Alison

Elvis Costello

About Alison

"Alison" is a song written by and first recorded by Elvis Costello in 1977 for his debut album on Stiff Records. Costello claimed the song was written as an ode to a woman he saw working at a supermarket, though he has remained vague on the meaning. Though Costello's single never charted, it has become one of his most famous tracks. Linda Ronstadt, who covered the song and released her version in 1979, had a moderate hit with it. There have also been several other cover versions of this song.  


Year:
1977
3:25
1,147 

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Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress

I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
I only know it isn't mine

Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true

Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take

Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way

Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true

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Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello (born Declan Patrick MacManus, 25 August 1954) is an English singer-songwriter. He began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the first wave of the British punk/New Wave movement of the mid-to-late 1970s. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader than that of most popular songs. His music has drawn on many diverse genres; one critic described him as a "pop encyclopaedia", able to "reinvent the past in his own image". more »

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Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Alison" is a song written by Elvis Costello and produced by Nick Lowe. It appeared on his debut album "My Aim Is True" released in 1977.
Album Success
Although it was not a commercial hit in terms of chart success, the track has since become one of Costello's most famous and enduring songs, considered a signature tune.
Genre Classification
The song is classified under the genre of New Wave, Pub Rock, and Power Pop, which was popular in the mid-70s to early 80s.
Lyrics Interpretation
Over the years, listeners have speculated about the meaning behind the lyrics of "Alison". But Costello has never clearly stated what inspired the song, leaving it open for interpretation.
Later Releases
A live version of "Alison" was included in Costello's 1994 album "The Juliet Letters", performed with The Brodsky Quartet.
Cover Recordings
Many artists have covered "Alison," including Linda Ronstadt, who had a minor hit with her version in 1979. This version was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
In Media
"Alison" has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "The L Word", "FM", and "Happiness".
Rolling Stone Recognition
In 2003, the song "Alison" was ranked number 318 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Song Style
The song is well known for its distinctive melancholy tone and for its stylistic departure from the punk and new wave music of its time.
Critical Acclaim
Critics widely hailed "Alison" as one of the great ballads of its era, praising its lyrics and melody.
Financial Benefit
Costello once said in an interview that Linda Ronstadt's recording of "Alison" brought him enough money to pay for his house.

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