From A Whisper To A Scream
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
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Walking around looking like a figment of somebody else's imagination
Taking ev'ry word she says just like an open invitation
But the power of persuasion is no match for anticipation
Like a finger running down a seam
From a whisper to a scream
So I whisper and I scream
Please don't leave me waitin' too long
Waitin' too long
Waitin' too long
Waitin' too long
Hey
Oh oh oh oh oh
Oh if the customers like it then they'll keep on paying
If they keep on drinking then they'll end up staying
I heard someone say where have we met before
But the one over the eight seem less like one or more like four
Like a finger running down a seam
From a whisper to a scream
So I whisper and I scream
But don't get me wrong
Please don't leave me waitin' too long
Waitin' too long
Waitin' too long
Waitin' too long
Hey
The lyrics to Elvis Costello & The Attractions’ song “From A Whisper To A Scream” depict the struggle of resisting temptation from someone who seems too good to be true. The singer admits to being drawn to this person’s every word and action, but acknowledges that anticipation holds more power than persuasion. The song is full of contrasting emotions as the singer balances desire and self-control. The line “like a finger running down a seam” is a vivid description of the tension building, leading up to the explosive chorus where the singer alternates between whispering and screaming, begging not to be left waiting too long.
Overall, the song conveys a desperate longing for this person, while also acknowledging the consequences of giving in to temptation. The repetition of “waitin’ too long” adds to the sense of urgency and anxiety the singer is feeling. The use of figurative language and imagery throughout the song helps to paint a picture of the intense emotions being experienced.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh it's not easy to resist temptation
It's tough to avoid giving in to temptation
Walking around looking like a figment of somebody else's imagination
Feeling like you're not really yourself
Taking ev'ry word she says just like an open invitation
Taking everything she says as an invitation
But the power of persuasion is no match for anticipation
Anticipation is a stronger feeling than persuasion
Like a finger running down a seam
A simile for the way feelings escalate
From a whisper to a scream
From a soft sound to a loud one
So I whisper and I scream
I use both soft and loud expressions
But don't get me wrong
Don't misunderstand me
Please don't leave me waitin' too long
Don't keep me waiting too much
Oh if the customers like it then they'll keep on paying
If customers enjoy something, they will keep spending money on it
If they keep on drinking then they'll end up staying
If they keep drinking, they'll stay longer
I heard someone say where have we met before
Someone asked if they've met before
But the one over the eight seem less like one or more like four
After some drinking, it's hard to tell how much you've had
Hey
An exclamation used for emphasis
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elvis Costello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind