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.
Night Time
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't want to be seen about,
Maybe we could find a place to go.
Find a crowded place where they don't care about your face,
Or if your name is even Santa Claus or Joe.
I'll be right at home if they leave me alone.
That's why I only operate at night time.
Wait until the clock strikes ten,
Baby, just you wait and see.
We can have a little party, laugh and sing and everything,
I know you'll like it, just you wait and see.
Maybe first we'll dig a movie,
Then we'll hit they high spots feelin' groovy.
That's why I only operate at night time.
The right time is the night time.
I wait 'til it's late and I can concentrate,
Making love by the light of the moon.
So when it's way past nine, get ready for a swinging time,
'Cause I don't know where to draw the line.
We can have a little party, laugh and sing and everything,
I know you'll like it just you wait and see.
Maybe first we'll dig a movie,
Then we'll hit the high spots feelin' groovy.
That's why I only operate at night time.
Night time.
(repeat 5 more times and fade)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions's song Night Time is a seductive love song that uses the night as a backdrop. The first verse sets the scene for a secretive rendezvous with the lyrics "Wait until the light goes out, I don't want to be seen about, Maybe we could find a place to go". The singer of the song seeks a place where they can be left alone in the comfort of the night. The second verse emphasizes the seductive nature of the night with the lyric "Making love by the light of the moon". The singer conveys their love for the night by stating "That's why I only operate at night time". The song ultimately leads to a romantic evening described in the lyrics "We can have a little party, laugh and sing and everything".
The chorus includes the repeating line "The right time is the night time". This is a testament to the seductive nature of the night and how it is the perfect time to let go of inhibitions and enjoy oneself. The song's melody matches the lyrics with a smooth and mellow feel that is fitting for a romantic evening.
Line by Line Meaning
Wait until the light goes out,
I don't want to be seen, so we'll wait until it's dark outside.
I don't want to be seen about,
I don't want anyone to recognize me or know that I'm out and about.
Maybe we could find a place to go.
Let's try to find a location where we won't be noticed or bothered.
Find a crowded place where they don't care about your face,
We'll go somewhere with a lot of people who won't pay attention to who we are or what we look like.
Or if your name is even Santa Claus or Joe.
Even if we have unusual or funny names, it won't matter in this place.
I'll be right at home if they leave me alone.
If I'm not bothered or bothered by anyone, I'll feel comfortable and happy in this situation.
That's why I only operate at night time.
I prefer to do things at night when it's easier to go unnoticed.
Wait until the clock strikes ten,
We'll wait until later in the night for things to get going.
It'll all start happening then.
That's when the party and fun will begin.
Baby, just you wait and see.
You'll see for yourself how great it will be.
We can have a little party, laugh and sing and everything,
We'll enjoy ourselves and have fun with each other.
I know you'll like it, just you wait and see.
I'm confident that you'll enjoy this experience.
Maybe first we'll dig a movie,
We'll watch a film first to start the night off.
Then we'll hit they high spots feelin' groovy.
Afterwards, we'll go to some exciting places and have a good time together.
The right time is the night time.
I believe that nighttime is the best time to have fun and enjoy ourselves.
I wait 'til it's late and I can concentrate,
I prefer to wait until it's very late at night and there are fewer people around, so I can focus on my own enjoyment.
Making love by the light of the moon.
I enjoy having romantic moments at night, especially under the moonlight.
So when it's way past nine, get ready for a swinging time,
When it's very late at night, we can expect to have a lot of fun and excitement.
'Cause I don't know where to draw the line.
I tend to get carried away and have trouble setting boundaries, which can lead to wild and crazy adventures.
Night time.
Nighttime is the perfect time for me to be myself and enjoy life to the fullest.
(repeat 5 more times and fade)
The song repeats this message several more times to emphasize the importance of nighttime and having fun.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PATRICK JOHN CHAMBERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind