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.
Different Finger
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'cause I can't stand those suspicious glances
'cause I know the things they're saying are right
They're saying why don't you straighten up
And see what you've got to lose
Put it all down to fate but you still got the chance to choose
Or about my strange resemblance to some old flame
All I want is one night of glory
I don't even know your second name
Please put your rings on a diff'rent finger 'cause we've got so much at stake
I can't stand those suspicious glances
'cause they seem to cover ev'ry move I make
But if I can be alone with you completely tonight
Put your rings on a diff'rent finger
Before I turn out the light
The song Different Finger by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a cautionary tale about a man who is asking his lover to keep their affair discreet in order to avoid any suspicion from others. The lyrics capture the fear and anxiety that come with the possibility of being caught, as the singer pleads for the woman to remove her rings and keep their relationship a secret. He acknowledges the judgment of others, but is unwilling to give up his chance at passion and desire. The line "Put it all down to fate but you still got the chance to choose" speaks to the idea that fate may guide us, but ultimately we have control over our own decisions.
The song captures the complexity of relationships, particularly those that are kept under wraps. The singer is not interested in a long-term relationship or a commitment, but instead is focused on the moment and the thrill of being with someone new. He wants to avoid complications and any potential fallout, and is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their secrecy.
Overall, Different Finger is a powerful song about lust, fear, and the desire to live life on one's own terms. It is a reminder that we all have choices to make, and that sometimes the most fulfilling ones are not the easiest.
Line by Line Meaning
Please put your rings on a diff'rent finger if you meet me tonight
I want you to take off your wedding ring when you're with me tonight.
'cause I can't stand those suspicious glances
Seeing you wear your wedding ring will make me feel uncomfortable and judged.
'cause I know the things they're saying are right
People are talking about how this is wrong, and I know they're making sense.
They're saying why don't you straighten up
People are telling you to get your life together.
And see what you've got to lose
You need to realize what you stand to lose in this situation.
Put it all down to fate but you still got the chance to choose
You can believe in fate all you want, but you still have a choice to make about what you do.
I don't want to hear your whole life story
I'm not interested in knowing everything about you and your life.
Or about my strange resemblance to some old flame
I don't want to hear about how I remind you of someone from your past.
All I want is one night of glory
All I want is a brief moment of excitement and pleasure with you.
I don't even know your second name
I know very little about you, not even your last name.
Please put your rings on a diff'rent finger 'cause we've got so much at stake
It's important that you take off your wedding ring because we have a lot to lose if we're caught.
'cause they seem to cover ev'ry move I make
Seeing you wear your wedding ring makes me feel like I'm being watched and judged with every little action.
But if I can be alone with you completely tonight
If we can find a private moment together tonight,
Put your rings on a diff'rent finger
You need to take off your wedding ring for me to feel comfortable and not judged.
Before I turn out the light
Before we go to sleep together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind