The Beat
Elvis Costello & The Attractions and Elvis Costello Lyrics

We're all going on a summer holiday
We will travel together for a vacation during summertime

Vigilantes coming out to follow me
People are monitoring my movements and activities in a potentially hostile manner

Heard somebody say they're out to collar me
Someone mentioned that they intend to capture me or get me into trouble

Anybody want to swallow me?
Is there someone who wants to harm or consume me?

It takes two to tumble, it takes two to tango
Relationships require two participants, both of whom may be responsible for problems or conflict

Speak up--don't mumble if you're in the combo
Be clear and assertive if you are part of a group or collaboration

On the beat, on the beat
Following the rhythm or pattern of a musical composition

Till a man comes along and he says "Have you been a good boy, never played with your toy? Though you never enjoy, such pleasure to employ"
Someone will arrive and make accusatory or condescending comments about one's behavior or desires

See your friends in the state they're in See your friends getting under their skin See your friends getting taken in
Observing the problematic situations or struggles of one's acquaintances and their complicity or vulnerability

Well, if you only knew the things you do to me I'd do anything to confuse the enemy There's only one thing wrong with you befriending me Take it easy, I think you're bending me
I have strong feelings for you and would go against adversaries to protect our connection, but your intentions toward me may not be sincere and are making me uneasy

I've been a bad boy with the standard leader My neighbor's revving up his Vauxhall Viva On the beat, on the upbeat
I have misbehaved or transgressed societal norms, while someone nearby is operating a noisy car, and I'm still following the musical rhythm

See your friends walking down the street See your friends never quite complete See your friends getting under their feet
Noticing the imperfections or struggles of one's acquaintances and how these issues impede their progress and happiness

Oh, I don't want to disease you, but I'm no good with machinery Oh, I don't want to freeze you, stop looking at the scenery I keep thinking about your mother, oh, I don't want to lick them I don't want to be a lover, I just want to be your victim
I don't want to impart any negative traits or behaviors to you, but I lack expertise with technology. I don't want you to become numb or disinterested, so please pay attention to me. I'm having inappropriate thoughts about your family member, and I'm not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship but rather being at your mercy

I don't go out much at night, I don't go out much at all Did you think you were the only one who was waiting for a call?
I typically avoid socializing and may not frequently communicate, so you're not the only one who may be anxious about receiving messages

See your friends treat me like a stranger See your friends despite all the arrangements See your friends, nothing here has changed Just the beat Just the beat
My acquaintances are acting aloof or hostile towards me, ignoring past agreements, and nothing seems to be improving; the only constant is the regular musical rhythm of life