Imperial Bedroom and Punch the Clock.
These recordings drew on styles spanning soul, country and western and commercial pop. It was only with 1984's Goodbye Cruel World that Costello started to stumble. An album he concedes was one of his worst, it ushered in a period which produced interesting music but lacked the consistent quality of his halcyon days. Interestingly, although he enlisted the other Elvis's band for King of America in 1986, it was a reunion with The Attractions and former producer Nick Lowe that produced his best album of the late 1980s in the form of the scabrous Blood and Chocolate.
The following albums, Spike and Mighty Like a Rose were uncompromising and difficult solo works, as was the string quartet collaboration The Juliet Letters in 1993. It was only reconvening the Attractions for Brutal Youth the following year that gave his fans another glimpse of what first attracted them to him: punchy, angry pop songs, tightly played by an impeccably taut ensemble.
Since then, Costello has become a career dilettante, true to his inner musical quest, but never again returning to heights he scaled in the early 1980s. Maybe the best work of this latter period was 1998's Painted from Memory. This joint effort with Burt Bacharach matched restrained writing from Costello with stately Bacharach arrangements.
Subsequent career nadirs such as the tune-free North (2003), and instrumental orchestral works such as Il Sogno (2004) led many long-term admirers to conclude that Costello had retained his integrity at the expense of his real musical strengths. However, he has given occasional evidence of his former fire. The ballsy bar-room atmosphere of the collaborative The Delivery Man (2004), suggests that he is still capable of giving his fans what they want, in between his more esoteric experiments.
Elvis is married to jazz vocalist Diana Krall and they have twin sons.
*Upon the film's release, it was noted that the name "Napoleon Dynamite" had originally been used by musician Elvis Costello, most visibly on his 1986 album Blood and Chocolate, although he had used the pseudonym on a single B-side as early as 1982. Filmmaker Jared Hess claims that he was not aware of Costello's use of the name until two days before the end of shooting, when he was informed by a teenage extra. He later said, "Had I known that name was used by anybody else prior to shooting the whole film, it definitely would have been changed ... I listen to hip-hop, dude. It's a pretty embarrassing coincidence." Hess claims that "Napoleon Dynamite" was the name of a man he met around the year 2000 on the streets of Cicero, Illinois while doing missionary work for the Mormon Church.
Costello believes that Hess stole the name: "The guy just denies completely that I made the name up... but I invented it. Maybe somebody told him the name and he truly feels that he came about it by chance. But it's two words that you're never going to hear together." To date, Costello has taken no legal action against the film.
Elvis Costello and Elton John to Make a Television 'Spectacle'
Two of the most respected musicians in the world will collaborate on an extraordinary new television series.
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." is hosted by its namesake and produced in conjunction with Sir Elton John's Rocket Pictures. Elton John will be one of the program's Executive Producers.
The series begain airing in 2008 on CTV in Canada, Channel 4 in the UK and Sundance Channel in the US. FremantleMedia Enterprises, will handle sales of the show to the rest of the world.
Conceived to provide a forum for in-depth discussion and performance with the most interesting and influential artists and personalities of our time, the show fuses the best of talk and music television.
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." is an unpredictable and unprecedented television experience. The series of 13 one-hour programs features everything from intimate one-on-ones with legendary performers and notable newcomers to thematic panel discussions, with a variety of performance elements including unique collaborations, acoustic and impromptu "illustrative" demonstrations of the creative process, and some original interpretations of others' songs by Costello.
Red Shoes
Elvis Costello Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, now that angels wanna wear my red shoes
Our love got fractured in the echo and sway
How come everybody wants to be your friend?
You know that it still hurts me just to say it
Oh, I know that she's disgusted (oh, why's that?)
Because she's feeling so abused (oh, that's too bad)
She gets tired of the lust (oh, I'm so sad)
But it's so hard to refuse
Can you say that I'm too old
When the angels have stolen my red shoes?
Oh, oh I said, "I'm so happy I could die"
She said, "Drop dead," then left with another guy
That's what you get if you go chasing after vengeance
Ever since you got me punctured, this has been my sentence
Oh, I used to be disgusted
But now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, now that the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Oh, I won't get any older, now the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
"Red Shoes" by Elvis Costello appears to be a song about an old lover who has moved on and how the singer is responding to this new development. The first verse begins with the singer saying that he used to be disgusted but now he tries to be amused, implying that he has matured or changed his attitude. He mentions angels who want to wear his red shoes implying that he has something special, but then he quickly adds that he won't get any older because of them. The second verse describes the ex-lover dancing and causing the singer to see how their love fell apart. They lament how everyone wants to be her friend, while it still hurts for the singer to see her. In the third verse, the singer talks about a different girl who is disgusted and abused because she is tired of being used for sex, yet he is all in and it's difficult to deny her.
The chorus that follows repeats the theme of rusty angels wanting to wear the singer's red shoes. Thus, the song suggests that the singer's special gifts or qualities are causing trouble in his relationships or attracting the wrong people. The lyrics also depict a sense of regret, nostalgia, and sadness about lost love and missed opportunities. The song's meaning and lyrics are open to interpretation, but it provokes emotions of both regret and acceptance of life's changes.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, I used to be disgusted
I used to be very unhappy.
And now I try to be amused
Now I try to make myself happy through entertainment.
But since their wings have got rusted
The angels have lost their power and influence.
You know, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
Even though the angels have lost their power, they still desire my possessions.
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
When the angels tried to negotiate with me.
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
I realized that I couldn't say no to their request.
And I won't get any older, now that angels wanna wear my red shoes
The angels' desire for my shoes keeps me young and relevant, despite aging.
Oh, oh, I was watching while you're dancing away
I observed while you danced and enjoyed yourself.
Our love got fractured in the echo and sway
Our relationship suffered and broke due to our differences.
How come everybody wants to be your friend?
Why do so many people desire to be your friend?
You know that it still hurts me just to say it
Admitting this fact is painful for me.
Oh, I know that she's disgusted (oh, why's that?)
I know that she is very unhappy. (why is that?)
Because she's feeling so abused (oh, that's too bad)
She feels used and mistreated, which is very unfortunate.
She gets tired of the lust (oh, I'm so sad)
She becomes weary of the sexual desire, which is very upsetting.
But it's so hard to refuse
However, it's difficult to say no.
Can you say that I'm too old
Do you believe that I am too old?
When the angels have stolen my red shoes?
Even though the angels have taken my red shoes, I still feel young and relevant.
Oh, oh I said, 'I'm so happy I could die'
I expressed my extreme happiness.
She said, 'Drop dead,' then left with another guy
She told me to die and then left with someone else.
That's what you get if you go chasing after vengeance
This is the consequence of seeking revenge.
Ever since you got me punctured, this has been my sentence
Since you hurt me, my life has been difficult and painful.
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes
The angels' desire for my red shoes is a recurring theme.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Elvis Costello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Desdinova69
Oh, I used to be disgusted
And now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels want to wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, now that angels want to wear my red shoes
Oh, oh, I was watching while you're dancing away
Our love got fractured in the echo and sway
How come everybody wants to be your friend?
You know that it still hurts me just to say it
Oh, I know that she's disgusted (oh, why's that?)
Because she's feeling so abused (oh, that's too bad)
She gets tired of the lust (oh, I'm so sad)
But it's so hard to refuse
Can you say that I'm too old
When the angels have stolen my red shoes?
Oh, oh I said, "I'm so happy I could die"
She said, "Drop dead, " then left with another guy
That's what you get if you go chasing after vengeance
Ever since you got me punctured, this has been my sentence
Oh, I used to be disgusted
But now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels want to wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, now that the angels want to wear my red shoes
Oh, I won't get any older, now the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
@lauryliepolito52
Oh I used to be disgusted
and now I try to be amused.
But since their wings have got rusted,
you know, the angels wanna wear my red shoes.
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain,
that's when I knew that I could not refuse.
And I won't get any older, now the angels wanna wear my red shoes.
I was watching while you're dancing away.
Our love got fractured in the echo and sway.
How come everybody wants to be your friend?
You know that it still hurts me just to say it.
Oh, I know that she's disgusted (oh why's that)
Cause she's feeling so abused. (oh that's too bad)
She gets tired of the lust, (oh I'm so sad)
but it's so hard to refuse.
How can you say that I'm too old,
when the angels have stolen my red shoes.
Oh, I said "I'm so happy, I could die."
She said "Drop dead," then left with another guy.
That's what you get if you go chasing after vengeance.
Ever since you got me punctured this has been my sentence.
Oh I used to be disgusted
and now I try to be amused.
But since their wings have got rusted,
you know, the angels wanna wear my red shoes.
Red shoes, the angels wanna wear my red shoes.
@t3nd0br09
Oh I want to count to ten now
But it's something I can't do
'Cause I don't have all the numbers
No a monster went and ate my red two
And when I heard him shout cowabunga
That's when I knew that my counting was through
And I can't count any higher
Now the monster went and ate my red two
Oh he was watching while I counted to one
I was smiling because counting's so much fun
But he took my two and then he ate it for his lunch
Now my counting's over before it's begun
Oh I'm feeling so sad now (hey why is that)
'Cause my number got chewed (that's too bad)
There are tears in my eyes (Mr. Elvis how sad)
Now I'm crying boo hoo
Will I ever count to ten
Now that a monster went and ate my red two
Oh Elmo said
Don't worry Elmo knows what to do
He ran right out and came back with another two
Now my friend Mr. Elvis can start counting once again
And with this brand new two I can count up to ten
Now I'm feeling so happy
I feel like shouting yahoo
And me still feeling hungry
Cowabunga
Cookie Monster went and ate the new red two
Oh when I heard him shouting cowabunga
That's when I knew that my counting was through
And I can't count any higher
Now the monster went and ate my red two
Red two
A monster went and ate my red two
Red two
A monster went and ate my red two
Red two
A monster went and ate my red two
Red two
A monster went and ate my red two
@marieblue
In “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” (1977j, Elvis Costello makes a deal with angels who have come down to Earth 🌎 because their wings have rusted. In exchange for his red shoes, they will grant him immortality. His estranged girlfriend, however, doesn’t share his enthusiasm, telling him to drop dead and leaving the club with another fellow.
The English musician crafted this tune backward, starting with the club scene where the girl abandons him. And from there, he worked his way up to closing the deal with the celestial beings. Costello was only 22 years old at the time : quite a young age to contemplate eternal life❕
The singer-songwriter - still known as Declan McManus back then - composed this in 10-odd minutes while on a train. Since he didn’t have a tape recorder with him, he retained the piece in his mind until he got home, where he found one of his old guitars and played it over and over until he had it all committed to memory.
The lay features Byrds-inspired music with an intro by guitarist John McFee, who referred to it as “That one that sounds like The Byrds” ❕
“Red Shoes” remains a STAPLE of McManus-Costello’s live set… STILL‼️ 💚👞💙
@juliasutton5611
My favourite lyrics from any song: 'I said I'm so happy I could die, she said "drop dead" then left with another guy' genius.👏👏👏
@georgeharrison70
My Aim is True is definitely one of the finest albums of 1977.
@joemallett1897
I couldn't agree more.
@markanon5581
Yes!
@adamr63
Your Aim Is True.
@lizardog
One of the best albums of all time.
@pyewackett5
A comment from years ago - but still holds true
@Ann_Dromeda
In late 2018, I had a health scare. When I recovered, I immediately went out and bought a pair of eight eyelet, oxblood red, Doc Martens to mark the occasion. This song was my inspiration.
@psmguy63
That is brilliant. Made me grin exuberantly
@ameliabird3231
Love it! What a great idea!