Don't get smart or sarcastic
He snaps back just like elastic
Spare us the theatrics and the verbal gymnastics
We break wise guys just like matchsticks

What would the loved ones say (your pride and joy is all blown up)
What would the loved ones say (the bride and boy are barely grown up)
You're not my particular poison
I've got nothing against you myself
You could have been a danger to the boys and girls
Now you're a danger to yourself

Oh what would the loved ones say
What would the loved ones say
Oh what would the loved ones say
What would the loved ones say

The ugly little dreams run round your bed
The ugly little scenes you get the needle and no thread
They stitched you up this time
They say you'll do
They bitch about your pretty face turning ugly on you

The butcher, baker and the base line maker
Sayin' you can leave her I can take her
You spend your whole life like a minute or two later
One day its going to end sooner than greater

What would the loved ones say (he'll be remembered young and pretty)
What would the loved ones say (now he's a hit in every city)
Now there's a name we'll never forget
There's one born every minute or two
Don't pin a medal on me yet
They might be waiting for you

Oh what would the loved ones say
What would the loved ones say
Oh what would the loved ones say
What would the loved ones say


Lyrics submitted by Mopnugget

The Loved Ones Lyrics as written by Elvis Costello

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

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The Loved Ones song meanings
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5 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Foreverdrone got half the meaning of the song. EC has said the main point of the song is that there's nothing romantic about living the rock and roll lifestyle and dying young, because the only legacy the person can be sure of leaving when dead is the misery of the bereaved relatives ("they're the ones who have to bury the bastard").

    imrazoron January 24, 2020   Link

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