Button My Lip
Elvis Costello & The Imposters Lyrics
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Don't want to talk about some incident
Don't want to talk about some peppermint gum
Don't want to talk about the time to come
Button my lip
'Til I'm smart enough
'Cos I'm not offering
It serves you right
Now you are suffering
Give me a chance
To see it though
It all depends on what you hold is true
Button my lip
With your kiss
Don't want to hear some little sniveling
You just don't get what I'm delivering
Maybe you want me
But you know you can't
I'd say, 'I want you?
But you know I don't
Button my lip
'Til I'm old enough
'Til I'm smart enough
'Til I'm?
Button my lip
Don't want to come at your beckoning
For any day they'll be a reckoning
Don't want to hear what is impossible
Baby, you've become invisible
Button my lip
I've seen those clowns vacant and insolent
I stand accused but I am innocent
I am the mighty and magnificent
The song "Button My Lip" by Elvis Costello & The Imposters is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the art of communication and the frustrations that come with it. The song opens with a list of topics that the singer doesn't want to discuss: government, incidents, peppermint gum, and the future. The repetition of "don't want to talk" highlights the singer's reluctance to engage in mundane small talk. The repeated phrase "button my lip" is a metaphor for silencing oneself, a reaction to feeling too smart to engage in pointless conversation.
The singer then addresses someone who he feels is suffering as a result of not listening to his advice. He refuses to save them, stating that they deserve their misfortune. The phrase "it all depends on what you hold is true" suggests that the singer believes his beliefs are superior.
The chorus "button my lip with your kiss" is a clever contradiction, implying the singer desires the attention of the person he's speaking to, but also doesn't want to have a conversation. The verses continue in this witty vein, with the singer asserting his superiority and dismissing those who can't understand him.
In conclusion, "Button My Lip" is a clever, sarcastic anthem for those who believe themselves to be above small talk and mundane conversation. It's a song that celebrates individuality and uniqueness while poking fun at the ridiculous nature of social conventions.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't want to talk about the government
I don't want to discuss politics or leaders
Don't want to talk about some incident
I don't want to discuss any particular event in detail
Don't want to talk about some peppermint gum
I don't want to discuss trivial topics
Don't want to talk about the time to come
I don't want to speculate about the future
Button my lip
I am going to keep quiet now
'Til I'm smart enough
Until I have something wise to say
Don't raise your hand
Please don't interrupt me
'Cos I'm not offering
I am not suggesting any solution
It serves you right
You deserve this treatment
Now you are suffering
You are experiencing discomfort due to your own actions
Give me a chance
Let me explain myself
To see it though
So that I can articulate my point properly
It all depends on what you hold is true
This argument is subjective and depends on one's beliefs
With your kiss
I will stay quiet and listen to you only if you persuade me with a good argument
Don't want to hear some little sniveling
I don't want to listen to insignificant complaints
You just don't get what I'm delivering
You are misunderstanding me
Maybe you want me
Perhaps you are interested in me romantically
But you know you can't
But I am not interested in you in that way
I'd say, 'I want you?
If you are unsure whether I like you or not...
But you know I don't
...the answer is that I don't have romantic feelings for you.
Don't want to come at your beckoning
I don't want to follow your orders blindly
For any day they'll be a reckoning
You will be held accountable one day
Don't want to hear what is impossible
I don't want to be told about unrealistic options
Baby, you've become invisible
You are no longer important to me
I've seen those clowns vacant and insolent
I've dealt with foolish and arrogant people
I stand accused but I am innocent
You may blame me but I am not at fault
I am the mighty and magnificent
I am confident in my abilities and intelligence
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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