According to the (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding Son… Read Full Bio ↴According to the (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding Songfacts, this was written by Nick Lowe and originally recorded by his band Brinsley Schwarz in 1974. Costello and Lowe were both signed to Stiff Records, and Costello's version, credited as "Nick Lowe & His Sound" was first released as the B-side of Lowe's 1978 single "American Squirm."

Peace Love And Understanding
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity
I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside

There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding?

So where are the strong?
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry
What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh

What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh
What's so fun about peace, love and understanding?

Overall Meaning

Elvis Costello's song "Peace Love and Understanding" speaks to the universal human desire for peace, unity, and understanding in a world filled with darkness, pain, and hatred. The lyrics capture the frustration and despair felt by individuals who are searching for hope and connection in a world that can be confusing and chaotic. The singer asks the question, "What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding?" as a way of critiquing the societal norms that allow for violence, intolerance, and oppression to thrive.

The song speaks to the idea that peace, love, and understanding are not only important but also necessary for creating a harmonious and just society. The singer is searching for answers to the questions of who the strong and trusted are, where harmony can be found, and whether there is still hope left in the world. The repeated refrain of "What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding?" is a plea for society to take these values seriously and to work towards creating a world that reflects them.

The song's popularity has endured for over 40 years and has been covered by numerous artists, including A Perfect Circle, Nick Lowe, and Bruce Springsteen. It is often played at protests and used as an anthem for social justice movements. The song's message resonates with people from all over the world, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background.

Line by Line Meaning

As I walk through
As I journey through this existence

This wicked world
The world with its malevolent elements

Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity
Seeking illumination among all the lunacy in the world

I ask myself
I query myself

Is all hope lost?
Have we lost all optimism?

Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?
Are pain, hate, and suffering the only things we have left?

And each time I feel like this inside
And at any moment when I am experiencing these feelings

There's one thing I wanna know:
I have a single question:

What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh
What is humourous about peace, love, and kindness?

And as I walked on
As I continued my journey

Through troubled times
During difficult periods

My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
My morale sometimes greatly declines

So where are the strong
So who are the dominant personalities

And who are the trusted?
Who can we rely on?

And where is the harmony?
And where is the peaceful agreement?

Sweet harmony
Probably refers to music here, at a guess

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry
Because every time I sense it dwindling, I feel like weeping

What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh
What is humourous about peace, love, and kindness?

So where are the strong?
So who are the dominant personalities?

And who are the trusted?
Who can we rely on?

And where is the harmony?
And where is the peaceful agreement?

Sweet harmony
Probably refers to music here, at a guess

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry
Because every time I sense it dwindling, I feel like weeping

What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding? Oh
What is humourous about peace, love, and kindness?

What's so fun about peace, love and understanding?
What is entertaining about peace, love, and kindness?

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Nicholas Lowe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@tomodonovan5931

2y↑1

The fact that you are typing this today says that you have pulled through
all of that BS. To me, that is a great achievement on your part. Costello
only did a small part in helping you deal with reality. In 1979, you found
out that you were grown up. No more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
in your school lunch box. Life was starting to get a little more complicated.
We both graduated the same year. So we and others the same age were
dealing with the same issues that life throws in your direction. And that
was an uncertain future! Nobody without a crystal ball has any idea what
it holds. And that is something a young person has to worry about. But first
you have to prove to the adults around you that you can handle it. Parents,
Teachers, and Bosses, or Managers. It would have been much easier to just
put this album on a turntable and let it spin forever, but something tells me
you were not cut out to sit and watch a spinning turntable forever. You had
to take off the headphones and make a decent living somehow. Now it's
time to really enjoy Costello. You've dealt with the BS , and now have the time
to watch that turntable spin for a little while.

@tomodonovan5931

@@giovannaparente917 We all know those years are gone forever. But music?
No. There may not be the wave of great music from those decades, but
sometimes if you listen closely, you may hear the ripple of a good song here,
and there. Listen to what the kids are listening to. Sometimes you find
yourself asking who is that? They do the same thing when they hear a
song that you listened to years before they came into this world. I had a few
co-workers who were into Rap music. They formed a band and invited me to
their first concert. I knew it was their passion in life, and once I got over the
shock of being frisked before I got into the venue, I actually enjoyed the
experience. They opened for The Notorious B.I.G. I got to go to the greenroom
after two or three security checks, and it was all Los Angeles back there.
Diamond rings and Diamond things all over the place. Rich, and stylish cultured
males, and very beautiful females. Friendly, yet very curious about me being there.
The point is, I am always fascinated by culture. If it is music, art, tradition, I always
remember to be respectful when discovering it. Maybe my co-workers did not succeed
in their musical dreams, but they succeeded in opening my eyes to a new and positive
experience. You don't have to travel to another country to see, or hear new things. They
can be closer then you think.

@worldlyconcerns

7y↑333

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.
I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?
And each time I feel like this inside,
There's one thing I want to know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.
'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me want to cry.
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

So where are the strong?
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.
'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me want to cry.
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Ohhhh
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

All comments from YouTube:

@ronaldzent6321

23w↑39

This song should be BLASTED everyday during every meeting at the UN General Assembly and at the White House and both halls of legislation!!!

@paulpliakas3000

9w↑1

Great idea!!!!

@bryonmollica

7w↑6

We need this more than ever today

@jeffthompson6431

4y↑1.3K

I'm playing this song over and over again during these horrible times. Thank you Elvis and Nick for your beautiful work.

@doughusen1806

4y↑18

This AM it was on my mind too!

@ExPatinUK

4y↑39

Better times are coming. Especially if we are still watching this

@mariec.9102

4y↑43

☮️❤️"So where are the strong and who are the trusted?" That line means so much 40 years later. I'm 55 and happy I bought this album when I was 14.

@earthdakini

4y↑15

Me too this song was on my mind today, just had to have a listen this evening.

@jeffthompson6431

4y↑9

@@mariec.9102 I bought it when I was 18. I still have it and the single it came with. Super Great Record.

92 More Replies...

@eleanorgiblin5800

25w↑49

Could any song be more timely, or timeless?

@Benabar.

18w

Hello, how are you doing it's nice meeting you here .

@arickmccance3972

12w↑1

Tamales 🌮🤔

@chriscoughlin9289

Yes, Mr Lowe himself has often remarked on the curse of its enduring relevance.

I 'll never forget sitting in stunned silence with my wife and listening to Nick reprise an acoustic take on this just days after 9/11 on NPR's 'Fresh Air.' Just gutted us.

@debrosman

26w↑70

We need this song as our new anthem ❤

@lisakiser3113

2y↑57

I had this album in 1979 when I was a senior in high school. He carried me through the bullshit in my life.

@samenoname4927

2y↑1

...Yes, truly transcendent!!!

@tomodonovan5931

2y↑1

@evenbet9603

2y↑2

He has a way with words. I can only imagine you find his lyrics about women mostly hilarious though sometimes sad if not tragic. I discovered Mr. Costello the same year I graduated highschool, 1979.

@giovannaparente917

1y↑2

Love the 70's and 80's and even 90's but forget the millenium.. It all went down hill from there. THis song is so relevant in these times ....

@tomodonovan5931

@iadcrjca

4y↑189

Never more poignant than it is today. Indeed, we need a little Peace, Love and Understanding.

@iansmith8263

whut the fick r u talkin about

@nugagim

3y↑5

@@iansmith8263 what are you talking about more like.

@michelerenea6477

@@nugagim EXACTLY!!
You're SO right! I, too, would like to know what that person, ian, is talking about.
What is he - completely blind? Is he just incredibly happy as, each day, he sees another, and another and, yet, another victory for fascism, racism, cruelty and oppression, ignorance, divisiveness, and, on top of those, destruction... of nature, beauty, art, kindness, humanity, knowledge, learning, tolerance, friendship, caring,
Democracy, reality, scholarship, and, basically, all around decency, or does he see it without actually "seeing it"? Is he, simply, a moron or, rather, is he just a douch bag...a total jerk? I have a few sneaking suspicions... but, hey, what do I know?🤷‍♀️
Well, Number36, I think that, as far as this 'ian' is concerned, we both may be on to something. Fortunately, however - and, for some reason, I think you may agree with me on this one - he just, well, aside from each of us taking a moment to stop to comment on his inanity and what is, clearly, his obvious lack of education and utter absence of even a fraction of intellect, isn't worthy of another second's worth of time..🤷‍♀️
Have a beautiful day, a wonderful wkend and - and I do hope this for ALL of us - a safe, friendly and healthy one, too!!
OH!!! BY THE WAY, I FORGOT TO SAY THIS EARLIER, BUT, IN MY OH-SO- HUMBLE OPINION, Nothing... ABSOLUTELY F - ING NOTHING IS FUNNY, AT ALL; NOTHING IS, IN ANY WAY, FUNNY ABOUT PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING, OH, NOTHING IS FUNNY ABOUT PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING. I WISH, MORE THAN ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING AT ALL, MORE THAN ANYTHING FOR WHICH IT IS POSSIBLE TO WISH, FOR MORE - THAT WE ALL COULD JUST, PLEASE, OH PLEASE, HAVE MORE PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING!!! OH! CERTAINLY, THAT IS - ESPECIALLY, RIGHT NOW I WISH OH SO MUCH THAT WE ALL COULD HAVE AND THAT WE ALL COULD GIVE MORE PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING. OH. YEAH. PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

@michelerenea6477

Iadcrijca, you are not alone, sweetheart! You are not alone. You have friends, we'd seen if you don't feel it! 🙏💖
Anyway, just ignore that moronic, racist - oops! Lol! I guess that (moronic AND racist, was a bit - well, QUITE a bit -
REDUNDANT, wasn't it? My bad! But, hey, those two words always just seem as if they were MADE for each other... don't they? 😆🤣🤣🤣) Anyway, that vile, racist (damn! Another redundancy!! Lol! Oh well, some things just cant be helped right?), ian smith is not only a NAZI loser, but, because he uses what really appears to be a pseudonym, he's also a jerk who likes to behave like what appears, TO HIM, to be a real tough guy, macho, wanna be Nazi - and, yet, isn't even a big enough boy to use his real name!!!!
You are lovey, iadcrjca! Don't ever allow bullies, or jerks, like little (meant in more ways than one...ex. height, brain size, i.q., e.t.c., 😉)"ian smith" get you down. ONLY REAL BAD ASSES CAN ALLOW THEMSELVES TOP LOOK AT THE PAIN OF LIVING AND OFF LIFE RIGHT NOW, IN PARTICULAR. PEOPLE WHO TRY TO INSINUATE THAT THOSE WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT THERE IS PAIN, FEAR AND, OFTEN, WORRY OVER WHERE HUMANITY, AND THIS WORLD, IS HEADED ARE STRONG. THOSE WHO LAUGH AT US FOR DOING IT, AND SAY WE'RE WEAK, ARE THE TRUE WEAKLINGS, VEER ASIDE IT TAKES FAR, FAR MORE COURAGE TO FACE OUR EMOTIONS THAN IT DOES TO SUPPRESS THEM!
👍👍💖🌷😊🤗🤗

@waynenorthspacebuoy3529

What an ICON .... so much talent ... I can only hope that my song by Space Boy ... hang on ... someone's at the door ......

1 More Replies...

@pb12661

44w↑10

this song is just as relevant in 2023, if not more, than it was in 1980. I know because I lived through those times.

@rainstein3680

2y↑90

This, in my humble opinion, is by far EC's most ripping, melodic as all hell, straight from the gut kick ass classic!!!! I have long been mesmerized by it!!

@PhilippoDan

1y↑2

look up I Want You, live @ the Tim Festival. Always gets me, that one.

@Smedley1947

41w↑1

I love the way the rhythm guitar just never lets up.

@MD-lf3gt

36w↑3

ABSOLUTELY AGREE, still mesmerized by it, more than 40 years!!

@HoldenNY22

20w↑5

Except that Nick Lowe actually wrote the Song, but Elvis Costello's Cover made the Song Famous.

@bunkie2100

15w↑2

@@HoldenNY22 - The story I heard that Nick Lowe wrote it with tongue firmly in cheek and Elvis picked it up and found its true spirit.

@Ireland831

2y↑42

I forgot how much I liked this song. I was an MTV kid and this video/song always stuck with me. 53 now and this sounds as fresh as when I was ~12. Thank you Elvis.

@bjdouma

1y↑1

Try to get the book "England's Dreaming"!

@CookieTheCat99

1y↑2

52 here and I was about to write the same thing. MTV introduced me to a lot of bands I would have never given the time of day to back then. Now I'm turning my 10 year old son onto Elvis C.

@TonyHookedonVanlife

33w

56 here & totally agree! So many great songs from back then... look up "I Know There's Something Going On" by Freda for a great flashback musical memory from the early 80s. 👍

@paultreadaway102

33w

Video 137 MTV August

@PlainObserver

Gotta agree. I was 16 at the time now just turned 59 and I thought of it, played it and it kicks ass better than ever!

@harrycoleii7659

3y↑47

Bruce Thomas's bass line in this song is fuckin' amazing! Complex enough to remain potent while retaining a solid skeleton with the Pete's drums, for the band to explore. Love it!

@wonder929

2y↑3

I really appreciate the bass line too! The chord changes in this song are SO beautiful, too!

@SARCASTICLES

16w

He was called "The boy most likely to" back when EC was "Looking Italian".

@stephenstone8480

12w

One of the best rhythm sections ever...

@michaelcole2845

4y↑62

Bill Murray singing this song in karaoke in the 2004 Sofia Coppola film "Lost In Translation" is one of the best things you will ever see/hear.

@yosoyalbertico

Yes im searching for this moment

@matthewveal5504

8y↑323

this song needs to be played a lot more, as meaningful of a song as i have ever heard

@wobblybobengland

What is it about?

@oppothumbs1

4y↑1

@@wobblybobengland He really doesn't know lol.

@iansmith8263

as meaningful as song.... not 'as meaningful of a song...'

@matthewveal5504

@Dominic O'reilly thanks! somehow i forget it was nick lowe, and maybe never sank into detail - it just captured my feeling about the steady stream of you know what coming at me so much in my adult life. unfortunately, humans really are a pretty angry species, some more than others, so i shouldnt get as annoyed with them as i do

@georgebarry8640

@@matthewveal5504 Nick Lowe writes some Great songs. this is one of em.

1 More Replies...

@hippieluv

2y↑55

This man was ahead of his time. A phenomenal talent.🎶👍

@NowPleaseReadThis

48w↑3

Actually now we are behind the times.

@vinista256

36w↑4

This song was very much OF that time, actually 🤔

@user-hg2ws5dt1p

27w↑1

a friend said that he was the hottest act she ever saw....& @ The Shaboo Inn in the late 70s

@alwaysbeclosing66

22w↑1

Although they could have written this song during the Iliad

@billspencer9430

21w↑1

It was a cover version four years after the original.

@marialiyubman

2y↑61

This song spoke to me today… thank you Elvis. ❤️

@steveclinton4084

Hello Maria how are you doing hope you’re having a great time with your family may God bless you and your family

@georgeburns8447

You're welcome.

@iwillsurvivethehighfivecau7504

19w

What did it say? Is it that toilet paper under the shoe again?

@jetjiles49

5y↑73

Elvis Costello is so underrated. Him and Van Morrison deserve more credit and airplay in my area.

@hooskerdu1

1y↑2

I don't think either are overrated. The critics love both of them. People with good musical taste listen to both of them. People that listen to Maria Carey and Celine Dion, however, are clueless, and have no idea who Van Morrison and Elvis Costello are. That's a good thing. We don't want either sullied by the likes of those people.

@musicisbrilliant

6y↑55

Such a truly brilliant song. This gem won my heart for Elvis Costello.

@cecilewhite1897

4y↑46

One of the best songs from the New Wave era IMO. Sounds as good today as it did in the late 70s.

@worldlyconcerns

7y↑333

@wmjlewis

7y↑17

Yeah, where IS that sweet sweet harmony? I could use some of that.

@leslieshafer6343

4y↑16

@@wmjlewis It's something that's desperately needed right now.

@naomiburn8386

4y↑12

thanks for writing out the lyrics

@docgima

3y↑2

Thank you friend,,

@kurtbonke2324

3y↑3

@@wmjlewis YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!! INCREDIBLE MUSIC! MORE PEOPLE SHOULD THINK LIKE HIM. FAR OUT!!!

4 More Replies...

@davidhoogendyke2774

3y↑46

Obviously filmed in and around Vancouver Canada!!! SUCH A POWERFUL ANTHEM!!!! I get choked up every time I try to sing along, I'm so frustrated with the world....this song says iy all for me.

@catterinax

I just stumbled upon this video and had totally forgotten that it was made in Vancouver back when it was just a bump on the map.

@mikemattioli7440

38w↑1

Such a positive message delivered so aggressively. It's awesome

@balladofathinman

20w

Stanley Park. I was there on vacation with my family when I was 14, while this was being recorded.

@shannonnonnahs6943

2y↑26

These lyrics only get more powerful with age. Thank you for that.

@Quietus5

3y↑222

This song hit me a week ago to the point I had tears. This song is needed so much today.

@davidhoogendyke2774

3y↑8

I tremble with both love for, and frustration with our world when I play this iconic and timeless song. It helps me, even at 58, to release some positive anger.

@workingprogress2951

3y↑4

Republicans will
Always be part of the problem

@johncallsen7019

3y↑3

ME TOO TWO FIVE DAYS AGO

@HanMono

I feel you brother.

@iansmith8263

2y↑1

grow a pair

11 More Replies...

@sharonbalas9854

3y↑14

Nick gave it soul, Elvis gave it swagger. Perfection.

@user-zu9kk5et8b

❤️

@kimgallagher6254

2y↑29

This song is a just a gem, pure rock n roll, love it, should be more of it. Bring this music back !!!!

@officialelviscostello

50w

Hello Kim
How are you doing today?
Nice meeting you here

@omfug7148

8y↑156

I needed this tonight..

@schleifMets41

8y↑26

+omfug I'm w/you. Had to turn off the news, and dive into music to clear my head from my spirit getting downhearted sometimes...... The world needs more peace, love and understand. Like your username, cbgb!

@kandylangford5886

8y↑1

+Scott Schleifer honey...that is my real name...

@markwaldron8954

22w↑16

I feel like playing this about fifty times a day, given what the world is going through at the moment.

@waytoobiased

22w↑2

you and me both

@paulamason

21w↑2

Ditto

@davidbowman4259

20w

Yes. We must fend off the dark forces of Drumpism.

@davidcelona8167

4y↑42

Perfect song for these times

@mikepatrick5909

4y↑2

Not much Peace in these times...

@Abegoldhatch

4y↑15

For us indie rockers, the original Elvis is the Costello one, The Godfather of Alternative rock music. He got the style.

@mgraves9484

3y↑8

I'm 62 and remember this as one of the very first ever vids when MTV was launched in 1980. Was in college. All of my friends and I knew from this song that rock n' roll had changed. Nothing replaces this, ever. EVER.

@michaelhussein870

2y↑8

"...so where are the strong and who are the trusted, and where is the harmony?"

@1groovygreg

8y↑538

Nick Lowe wrote the song and Mr. Costello immortalized it. Both are talented artists of a sadly bygone generation of music.

@clintonfeverjean3101

7y↑3

1groovygreg I agree!!!!!!!

@33Luger

5y↑12

Thanks for the information. Always thought Elvis wrote it.

@freakyfadge

4y↑4

pub rock legends

@chipgaasche4933

4y↑1

Doesn't everybody already know that?

@StinkFinger2023

WRONG !! Bruce Springsteen wrote the song

34 More Replies...

@clarkewi

4y↑27

One of the greatest songs of all time.

@kristinaniemeyer5256

clarkewi please tell people to listen to this song during this coronavirus SH*T 🙏🏻

@tbeau5748

3y↑29

Still one of my favourites from Elvis's early years

@thewarhenk

2y↑32

Phenomenal tune. Used to love to sing lead on it with the old band. My buddy Eddie Angel and Los Straitjackets now tours with Nick Lowe! You know what makes this record? Oh, the melody, the lyrics, Elvis, but really, it's those kickin' floor toms!

@kevinobrien2735

2y↑2

I'm not a musician but I assume you mean those awesome drums. That does define the song. Rolled to that back in the day.

@thewarhenk

2y↑2

Kevin O’Brien, indeed. Floor Toms are the Tom Tom drums on the floor at the side of a kit drummer.

@zawarski

2y↑1

Had a chance to catch them this summer. Awesome show.

@jackgriffin8511

He has some other good music, but nothing that compares to this song. Those drums, the bass line, the rhythm guitar, and the heartfelt lyrics. That beautifully heavy drum intro just starts it off so well. An absolutely complete song.

@peterowen9183

1y↑1

Fantastic story, what a great connection! And Los Straitjackets (with Nick) are supporting Elvis on his summer tour.

1 More Replies...

@johnstroyek3387

33w↑10

Simply SO RELEVANT to today's times..... Elvis song writing was way ahead....AWESOME !!!!

@Drewzer154

32w↑2

Nick Lowe wrote it.

@jeffparker8913

32w↑3

@@Drewzer154 Elvis took it and turned it into a protest song where Nick Lowe's original with Brinsley Schwartz was a bit more of a lament (as are his brilliant acoustic versions). Still never sure which I prefer!

@batgurrl

4y↑152

I’m here in April 2020
Everyone stay healthy and safe☮️

@bigc7326

4y↑3

You too👍👍

@jdeloret

4y↑2

You too. This should be our rallying cry.

@Carlosaguilar2412

4y↑3

July 2020

@keizerlicuanan8642

3y↑1

Hopefully yall safe 2020 is comin to an end

@batgurrl

@@keizerlicuanan8642 ☮️👏

1 More Replies...

@robjames3864

7y↑33

Great tune. Still sounds as good today as it did 35 years ago.

@sammencia7945

2y↑50

The Attractions were, from late 1977 to mid 1979, one of the best Rock bands of the 20th C.
Tight, powerful, and tuneful.
Few reached their power.

@waynenorthspacebuoy3529

2y↑1

What an ICON .... so much talent ... I can only hope that my song by Space Boy ... hang on ... someone's at the door ......

@sratus

2y↑4

Don't know why you're stopping at mid 79 before Get Happy and Trust. Talk about tight, powerful and tuneful.

@cactaceous

2y↑3

What about Get Happy, Trust and Imperial Bedroom? His first six albums of original material are all masterpieces. Very very seldom, like very seldom does an artist come out the gate and drop such continuously amazing material. Elvis is king.

@rattyeely

No love for Get Happy!! ?

@weeklyfascination

2y↑10

In many of their videos, the drummer, Pete Thomas, is playing something different - rarely drums.
Just love the subtle sense of humor of Elvis Costello and the Attractions.
Bruce Thomas stands out in a long history of exceptional British bassists.

@completeMonti

50w↑5

These early Elvis Costello videos are inspired and delightful. Even when they are not really playing, it's a joy to watch them.

@philpowell8923

2y↑12

Brings a tear to my eyes.

@FandomDSaint

5y↑386

LEGION SEND ME HERE!!!!!!
That was a crazy episode 5 of Season 3 😔

@darshanparab8480

5y↑8

waiting for episode 6

@pizzaisminenoucanthaveit.2149

5y↑6

Same

@puneet5396

5y↑6

Wanted to sing with them, only if i knew the song before...

@nothajzl

5y↑28

FACTS: Legion's covers are better than the originals.

@Mat0m

5y↑7

I cried, the laugh of Leny... So sad

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@annaelizabethwade1660

8y↑224

Best song ever and should be played out across the hilltops and cities at any time of crisis. Want it to be the one they play at my funeral when they put me in the ground... :)

@joevv

8y↑3

+lets hope that is not for a while yet

@nldstone

8y↑1

+Anna Elizabeth Wade Exactly!!!

@strippschoe

6y↑1

The highest of praise Anna!

@carlossantamariapico1571

6y↑3

Anna Elizabeth Wade there’s so much greatness in those words

@josephpitts5897

Strangely, I find this today. I wonder if my comment will add to the 666 it's at now for this video.

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@johnarmitage4872

4y↑17

Elvis Costello's Peace, Love and Understanding, more relevant NOW than then and the guitar work is ethereal. Listen and feel better.

@1-shotslinger108

5y↑52

Nick Lowe , you wrote a beautiful song here ! Elvis did it justice !

@runrig97

Check his recent version with the Southsea Alternative Choir

@1-shotslinger108

@@runrig97 I will Thanks

@matthewcovington2997

Pretty sure Nick produced this as well.

@Timpriestley

48w

You wrote a hymn, here, Nick x

@tarquinposelthwaite1246

3y↑15

great songwriting from Nick Lowe, performed brilliantly by Elvis and the band, an all time classic song that will always stand the test of time for ever and a day

@juliestrom412

7w↑1

Wow look at thst English garden! ❤ Great song!

@bradmcgovern954

1y↑8

Ever since "A Colbert Christmas", which I still watch at least once every year, this has been a kind-of-Christmas song for me. The message of the song certainly fits the season! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays!

@kandylangford5886

9y↑51

Sorry, but this is my absolute favorite Elvis Costello rendition...

@jcdc1824

6y↑7

Why apologize? I wish you peace, love and understanding. Nothing funny about it.

@iansmith8263

i do believe you meant to say that this was your favourite rendition of this song, not your favorite Elvis rendition.

@jmm1000

3y↑6

Machine-Gun Bruce Thomas's bassline is the absolute driving force in this epic anthem

@kundendienst171

Stimme 100% zu jmm1000. Der Song groovt dahin das ist ein wunderschönes Stück Musik.

@glennsepelak5113

2y↑15

Still one of the greatest songs ever... i remember when it came out

@TighelanderII

3y↑17

In the early Nineties, Lowe was feeling low. I think he said part of it was money. One day in the mail a check surprised him.
It was a big check.
He forgot or was unaware that the soundtrack to the hit movie, "The Bodyguard" used this song. The soundtrack was also a big hit.
It was a big check. He was happy.

@stormfield9431

that is freakin' awesome!!!! Poets deserve to get paid!!

@vernpascal1531

3y↑1

@Dominic O'reilly is that right? Nick says" yeah I love this song now,best one I ever wrote". Kinda funny with the Greats Paul Mccartney has written 75 or so songs better than Yesterday. Elvis Costello has probably written at least 75 songs better than Alison, and Dylan has at least 75 songs as good or better than Blowin' In The Wind, which they are most known for.

@EdwardHester3615

7y↑16

sometimes I forget how good this dude was...great music

@oughtonoughton2634

2y↑6

I adore this very fine bloke his voice and songs are second to none ,, ive seen him several times in the past , his shows are beyond judgement ,,,, Elvis the genius for ever lol x

@galeleitch7497

7y↑113

Filmed in Vancouver, BC, in 1978, at the end of their tour.

@sunvalleylaw

7y↑8

I was thinking it had to be BC. I have stood before those totem poles myself. Around the same era.

@greggriffin8936

6y↑1

Jericho Beach in the opening scene I think.

@shawnbordoff6942

5y↑4

Stanley Park Totem Poles is a popular tourist attraction

@GregoryFeck

5y↑4

I was there in August. BC is an amazing place.

@greggriffin8936

5y↑3

@@GregoryFeck as a resident, it's a great place to visit 🤣

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@ThePlaymayker

2y↑8

A song that’s so relevant in today’s f*** up world. Beautiful.

@paulshamblin6260

5y↑13

Still better than anything on the radio today!

@tommyboyindy1157

3y↑4

I’ve never heard a happier song played with such anger. This was Elvis’ greatest period. What’s so funny bout that?

@vzq5175

4y↑19

This song is still super relevant today.

Unfortunately. Still boppin' tho

@iansmith8263

i do believe the message in the song is relevant every day, equally. Furthermore, i believe that putting the word super before an adjective is unnecessary.

@lonnyjaw

1y↑4

One of THE TOP songs by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Their 'back-in-the-day' look in this video takes me back to the GOOD days of rock n roll. Driving melody with a touch of the punk feel. SO cool!

@MichaelDominici1968

8y↑14

Such a great song. So sad that we will never stop needing to hear it just to help us remain sane, now more than ever!

@TampaFanatic1

4y↑25

Damn Good Song, we need more music like this in 2020!

@tek6423

3y↑1

You will not get music like this in 2020. It’s a shame.

@jeffsmith4110

We do, agreed, but it's very unlikely given today's music industry efforts.

@Neville60001

2y↑1

It's still here, you just have to look for it (as you most likely did back in 1978 when this song was released); song like this haven't gone away.

@Neville60001

@@jeffsmith4110, to repeat myself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssd3U_zicAI&lc=Ugy1KE7-CXqf2NBt6pt4AaABAg.9D6C7P4a98E9Wcvc9lnNba

@davidisabelle7666

2y↑84

Elvis owned this cover from the first note! His vocals, presence and energy took a fine song and made it legendary.

Thanks for all the great music Mr Costello. It's been a wonderful journey.

@jeffreybarkin3177

2y↑1

His lyrics, with sarcasm and subtle indirect focus on many core issues has become #Legendary and I do Not use this Term lightly...

Agree... He's carried me through the Ages Too!

Thank You ELVIS COSTELLO for Such MEMORABLE Tuneage!

ABSOLUTELY

@Purplenpinkk

26w↑4

I think about this song often.

@garyknight750

25w↑3

Needed as much as ever. Once again our leaders start a War. They stay safe in their offices giving orders while innocent people die. Talk to each other Violence just breeds Violence.

@NowPleaseReadThis

2y↑20

Bruce Thomas' bass lines are downright architectural and majestic.

@watts111

Always.

@Timpriestley

48w

I miss him

@kev515

23w↑3

And so it goes. Always like this.

@vetb882

8y↑34

I am 499 :-) loved this since it came out. More appropriate today then even then.

@Beatnikzombie

8y↑3

Wow. You are really old.

@blotfd

+Beatnikzombie
lol! your funny! im old, too. such great lyrics

@Beatnikzombie

8y↑2

In 499 years, you'd think you would have learned to use you're.

@suf822

@Beatnikzombie

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@ghettowizard378

7y↑8

Elvis Costello had some hits in his time!!! this is just one of his best!!!

@tomkokos7410

4y↑6

Loved it the first time I heard it in 1978, Elvis Costello is the godfather of alternative.

@iansmith8263

naah, thats Elton

@stage51manager

33w↑5

Lost In Translation 🇺🇸🇯🇵

Happy 20th Anniversary

@allanpettit541

3y↑7

I play this song virtually every day now. Great song by Elvis that has aged so well and is always so relevant. Especially now.

@maryannesobocinski2589

6y↑399

On this day in 1977 Declan Patrick MacManus quit his day job at Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics to become Elvis Costello. Great move! xoxox

@kristinaniemeyer5256

4y↑7

Thanks MARYANNE I never knew that... so was Mr. Costello WAS like a District Sales Manager for the Elizabeth Arden Company...
RIGHT??? He didn’t sell it at Macey’s in MALL 🤔

@declanwarner4835

4y↑15

I’m so happy my parents named me after him

@laurenduvall8547

4y↑8

I needed to hear this now. Thank you Elvis! 06/01/2020 USA revolutiin

@jimkay2728

4y↑10

A great loss to Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics.

@derin111

3y↑3

But if the music turned out this good, imagine what cosmetics would be by today! :)

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@gordeauxd

7y↑75

Demonstrating once and for all time that anger is a valid emotion.

@chipgaasche4933

4y↑1

Wrong, gord..anger is a wasted emotion

@harmoneedreams8168

4y↑10

Sometimes anger will motivate us to fix a wrong, and find a better way. It definitely has it's time and place. Anger without control, is rarely a good thing, though.

@TheSeanm102

4y↑9

anger is a energy

@mikepatrick5909

4y↑1

@@chipgaasche4933 anger is a sin...

@seandoyle3695

4y↑6

the song is more about desperation than anger

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@pinkunicorn8124

42w↑1

Saw this live with my 63 yo Dad and my 8 yo daughter. A timeless classic, relevant to 3 generations! Thank you EC!

@TT-fq7pl

22w↑1

Filmed at Stanley Park in Vancouver. Saw Costello in Vancouver twice, once in the early 80s (with Squeeze) and just over a decade later, when he was touring Brutal Youth. Great artist!

@jfk2214

3y↑4

🎶" I ask myself... Is all hope lost?" 🎶

@cindikirkland1955

45w↑2

I absolutely love this man.❤

@Benabar.

18w

Hello, how are you doing it's nice meeting you here .

@MD-lf3gt

Most exciting track of the 80’s

@TheKennyThomasBand

7y↑13

Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Joe Jackson, XTC, Madness, gary Numan...that was all bad ass shit. :)

@NickHarman

2y↑3

The bass is everything on this.

@randomrose128

34w↑1

Happy Birthday, River. 💙🎉 :}

@dspf68

2y↑8

Elvis being Elvis, love it! Nick Lowe is one of the most ignored artists of his time. Straight up genius!

@flalondon

2y↑10

fantastic song, one of the best ever written!!!

@markvaught9510

6y↑9

Can't ever get tired of this song. Anytime is a good time to hear it!!

@donnafrost12strings

7y↑60

still relevant today

@DocEnsor

7y↑7

Relevant at this very moment.

@lokisan100

7y↑2

More relevant today!

@lindadote

7y↑3

Robyn Kern .........peace, love and understanding will always be relevant.

@ivangarcia5123

6y↑1

Every day is more relevant than yesterday...

@27scole

Of course! :)

@philkleinman7002

2y↑1

Saw Elvis and Steely Dan at Red Rocks a few years back, it was amazing.

@PaulUhlir22

2y↑9

That bass line

@CookieTheCat99

1y↑3

"So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony". So f'ing good.

@sharjane4627

42w↑3

LOVE this! Elvis Costello had it right on the money with this song.

@barrygreenstein8383

4y↑9

I remember seeing Elvis Costello's first TV appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1977. He performed Watching The Detectives from his debut album My Aim Is True and thinking "Who is this weirdo". Two weeks later I heard the album at my friends house and I thought to myself "This guy is one of the greatest pop/Rock stars of all-time". When I bought his second album This Years Model I was convinced that he would have a long illustrious career!

@paulburns1333

3y↑1

Spot on Barry, you should always be prepared to give things a second listen.

@iansmith8263

@@paulburns1333 if its coldpl*y or r*d h*t chill* pe*pers then i wouldnt even give it a first listen

@HarryKrinkle

8y↑35

Very relevant.

@marinman39

7y↑3

Harry Krinkle More than ever. Play it for the Donald, maybe, oh never mind.

@petermgruhn

7y↑1

You mean the guy who won a USA presidential election in large part for saying "Hey, let's talk to Russia instead of starting a war with them?"

@HarryKrinkle

7y↑1

Peter Gruhn And by inciting ethnic tensions that may well bring about a new White Supremacist Movement, don't forget that.

@moiramurphy6517

"may bring about"?

@HarryKrinkle

Moira Murphy True.

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@tommyhaynes9157

40w↑2

Bass part is certifiably insane

@garethjones6566

3y↑6

This song never fails in placing a smile on my face. Love it.

@dalejones9919

4y↑4

And this is why.. Elvis is King~!

@timwebber8630

5y↑8

Congrats on the Lifetime Achievement Americana Award, Elvis!

I still cannot listen to this song without seeing John Belushi singing it.

@mikemattioli7440

38w↑4

Such an awesome message delivered so aggressively. Love it!

@evantapper5924

8y↑12

Such a Great song. Enormous. Timeless.

@bradleywells3386

2y↑1

Might be the greatest rock and roll song ever.

@cheapscotsman

2y↑1

Filmed at Kits Beach, Stanley Park, and Queen Elizabeth park in Vancouver. One of my favourite songs.

@gogoyubari366

4y↑41

I posted the lyrics during the Rodney King riots and the L.A. Times printed it.

@MotorCentaur

3y↑1

♥

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