Internationally, the band is perhaps best known for popular rock hits such as "Oliver's Army" and "Pump It Up", both featuring expressive yet sardonic vocals from Costello. He reconvened the band for one-off albums and tours over the following decade, particularly from 1994 through 1996. He has also enlisted Nieve, and to a lesser extent Pete Thomas, for other recordings and performances, and this continues to the present day. Costello and Bruce Thomas have had a notoriously stormy relationship, documented in Thomas' 1990 autobiographical novel 'The Big Wheel'. The original Attractions reunited for the 'Brutal Youth & All This Useless Beauty' sessions despite Costello and Thomas' differences. Pete Thomas and Steve Nieve, along with Bruce Thomas' replacement Davey Faragher, have been a part of Costello's other most well known backing band, The Imposters.
Together, Costello and the Attractions, based out of London, England, recorded ten albums. Most of which are critically regarded as among Costello's finest. They are: 'This Year's Model' (1978); 'Armed Forces' (1979); 'Get Happy' (1980); 'Trust' (1981); 'Almost Blue' (1981); 'Imperial Bedroom' (1982); 'Punch The Clock' (1983); 'Goodbye Cruel World' (1984); 'Blood and Chocolate' (1986), and 'All This Useless Beauty' (1996). The full band plays on some, but not all, tracks on the 1994 release 'Brutal Youth', which is credited to Costello alone. In addition, The Attractions also recorded an album without Costello, titled 'Mad About the Wrong Boy', which they released in 1980.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions most recently appeared together, although they didn't play, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. The band's work has continued to receive much airplay and sell quite well over the years. 'Mad About the Wrong Boy', while obscure, has been a collectors item for many new wave and power pop fans.
Alison
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
@markwatts1471
My wife was an absolute Elvis fan. I lost her last year aged just 58 This song reminds me so much of her
@daveinprogress3
so sorry for your loss Mark. That is so young and tragic for you and your family. I hope the music provides even a little bit of solace to assist with grief. I have found that to be so. Good wishes to you, Mark - Dave
@markwatts1471
@@daveinprogress3 music is my saviour Dave cannot wait until I can start seeing live music again
@humanity6fl9
You’ll find her again…❤️
@seawolf365
Sorry for your loss.
@jean-francoislouvrier1441
Diana KRALL aussi
@kattiemeat5405
My Dad wanted to call me Alison after this song. Mum prevailed though, so I got "John". Probably made school a bit easier
@Ystadcop
Thanks, so funny!
@lissyp6051
Lmao!! 🤣😜
@micoisgreat91ify
Hahaha