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 & Brian Eno
Elvis Costello & The Fairfield Four
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
This was Costello’s first draft of a song he co-wrote with Aimee Mann that eventually became “The Fall of the World’s Own Optimist”, which appeared on her album Bachelor No. 2.
[Verse 1]
There's no charity in you
You took the eye in me
I never said you were a golden idol
With one extra arm or three or four
As you preyed upon mere mortals
That you were obliged to pick up
From the passing trade
[Chorus]
Hey kids, look at this
Can't you see I'm the world's great optimist
I could get up now if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
If by chance I feel insulted
And by fortune I've been halted
When in time I catapulted
Into heaven I've been vaulted
Hey, kids, look at this
Can't you see I'm the world's great optimist
[Verse 2]
There's no vanity in me
Because I'm quite convinced
I think I finally got you out of my hair now
And I didn't have to rinse
Remember when I cried
And swore I'd never wash the lips you kissed
I bet you're really glad that I lied
[Chorus]
Hey kids, look at this
Can't you see I'm the world's great optimist
I could get up now if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
If by chance I feel insulted
And by fortune I've been halted
When in time I catapulted
Into heaven I've been vaulted
Hey, kids, look at this
Can't you see I'm the world's great optimist
World’s Great Optimist [demo] was written by Aimee Mann & Elvis Costello.
World’s Great Optimist [demo] was produced by Elvis Costello.