Alison
Elvis Costello & Clover Lyrics
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And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
The song "Alison" is a poignant and emotionally charged exploration of a past relationship, and the lingering feelings that have yet to be resolved. As the song begins, the singer expresses his surprise at encountering "Alison" after a long period of time. He acknowledges that he understands why she might not be impressed with his appearance, and then brings up a mutual friend who apparently took off her party dress. From there, he expresses frustration and a sense of resignation, suggesting that he doesn't want to be too sentimental like others, and that he doesn't know if she's currently involved with anyone.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the changes that have taken place in Alison's life. He notes that she now has a husband, and wonders if he took the opportunity to eat some of the wedding cake off of her fingers. He also muses on the fact that she used to hold her husband "right in [her] hand", but that it ultimately wasn't enough for him. Finally, he admits that he sometimes wishes he could stop Alison from speaking, as he finds her words empty or irritating. Despite all of this, he still insists that his aim is true when it comes to his feelings for her, suggesting that he still cares for her and wants to connect with her again.
One interpretation of the song is that it is about regret and missed opportunities. The singer clearly regrets not being with Alison in the past, and feels that he missed his chance with her. He is frustrated by the fact that she has moved on and gotten married, and seems to be resentful towards her new husband. At the same time, however, he still feels a strong connection to her, and is clearly conflicted and struggling with his emotions. Through powerful imagery and carefully crafted lyrics, Elvis Costello is able to capture the raw emotions that can come with a difficult relationship, ultimately leaving the listener with a sense of bittersweet longing and regret.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
It is amusing that I am seeing you after such a long time.
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
From the way you appear, I can comprehend that I did not leave a lasting impression on you.
But I heard you let that little friend of mine Take off your party dress
I heard from a friend that you allowed him to take your dress off.
I'm not gonna get too sentimental Like those other sticky valentines 'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody I only know it isn't mine
I will not display too much sentimentality like many other lovers; I am unsure of your current love life but I know I am not the one.
Allison, I know this world is killing you Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Allison, I am aware of the struggles this earth causes you; my intentions are genuine.
Well, I see you've got a husband now Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake? You used to hold him right in your hand But it took all that he could take
I have realized that you are now married, did he accidentally mess up your fingers during the wedding cake cutting? You used to handle him with care but it exhausted him.
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking When I hear the silly things that you say I think somebody better put out the big light 'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
At times I desire to interrupt you when I hear silliness in your words, and it makes me loathe to witness you in such a state of misery.
Allison, I know this world is killing you Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Allison, I am aware of the obstacles you encounter; my intentions are genuine.
My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true My aim is true
I am sincere with my words, and I mean well in every instance.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elvis Costello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sepike32
John McFee's contribution to My Aim is True is, in my opinion, some of the best guitar work ever. Maybe my favorite album of all time ... a combination of a great songwriter - at a point where he is just hitting his stride - coupled with a great guitar player taking things to a different level musically. Elvis is a fantastic songwriter and McFee is a greatly underrated guitarist. Thanks for posting!
Wing Walker
John’s contribution to EC’s debut album was indeed significant, but let’s not downplay the fact that the entire lineup was awesome.
Neearm
And the whole album was made for £1000!
Rick Harris
John McFee sounds fantastic on this track. Best Live version I've ever heard. Clover helped make his first album a classic.
fpmdsc
Terrific live version of an all-time classic. I agree - the guitar player for this song is incredible. Thank you for posting!!!
GooseDave62
Definitely the best live version of this classic - played how it should be. Wish I was there. John McFee is a legend. Saw Elvis C with the newly formed Attractions at the Crystal Palace Garden Party in Sept '77 and it was cringeworthy. Nowhere near the quality of Clover (or anything like the album) although EC's voice was fantastic (when you could hear it.) Early days though and a difficult gig...
glenbongo97
I like the lead guitarist's delicate fills. It makes the song for me.
Jon Pearl
@gordeaux d John speaks about the taping of this video, at length: https://youtu.be/WoJPTgpmigs
Don Gomez
@gordeaux d John was the lead guitarist of the mainly "studio musician" trio called "Clover"... John McFee, Sean Hopper on keyboards and backing vocals and Johnny Ciambotti on bass guitar and backing vocals - their combined musicality is what made "My Aim Is True" the rich, listenable album that remains that way today. BTW - This performance was the first time; and only time, that Elvis Costello and Clover performed every song from "My Aim Is True" live anywhere! Elvis' regular band back in 1977 was The Attractions.
gordeaux d
That's John McFee, and he played those same delicate fills on the album when it was first recorded in 1977. To me, they really make the song.