Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
[Verse 1]
White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on
I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on
It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit
There's no charge for changing it
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Oooh ooh
What are you doing
You see right through him
You don't have to take it when he gets cruel
[Chorus 1]
White knuckles on black and blue skin
You don't have to take it so you just give in
White knuckles sweating on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
[Verse 2]
Losing face with the boys while she's whispering in his ear
They never found out why they called it laughing gear
Maybe they weren't loved when they were young
Maybe they should be hung by their tongues
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Oooh ooh
Under the blankets with the body jerk
He needs her like the ax needs the turkey
Making a mockery of his fancy footwork
[Chorus 2]
White knuckles on black and blue skin
He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing
White knuckles sweating on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
[Verse 3]
There's always someone new to toy with
When the penny drops in the slot
Now it's all petty crime on the news at nine
But it's all she's got
Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap
I don't close my eyes when I go to sleep
[Pre-Chorus 3]
Oooh ooh
It gets right under your skin
It makes you as miserable as sin but
You don't have to take it so you just give in
[Chorus 1]
White knuckles on black and blue skin
You don't have to take it so you just give in
White knuckles sweating on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
[Chorus 2]
White knuckles on black and blue skin
He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing
White knuckles sweating on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
[Outro]
Why don't you come round anymore
Mother said "He's using you"
Sister said "I told you so too"
When he goes through your head
You took him to be true
Mother said "He's using you"
Sister said "I told you so too"
When he goes through your head
You took him to be true
Mother said "He's using you"
Sister said "I told you so too"
When he goes through your head
You took him to be true
White Knuckles was written by Elvis Costello.
White Knuckles was produced by Nick Lowe.
Elvis Costello released White Knuckles on Fri Jan 23 1981.