Elvis Costello — Waiting for the End of the World
Album: My Aim Is TrueAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2203
Length: 3:16
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The man from the television crawled into the train
I wonder who he's gonna stick it in this time
Everyone was looking for a little entertainment
So they'll probably pull his hands off when they find out his name
And then they shut down the power all along the line
And we got stuck in the tunnel where no lights shine
They got to touching; all the girls who were too scared to call out
Nobody was saying anything at all
We were waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're coming
'Cause you really started something
Things got back to normal as the train began to roll again
We got to the station about twenty minutes later
The legendary hitchhiker says that he knows where it's at
Now he'd like to go to Spain or somewhere like that
With his two-tone Bible and his funny cigarettes
His suntan lotion and his castanets
He was waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're coming
'Cause you really started something
And then the bride, the groom, the congregation and the priest
All got onto the train when we were three stations east, yeah
Hiding from a scandal in the national press
They had been trying to get married since they stole the wedding dress
You may see them drowning as you stroll along the beach
But don't throw out the lifeline 'til they're clean out of reach
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
I wonder who he's gonna stick it in this time
Everyone was looking for a little entertainment
So they'll probably pull his hands off when they find out his name
And then they shut down the power all along the line
And we got stuck in the tunnel where no lights shine
They got to touching; all the girls who were too scared to call out
Nobody was saying anything at all
We were waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're coming
'Cause you really started something
Things got back to normal as the train began to roll again
We got to the station about twenty minutes later
The legendary hitchhiker says that he knows where it's at
Now he'd like to go to Spain or somewhere like that
With his two-tone Bible and his funny cigarettes
His suntan lotion and his castanets
He was waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're coming
'Cause you really started something
And then the bride, the groom, the congregation and the priest
All got onto the train when we were three stations east, yeah
Hiding from a scandal in the national press
They had been trying to get married since they stole the wedding dress
You may see them drowning as you stroll along the beach
But don't throw out the lifeline 'til they're clean out of reach
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Waiting for the end of the world
Comments (196)add comment
Is that Adrian Belew on lead guitar?
Steely_D wrote:
Definitely, though I don't really remember Petty being part of that mix. Others that were early members of that wave included the Talking Heads, Clash, Cure, B52's, early U2, Bowie, and many more.
This album, and others of its kind at that time, cut a wide swath through the pop junk on the radio and helped create New Wave with the Pretenders, Devo, Cars, Petty and all the others too abrasive for "regular" radio to play them.
Diss him now, but he's one of the reasons that RP exists.
Definitely, though I don't really remember Petty being part of that mix. Others that were early members of that wave included the Talking Heads, Clash, Cure, B52's, early U2, Bowie, and many more.
Oh Elvis C… You pick me up every time. As far as the comment about him being a wannabe Dillon… Matt Dillon is a terrible songwriter and EC was doing his thing way before him.
Dfitz wrote:
The weak link is in the mirror.
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
The weak link is in the mirror.
Dfitz wrote:
Don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out.
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
Don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out.
Declan Patrick MacManus is simply a musical genius. Incapable of a wrong move.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
I think he's relating a personal experience on the London Tube. Probably late night on a Friday or Saturday. I've had similar experiences on Boston's Orange Line headed back to Sullivan Square after a couple of pints too many in South Seaport.
What's he trying to say?
Dfitz wrote:
Guess what? I also hope you never hear Elvis on RP again.
This is weak. Hope to never hear Elvis Costello again on RP.
Guess what? I also hope you never hear Elvis on RP again.
garrettb wrote:
Love hearing this kind of story.
Elvis is a true class act!
In the late 80's me and a friend Oddie used to go busking on Dublin's Grafton Street most Fridays.
If I can remember the story correctly:
One day Oddie, who at the time was taking a six week course – an introduction to music production, went for a cheap lunch in a Dublin Buddhist café. As he was finishing up, in walks Elvis Costello for his own cheap lunch. Dublin is like that - musicians and film stars can usually walk around unimpeded etc. Oddie left, and started walking back to his production course, but it was bothering him that he had just walked away from Mr Costello. So, breaking a Dublin tradition, he went back to the café and interrupted Mr Costello, introduced himself, told him about the music production course, and asked whether Mr Costello would somehow consider popping in for five minutes to say hello. "Hang on a minute" said Elvis. He finished his lunch and went with Oddie back to the school. Where upon Mr Elvis Costello gave the class a two-hour talk on all things music and music production.
Love hearing this kind of story.
Elvis is a true class act!
Sleepytyme wrote:
Who's Bob Dillon?
It goes "Matt Dillon > Kevin Dillon > Bob Dillon"
VICTORY!!!
Who's Bob Dillon?
It goes "Matt Dillon > Kevin Dillon > Bob Dillon"
VICTORY!!!
Sleepytyme wrote:
Who's Bob Dillon?
Matt's brother maybe 🙂
Who's Bob Dillon?
Matt's brother maybe 🙂
In the late 80's me and a friend Oddie used to go busking on Dublin's Grafton Street most Fridays.
If I can remember the story correctly:
One day Oddie, who at the time was taking a six week course – an introduction to music production, went for a cheap lunch in a Dublin Buddhist café. As he was finishing up, in walks Elvis Costello for his own cheap lunch. Dublin is like that - musicians and film stars can usually walk around unimpeded etc. Oddie left, and started walking back to his production course, but it was bothering him that he had just walked away from Mr Costello. So, breaking a Dublin tradition, he went back to the café and interrupted Mr Costello, introduced himself, told him about the music production course, and asked whether Mr Costello would somehow consider popping in for five minutes to say hello. "Hang on a minute" said Elvis. He finished his lunch and went with Oddie back to the school. Where upon Mr Elvis Costello gave the class a two-hour talk on all things music and music production.
If I can remember the story correctly:
One day Oddie, who at the time was taking a six week course – an introduction to music production, went for a cheap lunch in a Dublin Buddhist café. As he was finishing up, in walks Elvis Costello for his own cheap lunch. Dublin is like that - musicians and film stars can usually walk around unimpeded etc. Oddie left, and started walking back to his production course, but it was bothering him that he had just walked away from Mr Costello. So, breaking a Dublin tradition, he went back to the café and interrupted Mr Costello, introduced himself, told him about the music production course, and asked whether Mr Costello would somehow consider popping in for five minutes to say hello. "Hang on a minute" said Elvis. He finished his lunch and went with Oddie back to the school. Where upon Mr Elvis Costello gave the class a two-hour talk on all things music and music production.
sfyi2001 wrote:
When I first heard this in 1977 I was 17 and thought this guy was retarded or something.
45 years later that has not changed, except that I don't say retard anymore.
Rocktard will have to do.
Fun Fact:
The real Elvis died 3 weeks after the debut of Costello's 'My Aim Is True'.
Long Live The KING.
Take care of the King of Rock and Roll. (sorry)
When I first heard this in 1977 I was 17 and thought this guy was retarded or something.
45 years later that has not changed, except that I don't say retard anymore.
Rocktard will have to do.
Fun Fact:
The real Elvis died 3 weeks after the debut of Costello's 'My Aim Is True'.
Long Live The KING.
Take care of the King of Rock and Roll. (sorry)
Dfitz wrote:
funny, Kazoo and i always were trying to determine who wrote more lyrics per song - and consistently tight ones at that...
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
When I first heard this in 1977 I was 17 and thought this guy was retarded or something.
45 years later that has not changed, except that I don't say retard anymore.
Rocktard will have to do.
Fun Fact:
The real Elvis died 3 weeks after the debut of Costello's 'My Aim Is True'.
Long Live The KING.
I just like this somuch
I just dont like this atall
I heard the first few notes and started wondering why RP is playing "Cake By The Ocean."
sjccroquet wrote:
I don't know, but I'll bet he's no Declan Patrick MacManus!
There’s an Aloysius in there
I don't know, but I'll bet he's no Declan Patrick MacManus!
There’s an Aloysius in there
I froze my ass off hoping to see Elvis at the El Macambo in Toronto, soon after this album was released. We didn't get in and I got sick. Shit :(
Bill's intro "And now a cheerful little ditty from.." I think he said? made me laugh, and so did the line
"Dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're coming
'Cause you really started something".
Good dj'ing and good songwriting.
"Dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're coming
'Cause you really started something".
Good dj'ing and good songwriting.
As the ultimate reluctant Elvis Costello fan, castanets + suntan lotion in a song may be contrived AF yet remains perpetually satisfying. Go figure. 
aonley wrote:
"Country twang" -- ? EC is actually known as a pioneer of the New Wave sound of the '80's. Ever listen to Green Shirt, Oliver's Army, Pump It Up....? No twang there, man.
Country twang poser dingus. Always trying to be someone, instead of being someone.
"Country twang" -- ? EC is actually known as a pioneer of the New Wave sound of the '80's. Ever listen to Green Shirt, Oliver's Army, Pump It Up....? No twang there, man.
Country twang poser dingus. Always trying to be someone, instead of being someone.
Only a 6.8 overall?!? Come on! Not many artists can tell that complete of a story in a <4:00 minute pop song. And you can dance to it!
Please bump!
Please bump!
Too cool. Fantastic 😎
Snappy classic. First time I've noticed that the lead guitar sounds a lot like Adrian Belew.
Sleepytyme wrote:
I don't know, but I'll bet he's no Declan Patrick MacManus!
Dfitz wrote:
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
Who's Bob Dillon?
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
Who's Bob Dillon?
I don't know, but I'll bet he's no Declan Patrick MacManus!
Dfitz wrote:
Who's Bob Dillon?
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
Who's Bob Dillon?
This is weak. Hope to never hear Elvis Costello again on RP.
Elvis Costello is a joke, a wanna-be Bob Dillon at best. Please stop playing his music RP, he is consistently a weak link in the radio paradise playlist chain.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
That you are as dumb as a sack of rocks?
What's he trying to say?
That you are as dumb as a sack of rocks?
NO.
years and years later it still feels fresh.
Shares some musical DNA with Come on Down to My Boat Baby, by Every Mother's Son.
Jeez, really dating myself.
Jeez, really dating myself.
Reminds me of "What an Idiot He is" by Ashley MacIsaac
What's he trying to say?
Graham Parker, REM and the Costello. That's a bad trio of songs. Really bad..
Nice run here going...with Graham Parker, R.E.M. & Declan Mac.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
What is he waiting for ? Horrible
I DO understand his talent, but his music is like fingernails dragging down the chalkboard to me....
Wow, people who hate Elvis C, really hate him, don't they? I guess there are switches within us all that get turned on or don't. I don't begrudge those whose Elvis 'switch' never got turned on, I just wish they had.' Cause you've missed what those of us with the 'on' switch have been thoroughly enjoying for decades.
Thank you RP for this gem!
PRoeder61 wrote:
You said it, ppopp. This fellow will never amount to anything.
LOL
You said it, ppopp. This fellow will never amount to anything.
LOL
ppopp wrote:
You said it, ppopp. This fellow will never amount to anything.
Crudely performed. Repetetive nonsense. Annoying voice.
You said it, ppopp. This fellow will never amount to anything.
ppopp wrote:
That's awfully self-referential.
Crudely performed. Repetetive nonsense. Annoying voice.
That's awfully self-referential.
ppopp wrote:
Kind of like Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy", isn't it, ppopp? Which you gave a 9.
So much music is simply a matter of time and place.
Crudely performed. Repetetive nonsense. Annoying voice.
Kind of like Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy", isn't it, ppopp? Which you gave a 9.
So much music is simply a matter of time and place.
This song takes me way back to those University Daze!
Thanks for playing it.
Thanks for playing it.
This album, and others of its kind at that time, cut a wide swath through the pop junk on the radio and helped create New Wave with the Pretenders, Devo, Cars, Petty and all the others too abrasive for "regular" radio to play them.
Diss him now, but he's one of the reasons that RP exists.
Diss him now, but he's one of the reasons that RP exists.
springof63 wrote:
Agreed...and can you get Oliver's Army up and going here?
Not much love for Elvis C. on RP is there? Don't understand why.
'My Aim Is True', 'This Years Model', 'Armed Forces', - bought them all as they came out & they were great albums for me, & still are.
Some of his songs are extremely cleverly written, both lyrically & musically. I'm not trying to change minds, i'm just saying.
'My Aim Is True', 'This Years Model', 'Armed Forces', - bought them all as they came out & they were great albums for me, & still are.
Some of his songs are extremely cleverly written, both lyrically & musically. I'm not trying to change minds, i'm just saying.
Agreed...and can you get Oliver's Army up and going here?
Not much love for Elvis C. on RP is there? Don't understand why.
'My Aim Is True', 'This Years Model', 'Armed Forces', - bought them all as they came out & they were great albums for me, & still are.
Some of his songs are extremely cleverly written, both lyrically & musically. I'm not trying to change minds, i'm just saying.
.
But i guess one mans' Elvis Costello is another mans' Smiths.
It'd be rubbish if we were all the same, wouldn't it.
'My Aim Is True', 'This Years Model', 'Armed Forces', - bought them all as they came out & they were great albums for me, & still are.
Some of his songs are extremely cleverly written, both lyrically & musically. I'm not trying to change minds, i'm just saying.
.
But i guess one mans' Elvis Costello is another mans' Smiths.
It'd be rubbish if we were all the same, wouldn't it.
Yuck.
lol. yep.
lososs wrote:
lososs wrote:
more like "Waiting for the end of the SONG"
haven't managed yet though - that PSD is too tempting every time :D
haven't managed yet though - that PSD is too tempting every time :D
more like "Waiting for the end of the SONG"
haven't managed yet though - that PSD is too tempting every time :D
haven't managed yet though - that PSD is too tempting every time :D
ppopp wrote:
Crudely performed? As a musician, I'd say they did a good job there. Repetitive nonsense? Let's face it, most of life is repetitive nonsense. And his voice, well that's just preference.
Crudely performed. Repetetive nonsense. Annoying voice.
Crudely performed? As a musician, I'd say they did a good job there. Repetitive nonsense? Let's face it, most of life is repetitive nonsense. And his voice, well that's just preference.
Louie Louie with intelligent (and semi-intelligible) lyrics.
Crudely performed. Repetetive nonsense. Annoying voice.
I think that THIS man and his Fender Jaguar had a lot to do with the rocking transformation of the world music scene in the late 1970s!
unclehud wrote:
Takes one to know one.
That means that you...., don't you think?
Think again - then try again!
Takes one to know one.
That means that you...., don't you think?
Think again - then try again!
Stingray wrote:
Takes one to know one.
I insist Elvis is an asshole and his music....not that good neither!
Takes one to know one.
I insist Elvis is an arrogant prick and his music....not that good neither!
loving this 'apocalyptic' set of tunes !!
Never noticed how much this song reminds me of my Bob Dylan, both lyrically and in the delivery. And that's a good thing.
The best Elvis.
Rocking!!!
PopKombo wrote:
.... oh yes
elvis is king
.... oh yes
such a terrific collection of tunes right out the starting gate....too bad he didn't quit while he was ahead
elvis is king
This guy does not cut the cake with me. His voice instantly transports me to Apocalypse Now:
"The Horror. The Horror."
But admittedly this song is not his worst. Still it requires a new rating:
2.50 Barely Bearable
"The Horror. The Horror."
But admittedly this song is not his worst. Still it requires a new rating:
2.50 Barely Bearable
First time ever I did not PSD or just STOP on EC. So maybe - just maybe - Bill is slowly getting to me : )
Bought the CD last Saturday to replace the worn out vinyl....
ELVISISKING
Not my favorite EC, but a great sound.
Got me jumping 
This song has one of the funkiest back-beats to it. LOVE IT!
Love that guitar!
First year of art school! The music! NYC! Those were the daze! 
He listened to a lot of Randy Newman evidently.
teleskialaska wrote:
My high school years were seldom fun at all, but this was one album which made them more bearable.
Listening to this reminds me why my high school years were so fun.
My high school years were seldom fun at all, but this was one album which made them more bearable.
Sounds a lot like Adrian Belew on guitar.
A classic that I haven't heard enough.
gemtag wrote:
That's funny...
I hear a little Jeff Tweedy in here.
That's funny...
A rare, well deserved 10.
Listening to this reminds me why my high school years were so fun.
crazyossi wrote:
Seems this guy has never made one good song !!! Correct me if i`m wrong - but then tell me the title of the song you mean ...
HUH? Name a bad one. He makes fun albums. Louie Louie
Giving up productivity, and commencing dancing now!
Just saw this come across the wire from Australia:
Hasn't come yet,,,,,
Bahahahaaaaaaaahahaaaaa.
crazyossi wrote:
I would argue he's written more 'good' songs than anybody else alive or dead, but I guess we just have polar opposite ideas of what constitutes 'good'.
So, no, you are not wrong, and I can't correct you. I can however hold the opinion that either you have never listened to any of his albums, or your taste sucks.
Seems this guy has never made one good song !!! Correct me if i`m wrong - but then tell me the title of the song you mean ...
I would argue he's written more 'good' songs than anybody else alive or dead, but I guess we just have polar opposite ideas of what constitutes 'good'.
So, no, you are not wrong, and I can't correct you. I can however hold the opinion that either you have never listened to any of his albums, or your taste sucks.
Louie Louie
Seems this guy has never made one good song !!! Correct me if i`m wrong - but then tell me the title of the song you mean ...
MaryAndrea wrote:
ciao singnorina
let me help you with a little elvis education - as one who has all of his catalogue.
As Elvis has had a 35 year career and has recorded songs and records in nearly all genres and sub-genres of music you have quite an exploration ahead - have fun.
Start with The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years - a recent compilation that has lots of the best and most popular songs from his first handful of albums.
I have to admit a bad thing: I don't know Elvis Costello music! I have to remedy!
ciao singnorina
let me help you with a little elvis education - as one who has all of his catalogue.
As Elvis has had a 35 year career and has recorded songs and records in nearly all genres and sub-genres of music you have quite an exploration ahead - have fun.
Start with The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years - a recent compilation that has lots of the best and most popular songs from his first handful of albums.
MaryAndrea wrote:
Well, this is the BEST album to start with....it is, IMHO, the BEST he ever did!! One of those albums where you know the words to every song once you get hooked
I have to admit a bad thing: I don't know Elvis Costello music! I have to remedy!
Well, this is the BEST album to start with....it is, IMHO, the BEST he ever did!! One of those albums where you know the words to every song once you get hooked
I have to admit a bad thing: I don't know Elvis Costello music! I have to remedy!
I wish I had a dollar for every beer I've drunk to this song.
Or just enough to buy a six-pack and the CD!
Rock it, E!
Or just enough to buy a six-pack and the CD!
Rock it, E!
Byronape wrote:
I don't know what this has to do with the song... but I found myself watching it repeat several times just waiting for something more to show. Yeah, I'm a perv.
Works for me!
I don't know what this has to do with the song... but I found myself watching it repeat several times just waiting for something more to show. Yeah, I'm a perv.
Works for me!
9 > 10
oldslabsides wrote:
Jeff was still in elementary school when Elvis recorded this.... methinks you hear a little Elvis in your Jeff.
Yeah, I meant the sound as a whole as well as echoes of Jeff in Elvis' voice. I could see Wilco doing this tune.
Jeff was still in elementary school when Elvis recorded this.... methinks you hear a little Elvis in your Jeff.
Yeah, I meant the sound as a whole as well as echoes of Jeff in Elvis' voice. I could see Wilco doing this tune.
gemtag wrote:
Jeff was still in elementary school when Elvis recorded this.... methinks you hear a little Elvis in your Jeff.
I hear a little Jeff Tweedy in here.
Jeff was still in elementary school when Elvis recorded this.... methinks you hear a little Elvis in your Jeff.
I hear a little Jeff Tweedy in here.
Great Album -I still have mine (the original not the re-release) and you can truly hear the hunger in Elvis' voice back then.
still waitin'...
almost every track on his first 2 albums is memorable...simply excellent and..above all pop in its best form.
top 10 fave albums of all times! With one of my fave lines "dear Lord, I sincerely hope you're comin, cuz you really started somethin' "
a_genuine_find wrote:
I don't know what this has to do with the song... but I found myself watching it repeat several times just waiting for something more to show. Yeah, I'm a perv.
I don't know what this has to do with the song... but I found myself watching it repeat several times just waiting for something more to show. Yeah, I'm a perv.
Randomax wrote:
1977 folks
my absolute favorite album of the early 80's!!!!!!! Still in my top 10!
1977 folks
Great kick as rock and roll from EC at the beginning of his illustrious and varied career.
or better!
Turning on RP and hearing EC 1st thing. It can't get any worse.
Randomax wrote:
As the post below mentioned, this record came out in 1977.
my absolute favorite album of the early 80's!!!!!!! Still in my top 10!
As the post below mentioned, this record came out in 1977.
my absolute favorite album of the early 80's!!!!!!! Still in my top 10!
NeilBlanchard wrote:
This song is THIRTY years old!
Neil
Yeah, this album came out in 1977 or '78; not 1988.
This song is THIRTY years old!
Neil
Yeah, this album came out in 1977 or '78; not 1988.
At first, I thought it was Tom Petty.
(That's a good thing.)
(That's a good thing.)
Stingray wrote:
1. Check your timeline Jr. EC has been around a much longer time than the Pixies who I love by the way.
2. Yes, I know hundreds of good Elvis C - songs, own every album, seen him a dozen times, watch his TV show, love to read what he writes about music, so, I'm probably not the guy you want to ask. :-)
3. My top 3 of all time - Beatles, Bowie & Elvis - all Brits
Costello with PIXIES' riffs...?
Another overrated Brit!
Very much so!
I do not know more than a handful of good C-songs!
You...?
Another overrated Brit!
Very much so!
I do not know more than a handful of good C-songs!
You...?
1. Check your timeline Jr. EC has been around a much longer time than the Pixies who I love by the way.
2. Yes, I know hundreds of good Elvis C - songs, own every album, seen him a dozen times, watch his TV show, love to read what he writes about music, so, I'm probably not the guy you want to ask. :-)
3. My top 3 of all time - Beatles, Bowie & Elvis - all Brits
BKardon wrote:
Adrian will turn in his grave-to-come, if he hears that!
Are you kidding...?
Sounded like Adrian Belew on guitar.
Adrian will turn in his grave-to-come, if he hears that!
Are you kidding...?
Costello with PIXIES' riffs...?
Another overrated Brit!
Very much so!
I do not know more than a handful of good C-songs!
You...?
Another overrated Brit!
Very much so!
I do not know more than a handful of good C-songs!
You...?
Well, been looking for an excuse to go to bed. Found one. Not a big fan of Elivs Costello.