Collaboration between Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello resulting in the 19… Read Full Bio ↴Collaboration between Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello resulting in the 1998 album 'Painted from Memory'. Costello and Bacharach performed several concerts with a full orchestral backing, and also recorded an updated version of Bacharach's "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" for the soundtrack to Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, with both appearing in the film to perform the song.

Such Unlikely Lovers
Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach Lyrics

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On a hot city day
When your white shirt turns to grey
That's when she'll arrive

When you look how you feel
Someone steps upon your heel
That's when she will come
Listen now

I'm not saying that there will be violins
But don't be surprised if they appear
Playing in some doorway
Still I can't believe that this is happening

We're such unlikely lovers
Though no one seems to notice as they hurry by
Ask me what I'm thinking and I won't deny it

(Can you believe it's happening?)
(Can you believe it's happening?)

There were no magic spells
You can keep the flowers and bells
They just don't seem right

Can it actually be?
Me and you and you and me
Though we're like day and night
Listen now

I'm not saying that there will be violins
But don't be surprised if they appear
Playing in some doorway
Still I can't believe that this is happening

We're such unlikely lovers
Though no one seems to notice as they hurry by
Ask me what I'm feeling and I won't deny it

(Can you believe it's happening?)
I am bewildered
(Can you believe it's happening?)
Somebody help me
(Can you believe it's happening?)

Overall Meaning

Such Unlikely Lovers by Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach is a song about the unexpected nature of falling in love. The lyrics describe the arrival of a woman on a hot city day, when everything feels grey and oppressive. She appears just at the moment when the singer is feeling weighed down by the world, and her arrival brings a sense of surprise and delight.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the sense of disbelief that the singer feels about this new relationship, describing themselves as "such unlikely lovers" and expressing a sense that they don't quite belong together. Despite this uncertainty, though, the singer is clearly smitten with their new partner and is open to whatever direction the relationship might take.

The song is notable for its use of unexpected chord changes and complex arrangements that give the tune a distinct sound. The collaboration between Costello and Bacharach, both well-known and respected musicians, drew a lot of attention when the song was released, and it has remained a popular choice for covers and tribute performances over the years.

Line by Line Meaning

On a hot city day When your white shirt turns to grey That's when she'll arrive
In the midst of a sweltering urban day, as your pristine attire succumbs to the sweat and grime of the city, she will make her entrance.

When you look how you feel Someone steps upon your heel That's when she will come Listen now
As you embody your emotional state and someone accidentally jostles you, she will appear. Pay attention to this moment.

I'm not saying that there will be violins But don't be surprised if they appear Playing in some doorway Still I can't believe that this is happening
I'm not predicting an overly romantic experience, but it wouldn't be unusual for a symbolic moment to occur unexpectedly. Despite this, I'm struggling to believe this is actually happening.

We're such unlikely lovers Though no one seems to notice as they hurry by Ask me what I'm thinking and I won't deny it (Can you believe it's happening?)(Can you believe it's happening?)
We are an improbable pairing, yet passersby fail to take notice. If you inquire as to my thoughts, I won't hide that I am astounded by the current circumstances. (Can you believe it's happening?)

There were no magic spells You can keep the flowers and bells They just don't seem right Can it actually be? Me and you and you and me Though we're like day and night Listen now
No enchantment brought us together, and traditional romantic gestures like flowers and bells lack appropriate significance. Could this be true? Two seemingly mismatched individuals, together, but different as day and night. Listen closely to the moment.

I am bewildered (Can you believe it's happening?)(Can you believe it's happening?) Somebody help me (Can you believe it's happening?)
I am utterly confused by the extraordinary circumstances of our relationship. (Can you believe it's happening?) Won't somebody assist me? (Can you believe it's happening?)

Contributed by Samuel Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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