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.
temptation
Elvis Costello & The Attractions Lyrics
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Living in air-conditioned limbo
Though they treat him just like a guest
He's living under threat of arrest
Now that he's finally trying to make some sense
He drinks in self-defense
Give me temptation
Take you anytime down to the station
You say that it's alright by me
Now you're living with the curse of sophistication
Now that you're shackled up to the rigmarole
With absolute control
I see you lying so wide awake
After I've given you all that you can take
So for heaven's sake
Give me temptation
Still you want to succeed so badly
Finding your life will not be deadly
You tell me you can take it or leave it
Sometimes I think that you really believe it
You're just itching to break her secret laws
As you go from claws to clause
Give me temptation
The song "Temptation" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a commentary on the illusory nature of success and the dangers of conformity. The song's title refers to the seductive power of material possessions and social status. The first verse introduces a wealthy young man who lives in a privileged world of air-conditioned luxury. Despite his seeming affluence, he is trapped by the fear of arrest and recognizes the emptiness of his life. He turns to drinking to escape his own sense of despair. The chorus, "Give me temptation," suggests that he is seeking something more substantial to fill the void in his life.
In the second verse, the song takes a darker turn. The young man is now "shackled up to the rigmarole" of conformity and control. The authority figures in his life threaten to take him down to the station, and he's left to live with the "curse of sophistication." The bridge of the song reveals that the young man is not alone in his frustration, as the singer pleads with someone to give him temptation. The song ends with a sense of unresolved tension as the young man continues to itch to break society's secret laws.
Overall, "Temptation" is a biting critique of the empty promises of wealth and power, and the danger of conformity to societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's this kid with his mumbo jumbo
Who is this person talking nonsense or using language that is difficult to understand?
Living in air-conditioned limbo
Living in a comfortable but boring and unproductive state of mind or situation.
Though they treat him just like a guest
Although he is treated hospitably, like a visitor.
He's living under threat of arrest
He is living with the fear of being arrested or punished.
Now that he's finally trying to make some sense
Now that he is attempting to communicate in a logical and understandable way.
He drinks in self-defense
He drinks alcohol to defend or protect himself from feeling vulnerable or helpless.
Give me temptation
This line is repeated throughout the song as if asking for something that is exciting or appealing, but also possibly dangerous or harmful.
The subtle touch of authority will
The gentle or indirect use of power or control can lead one to.
Take you anytime down to the station
Arrest someone or accuse them of a crime and take them away for questioning by the authorities.
You say that it's alright by me
You agree to or accept something as being okay or acceptable to you.
Now you're living with the curse of sophistication
You are now experiencing the negative consequences of being worldly or refined in thought and behavior.
Now that you're shackled up to the rigmarole
Now that you are bound or tied to a complicated or confusing process or set of rules.
With absolute control
With complete or total authority over something or someone.
I see you lying so wide awake
I see that you are awake and alert, possibly due to concern or anxiety.
After I've given you all that you can take
After I have provided or given you everything you can handle or endure.
So for heaven's sake
For the sake of preserving one's sanity or well-being.
Still you want to succeed so badly
Despite the challenges, you still desire to achieve success or achieve your goals.
Finding your life will not be deadly
You will not suffer or die from finding your way in life or pursuing your dreams.
You tell me you can take it or leave it
You claim that you can either accept or decline something, implying that it is not important or significant to you.
Sometimes I think that you really believe it
Occasionally, I wonder if you actually believe what you are saying or if you are just pretending or trying to convince yourself.
You're just itching to break her secret laws
You are eager or anxious to disobey or violate someone's unspoken or unknown rules or expectations.
As you go from claws to clause
As you transition from using aggressive or hostile behavior to using legal or formal language or actions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind