Drum & Bone
Elvis Costello & The Imposters Lyrics

Maybe we're nothing but skin and bone
We are possibly just mere physical beings without any deeper meaning or substance.

Blare and rubber
Loud and bouncy sounds that represent the materialistic, sensory aspects of our existence.

Eyes that blubber
Tears that flow when we experience strong emotions or when our physical senses are overwhelmed.

Teeth that bite
Our primal instincts to protect ourselves and assert our power through physical acts of aggression.

Hands that slight
The subtle ways in which we manipulate and deceive others through our actions.

And I'm trying to do the best I can
Despite our limitations as humans, we still strive to be the best we can be.

But I'm a limited, primitive kind of man
However, our basic instincts and desires are what truly drive us, often making us act in primitive ways.

Nerves that shatter
The fragility of our emotional and mental states when faced with challenges or stress.

Tongues that flatter
The ability to manipulate and charm others through our words, often to achieve our own personal gain.

Lips that mutter
The quiet, sometimes hesitant, way in which we express our thoughts or reveal our true selves.

Lashes that flutter
The physical manifestation of our emotions, whether through batting our eyelashes when we flirt or crying when we feel sad or hurt.

Mounds of dust and lips of rip
Our physical bodies are made of dust, while our words can have a sharp, piercing effect like a rip or tear.

Twice as vicious
Our actions can be twice as impactful as our words, and twice as harmful if we act out of a place of anger or fear.

As the words I type
Even our digital existence can have a powerful and lasting impact on others, whether through our words or online actions.

Under a ribbon
Our physical and digital lives are often tied together, with our actions and behaviors influencing one another.

Of every stripe
Regardless of our differences, there are common threads that tie us all together.

There's a grip that tightens
The feeling of being trapped or suffocated by circumstances, whether physical or emotional.

A dark that frightens
The unknown and mysterious aspects of life that can inspire fear or curiosity.

A wise that crackles
The moments of insight or clarity that come through contemplation or experience, often accompanied by a sense of wisdom or understanding.

A fear that shackles
The paralyzing feeling of being held back or prevented from achieving our goals or living the life we desire.

And then that kinder creation
Despite our physical and emotional limitations, there is a kind-hearted aspect of human nature that inspires us to create and connect with others.

Becomes a fine fixation
Our creative impulses can become obsessive and all-consuming, leading us to pour all of our energy into a particular pursuit.

All of a sudden
Our creative process can often feel unpredictable and spontaneous, with inspiration striking at unexpected times.

With the parts we've hidden
Our creative work often reveals sides of ourselves that we may not have been aware of or comfortable sharing with others.

Because they are forbidden
Sometimes our greatest creative impulses are born out of impulses or desires that society or our own fears have deemed unacceptable or taboo.

Beneath a hide of pain
Our emotional scars and past traumas often manifest physically, creating a barrier between us and others.

You'll find a soul of stain
Despite our physical and emotional wounds, there is a deeper, more authentic part of ourselves that is full of depth and complexity.

While fists still beat
Our primal instincts and violent tendencies are always present, even when we try to suppress them or channel them in more constructive ways.

At heart's deceit
Our internal struggles and conflicts often make it difficult to express our true feelings or intentions to others, leading to misunderstandings and heartbreak.

Maybe with nothing but a drum and drone
Sometimes our creative impulses require nothing more than a simple beat or repetitive sound to inspire us and move us forward.

I want to beat it 'til I get unknown
Sometimes our creative work is about pushing past our personal boundaries and discovering new aspects of ourselves that we may not have been aware of before.

Pig some skin
Our physical bodies are constantly changing and evolving, and we can choose to manipulate or alter them to suit our own preferences or desires.

Stretch it tight
We can push ourselves to the limit and test our own physical and emotional boundaries.

Make myself up overnight
We can transform ourselves in an instant, creating new identities or exploring different aspects of our own personalities.

Dig my pin
We can explore different creative mediums to express ourselves and discover new aspects of our own personal truths.

Kick up some stink
Our creative work can often be controversial or divisive, pushing boundaries and inspiring strong reactions from others.

Find myself a brand new kink
Our creative impulses can take us to new and unexpected places, exploring sides of ourselves that we may not have been aware of before.

Prick that berry
Our creativity requires us to be willing to take risks and put ourselves out there, even when it may be uncomfortable or painful.

And squeeze this ink
Our creative work often comes from deep within ourselves, requiring us to tap into our own emotional and mental reserves to create.

Scratch out all of the words I think
Sometimes our creative work is about letting go of our own preconceived notions or ideas and allowing ourselves to be open to new experiences and perspectives.

Before your very eyes can blink
Our creative work requires us to be vulnerable and visible to others, putting our inner thoughts and feelings out into the world for others to see and judge.