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.
Brilliant Mistake
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
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Where they pour Coca Cola just like vintage wine
Now I try hard not to become hysterical
But I'm not sure if I am laughing or crying
I wish that I could push a button
And talk in the past and not the present tense
And watch this hurtin' feeling disappear
Like it was common sense
Now it's a brilliant mistake
She said that she was working for the ABC News
It was as much of the alphabet as she knew how to use
Her perfume was unspeakable
It lingered in the air
Like her artificial laughter
Her mementos of affairs
"Oh" I said "I see you know him"
"Isn't that very fortunate for you"
And she showed me his calling card
He came third or fourth and there were more than one or two
He was a fine idea at the time
Now he's a brilliant mistake
He thought he was the King of America
But it was just a boulevard of broken dreams
A trick they do with mirrors and with chemicals
The words of love in whispers
And the acts of love in screams
I wish that I could push a button
And talk in the past and not the present tense
And watch this lovin' feeling disappear
Like it was common sense
I was a fine idea at the time
Now I'm a brilliant mistake
I was a fine idea at the time
Now I'm a brilliant mistake
"Brilliant Mistake" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a song that explores the fleeting nature of love and fame. In the first verse, the singer reflects on someone who believed they were the "King of America," a self-aggrandizing figure who dreamed of a life of luxury and excess. The singer, however, sees through this facade and can't help but feel a mix of amusement and sadness at the person's delusions.
The second verse introduces a woman who pretends to have connections to someone important, using her "mementos of affairs" to give off an air of sophistication. The singer again sees past the facade, this time recognizing the man she claims to know as someone who is far from important.
The chorus ties both of these narratives together, reflecting on how what seemed like a good idea at the time can quickly turn into a "brilliant mistake." The illusion of power and importance crumbles when viewed through a critical lens, leaving behind a sense of inevitable regret.
One interpretation of the song could be that it's a commentary on the futility of chasing after fame and fortune at the cost of genuine connections and experiences. The repeated desire to "talk in the past and not the present tense" suggests a longing for a simpler time, before the complications and heartache that come with trying to keep up with society's expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
He thought he was the King of America
He believed he had complete control of America and its inhabitants.
Where they pour Coca Cola just like vintage wine
In this place, Coca Cola, a symbol of American culture, is elevated to the status of an exquisite wine.
Now I try hard not to become hysterical
I struggle to keep myself calm and not lose control of my emotions.
But I'm not sure if I am laughing or crying
I'm so confused that I'm not even sure what emotion I'm experiencing.
I wish that I could push a button
I desire the ability to change time at will.
And talk in the past and not the present tense
I'd rather converse in the past tense than the present tense.
And watch this hurtin' feeling disappear
I'd love for this painful feeling to vanish instantly.
Like it was common sense
It should be instinctive for this hurtful feeling to disappear.
It was a fine idea at the time
At the time, this seemed like a sensible decision.
Now it's a brilliant mistake
Now it's a great and terrible error.
She said that she was working for the ABC News
She claimed she worked for ABC News.
It was as much of the alphabet as she knew how to use
ABC was the extent of her knowledge of the alphabet.
Her perfume was unspeakable
Her scent was indescribable or overwhelming.
It lingered in the air
It hung around for some time after she left.
Like her artificial laughter
Her laughter didn't seem genuine or sincere.
Her mementos of affairs
Her keepsakes from previous relationships.
"Oh" I said "I see you know him"
I acknowledged that she knew a certain person.
"Isn't that very fortunate for you"
I made a sarcastic comment on how lucky she was.
And she showed me his calling card
She revealed to me his business card.
He came third or fourth and there were more than one or two
He was one of her former lovers who was not her first or second choice and there were many others.
He was a fine idea at the time
At the time, he seemed like a good person to pursue romantically.
Now he's a brilliant mistake
Now he's an outstanding and terrible mistake.
But it was just a boulevard of broken dreams
In reality, it was just a road filled with shattered aspirations.
A trick they do with mirrors and with chemicals
An illusion created through smoke and mirrors, as well as drug-induced experiences.
The words of love in whispers
Words of love were only shared in hushed tones.
And the acts of love in screams
The physical acts of love were performed loudly.
I was a fine idea at the time
At one point, I was a promising prospect.
Now I'm a brilliant mistake
Now I'm a remarkable but devastating error.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind