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.
White Knuckles
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
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I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on
It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit
There's no charge for changing it
Oooh ooh
What are you doing
You see right through him
White knuckles on black and blue skin
You don't have to take it so you just give in
White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
Losing face with the boys while she's whispering in his ear
They never found out why they called it laughing gear
Maybe they weren't loved when they were young
Maybe they should be hung by their tongues
Oooh ooh
Under the blankets with the body jerk
He needs her like the axe needs the turkey
Making a mockery of his fancy footwork
White knuckles on black and blue skin
He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing
White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
There's always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot
Now it's all petty crime on the news at nine
But it's all she's got
Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap
I don't close my eyes when I go to sleep
Oooh ooh
It gets right under your skin
It makes you as miserable as sin but
You don't have to take it so you just give in
White knuckles on black and blue skin
He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing
White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
Why don't you come round anymore
Mama said
He's using you
Sister said
I told you so too
When he goes through your head
You took him to be true
White knuckles on black and blue skin
You don't have to take it so you just give in
White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
In Elvis Costello & The Attractions's song White Knuckles, the lyrics tell a story of a woman in an abusive relationship with a man who leaves her with bruises and white knuckles. She doesn't have to take the abuse but somehow keeps giving in to him. She is aware of his cruel behavior and sees right through him. The man appears to have a hot temper and a short fuse; he loses control and hits her without meaning to. However, it seems like the woman had enough and decides to leave him, possibly haunted by the awful memories she will carry forever.
The lyrics in "White Knuckles" suggest domestic abuse and how someone can be trapped in a cycle of violence. It conveys a message about how physical abuse affects the victim mentally and emotionally.
Line by Line Meaning
White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on
He is using fear and intimidation to control and manipulate the situation.
I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on
He is infatuated with this person, despite the abuse they endure.
It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit
It doesn't matter if you don't fit in or if you are perceived as different.
There's no charge for changing it
You have the ability to change your appearance, but it won't change who you are or the situation.
White knuckles on black and blue skin
A physical manifestation of abuse and violence in the relationship.
You don't have to take it so you just give in
You try to minimize the abuse and hope to survive it by giving in.
He never found out what the kisser was for
The relationship was never truly about affection, but rather about control and manipulation.
Maybe they should be hung by their tongues
Those who are abusive and manipulative deserve to suffer consequences for their actions.
He needs her like the axe needs the turkey
He is dependent on and controlled by this person in the relationship.
Making a mockery of his fancy footwork
The relationship is a farce and a performance, without any real connection or intimacy.
There's always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot
The abuser is always looking for new people to manipulate and control.
Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap
The promise of love and affection often comes with a hidden cost or manipulation.
It gets right under your skin
The abuse and manipulation can have a deep and lasting impact on a person.
He's using you
The abuser is only interested in using and manipulating the victim for their own benefit.
You took him to be true
The victim believed in the abuser's misleading promises and lies.
Why don't you come round anymore
The victim is no longer willing to be manipulated and abused, and has distanced themselves from the abuser.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind