Green Shirt
Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Elvis Costello
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There's a smart young woman on a light blue screen Who comes into my house every night And she takes all the red, yellow, orange and green And she turns them into black and white But you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it Better cut off all identifying labels Before they put you on the torture table 'Cause somewhere in the "Quisling Clinic" There's a shorthand typist taking seconds over minutes She's listening in to the Venus line She's picking out names I hope none of them are mine But you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it Never said I was a stool pigeon I never said I was a diplomat Everybody is under suspicion But you don't want to hear about that 'Cause you tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it Better send a begging letter to the big investigation Who put these fingerprints on my imagination? You tease, and you flirt And you shine all the buttons on your green shirt You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it
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Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background"Green Shirt" is a song by Elvis Costello, a famous British singer-songwriter known for his profound lyrics and distinctive voice. He has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and is often recognized for his diverse musical styles.
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Album DetailsThe song "Green Shirt" is from Costello's popular 1979 album, "Armed Forces". The album greeted both commercial success as well as critical acclaim."
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SongwritingElvis Costello, born as Declan Patrick MacManus, is the primary songwriter of the song "Green Shirt". His lyrical prowess is often admired, and "Green Shirt" is no exception.
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Musical Style"Green Shirt" features a blend of power-pop, punk, and new wave, reflecting the varied styles that Elvis Costello is known for throughout his career.
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Chart PerformanceDespite not being released as a single, "Green Shirt" has become one of Costello's standout tracks from "Armed Forces", gaining a significant amount of airplay.
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Song InterpretationMany interpretations exist for "Green Shirt". Some fans and critics speculate the song refers to the government's control over media, while others believe it's about a personal relationship.
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Use in Media and Covers"Green Shirt" has been covered by numerous artists and has even featured in various media platforms including radio, television, and streaming services.
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ReceptionSince its debut, "Green Shirt" has consistently received positive feedback for its unique arrangement and provocative lyrics, making it an enduring fan favorite.
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Live PerformancesCostello regularly includes "Green Shirt" in his live setlists, and it continues to be well-received in concert due to its catchy melody and engaging lyrics.
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Impact and Influence"Green Shirt", along with the rest of the "Armed Forces" album, contributed to establishing Elvis Costello as a significant figure in the British new wave movement, setting the stage for his successful, decades-spanning career.
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Citation
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"Green Shirt Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3073653/Elvis+Costello/Green+Shirt>.
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