Accidents Will Happen
Elvis Costello \/ The Attractions Lyrics
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Though he says he'll wait forever
It's now or never
But she keeps him hanging on
The silly champion
She says she can't go home
Without a chaperone
We only hit and run
He used to be your victim
Now you're not the only one
Accidents will happen
We only hit and run
I don't want to hear it
'Cause I know what I've done
There's so many fish in the sea
That only rise up in the sweat and smoke like mercury
But they keep you hanging on
They say you're so young
Your mind is made up but your mouth is undone
Accidents will happen
We only hit and run
He used to be your victim
Now you're not the only one
Accidents will happen
We only hit and run
I don't want to hear it
'Cause I know what I've done
And it's the damage that we do
And never know
It's the words that we don't say
That scare me so
There's so many people to see
So many people you can check up on
And add to your collection
But they keep you hanging on
Until you're well hung
Your mouth is made up but your mind is undone
Accidents will happen
We only hit and run
He used to be your victim
Now you're not the only one
Accidents will happen
We only hit and run
I don't want to hear it
'Cause I know what I've
I know what I've
I know what I've done
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know
The lyrics of Elvis Costello's song Accidents Will Happen address the themes of love, temptation, and the damage that people can cause unintentionally. The song opens with a confusion and hesitation in the singer's mind. He is indecisive about where to begin, and despite his lover's assurance that she will always wait for him, he is unsure whether to take any action or not. The woman is portrayed as a "silly champion" who cannot go home without a chaperone, which suggests she is either a minor or has overprotective parents. The singer seems to suggest that she is playing games, keeping him hanging on rather than being honest about her intentions.
As the song progresses, Costello describes the dangers of playing games in a relationship, adding that accidents will happen and we only hit and run. The singer acknowledges that he himself has been guilty of this, but he refuses to hear any criticism because he knows what he's done. Costello emphasizes the potentially catastrophic effects of our actions, noting that "it's the damage that we do and never know," as well as the importance of honest communication in relationships. There are so many people in the world, the singer suggests, and many are just as alluring as the object of his affection. But in the end, they all keep you hanging on, leaving your mind undone and your mouth made up.
In summary, the song Accidents Will Happen explores the theme of love as a confusing and sometimes treacherous affair. The lyrics warn that games and deception can lead to unintended consequences and suggest that honest communication is essential to achieving true happiness in romantic relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh I just don't know where to begin
He is unsure of how to start talking about this situation
Though he says he'll wait forever
The other person said they will wait a long time
It's now or never
Time is running out
But she keeps him hanging on
The other person is delaying the decision
The silly champion
The other person is being foolish
She says she can't go home
The other person can't go back to where they came from
Without a chaperone
The other person needs someone else to accompany them
Accidents will happen
Mistakes are inevitable
We only hit and run
We make mistakes and then move on
He used to be your victim
You used to be the one hurting the other person
Now you're not the only one
Now the other person is also making mistakes
I don't want to hear it
The artist does not want to listen
'Cause I know what I've done
The singer is aware of their mistakes
There's so many fish in the sea
There are many options available
That only rise up in the sweat and smoke like mercury
Some options only appear when things get heated
But they keep you hanging on
The other options also delay the decision
They say you're so young
They criticize the artist's age
Your mind is made up but your mouth is undone
The singer knows what they want but can't express it
And it's the damage that we do
Our mistakes can cause harm
And never know
We may not realize it
It's the words that we don't say
Not expressing ourselves can also cause harm
That scare me so
This thought is frightening
So many people to see
There are many people to choose from
So many people you can check up on
There are many people to keep tabs on
And add to your collection
The other people become like possessions
But they keep you hanging on
The singer is still uncertain
Until you're well hung
Until the situation becomes overwhelming
Your mouth is made up but your mind is undone
The artist still can't express themselves
I know, I know, I know, I know
The artist acknowledges their mistakes
I know, I know, I know, I know
The singer acknowledges their mistakes
I know, I know, I know, I know
The singer acknowledges their mistakes
I know, I know, I know, I know
The artist acknowledges their mistakes
I know, I know, I know
The artist acknowledges their mistakes
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rachaelstryker3099
Saw him live three days ago, and he opened with this song. His words and artistry just command your ears and heart still. So much gratitude for Elvis.
@eargasm1072
One lucky lady...he's one legend i've never had the pleasure to experience live! Maybe some day...
@nancymasi6141
Got me through a very difficult time in my life. A teenager alone and no one to turn to. Actually gave me the courage to go on. No regrets
@amberdorkostopper
Glad you are here.
@garrettdavis6500
Music is entirely therapeutic. Not alone, but definitely can see you through some stretches.
@april1969simnel
One of the animators of this video, Annabel Jankel, is Chaz Jankel's sister. She also co-created the character "Max Headroom" in the 80s. Chaz was in Ian Dury's band The Blockheads, and he wrote and originally performed the dance hit "Ai No Corrida" (covered by Quincy Jones), and "Glad to Know You".
@auberjean6873
April Simnel thank you! How cool is that? Still have Glad To Know You. What a talent!
@themadplotter
That is super cool.
@Charles12
She's also co-director of Super Mario Bros. 1993 along with Rocky Morton, who was also animator of this video and also co-creator of Max Headroom.
@sadalite
@@Charles12 article on MSN brought me here about Super Mario Brothers. I guess with all the hype for the new movie more is being said about the old 1993 movie