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.
Love for Sale
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is the heavy tread of the heavy feet
That belong to a lonesome cop
I open shop
When the moon so long has been gazing down
On the wayward ways of a wayward town
That a smile becomes a smirk
I go to work
Love for sale
Appetizing young love for sale
Love that`s fresh and still unspoiled
Love that`s only slightly soiled
Love for sale
Who will buy? Who would like to sample my supply?
Who`s prepared to pay the price for a trip to paradise?
Love for sale
Let the poets pipe of love in their childish ways
I know every kind of love better far than they
If you want the thrill of love, I`ve been through the mill of love
Old love, new love
Every kind but true love
For sale
Appetizing young love for sale
If you want to buy my wares
Follow me and climb the stairs
Love for sale
Love for sale
The song "Love for Sale" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a cynical commentary on the commodification of love and the lengths people will go to buy or sell affection. The opening lines describe a setting of an empty street with a lonesome cop's heavy footsteps as the only sound, suggesting a mood of desolation and loneliness. The singer then takes advantage of this by "opening shop" and offering "love for sale," promoting it as "appetizing young love" that is fresh and unspoiled. The repeated phrase "Love for sale" emphasizes the transactional nature of the subject.
The second stanza takes a jab at the romanticized notion of love that poets often write about. The singer claims to know "every kind of love," suggesting a jaded perspective that comes from having been "through the mill of love." The phrase "Every kind but true love" further emphasizes this idea, suggesting that love is not a genuine emotion, but something that can be bought and sold like any other commodity.
The chorus continues with the singer promoting their wares and offering potential buyers the chance to "sample" their supply. The final lines, "Follow me and climb the stairs," conjure up images of a brothel, adding another layer of commentary on prostitution and the commodification of love.
Overall, "Love for Sale" is a satirical take on love as a commodity, mirroring the commercialization of love in modern society.
Line by Line Meaning
When the only sound on the empty street
When the silence of the deserted street is interrupted
Is the heavy tread of the heavy feet
By the footsteps of the solitary policeman
That belong to a lonesome cop
Who's the only visitor on the desolate road
I open shop
I commence my business venture
When the moon so long has been gazing down
When the moon has been observing for so long
On the wayward ways of a wayward town
The unethical conduct of a corrupt city
That a smile becomes a smirk
Where even happiness is transformed into a sneer
I go to work
I begin my occupation
Love for sale
I'm selling affection
Appetizing young love for sale
I'm offering admirable, youthful love
Love that's fresh and still unspoiled
Love that has yet to be corrupted by negative emotions
Love that's only slightly soiled
Love that has experienced some hardship, but still salvageable
Love for sale
I'm still selling love
Who will buy? Who would like to sample my supply?
Who is willing to purchase, or test my love offerings?
Who's prepared to pay the price for a trip to paradise?
Who has the financial, and emotional means of sustaining a romantic relationship?
Love for sale
Still, I'm selling love
Let the poets pipe of love in their childish ways
Let romantic writers express themselves, despite the immaturity of their thoughts
I know every kind of love better far than they
My expertise on romantic relationships surpasses theirs
If you want the thrill of love, I've been through the mill of love
If you want an exhilarating romantic experience, I'm the specialist
Old love, new love
I've experienced intimacy from both long-standing, and recent affiliations
Every kind but true love
However, I have never encountered genuine affection
For sale
Nevertheless, I'm still selling love
If you want to buy my wares
If you're interested in my romantic offerings
Follow me and climb the stairs
Accompany me and enter the premises to advance our relationship
Love for sale
Yet, I'm still selling affection
Love for sale
After all, love is still being marketed
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Lane Barnes
I'm gobsmacked. I love Elvis, and I love Cole. I thought I knew this album but clearly this track missed me until today.
kirk jarvis
Wow ! This is really something. I've been a fan over the years, but wasn't aware of this. Elvis proves as well as being a great new wave artist, he's also a top balladeer. Thanks a million for the upload. Excuse me while I wipe my eyes.......
James Whittington
Nailed it! 😎👍👍
Dan Lacey
He was really at the sweet spot of his talent at this point in his career; the power of his personality was still submissive to his musical sense, which he expressed masterfully because he was finally at ease.
Denise H
Beautifully sung . Sad lyrics . Elvis the master music man !
Anne Goulven
Love you Cher Monsieur <3
Rebecca Dawson
Hauntingly beautiful
MrManorAvenue
Was looking for original 1930 renditions of this song today and found this one at the same time; he does pretty well except takes a few liberties with the melody and lyrics.
duster71
Mel Torme and Buddy Rich rip this song apart,it's sooooo good,video is on YouTube,they did it on the Merv Griffen Show.
Thanos Papoutsis
Elvis did the song justice.