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.
Watch Your Step
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't say anything
Don't say a word
I'm not even listening
I read in the papers about their escape
They be two bitter kids from a bunch of sour grapes
You better watch your step
Now you know that they're watching
What are you waiting for?
Think you're young and original
Get out before
They get to watch your step
Ev'ry day is full of fun and family spice
They're making heroes out of fall guys
They say it's good for business
From Singapore to Widnes
You better watch your step
Broken noses hung up on the wall
Back slapping drinkers cheer the heavy weight brawl
So punch drunk, they don't understand at all
You better watch your step
Ev'ry night
Go out full of carnal desires
End up in the closing time choirs
When you're kicking in the cot room
And you're drinking down the eau de cologne
And you're spitting out the Kodachrome
You better watch your step
Bye
I send you all my regards
You're so tough
You're so hard
Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard
You better watch your step
You better watch your step
Ooh, watch your step
The song "Watch Your Step" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is an ironic commentary about the pitfalls of life that everyone must navigate through. Elvis warns his listeners to be cautious with their words, avoid being dragged down by other people's negative influences or becoming a victim of the "watching eyes" of society. He suggests that one should strive to be unique, but also watch out for those who may try to exploit or corrupt them. The song's refrain ("Watch your step") serves as a constant reminder of the dangers that surround us all the time.
The verses of the song highlight several examples of life's hazards. The opening lines of the song are a warning against talking too much, as words can be used against you. The idea of reading about someone else's escape in the papers and becoming bitter about it is an illustration of how comparing oneself to others can lead to resentment and frustration. The reference to making "heroes out of fall guys" is a critique of the media's tendency to glorify negative role models, even as they ruin their lives through criminal activities. The lines about "kicking in the cot room" and "drinking down the eau de cologne" are a sarcastic commentary about the high life, which often masks profound emptiness and spiritual decay.
Overall, "Watch Your Step" is a song that encourages listeners to live with intention and to be mindful of the consequences of their actions. Elvis suggests that life is a minefield, but that by keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, they can avoid traps and pitfalls, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't say a word
Remain silent
Don't say anything
Do not utter any words
Don't say a word
Stay quiet
I'm not even listening
I am not paying attention to what you are saying
I read in the papers about their escape
I came across an article in the newspaper about someone escaping a situation
They be two bitter kids from a bunch of sour grapes
They are two angry people who were not successful and are jealous of others' successes.
You better watch your step
Be careful of what you do
Watch who's knocking on your front door
Be cautious of who is visiting your house
Now you know that they're watching
You are aware that they are keeping an eye on you
What are you waiting for?
Why are you hesitating?
Think you're young and original
Believing you are youthful and unique
Get out before
Leave the situation before
They get to watch your step
So that they do not observe your every move
Ev'ry day is full of fun and family spice
Each day is busy and enjoyable, surrounded by your family's comfort and love
They're making heroes out of fall guys
They are turning those who are not successful into heroes
They say it's good for business
This is believed to be profitable
From Singapore to Widnes
From one end of the world to the other
You better watch your step
Be aware of your actions
Broken noses hung up on the wall
Noses that have been broken as a result of a fight are displayed as trophies
Back slapping drinkers cheer the heavy weight brawl
Alcohol drinkers support the fight going on
So punch drunk, they don't understand at all
They are not capable of understanding the severity of the situation
You better watch your step
Be cautious of what you do
Ev'ry night
Each night
Go out full of carnal desires
Leave the house full of lustful desires
End up in the closing time choirs
End up as part of the group of people singing closing-time songs in pubs or bars
When you're kicking in the cot room
When you are in the bedroom
And you're drinking down the eau de cologne
Drink cologne
And you're spitting out the Kodachrome
Vomit as a result of drinking too much
You better watch your step
Be cautious of what you do
Bye
Goodbye
I send you all my regards
I wish you the best
You're so tough
You are strong
You're so hard
You are emotionally strong and durable
Listen to the hammers falling in the breaker's yard
Listen to the sounds of the hammers at the scrapyard
You better watch your step
Be cautious of what you do
You better watch your step
Be aware of your actions
Ooh, watch your step
Be cautious of what you do
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind