Lyric discussion by ILOVELIFE 

Cover art for Pump It Up lyrics by Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello is more punk than anybody ive ever heard. And I still hate the Ramones, because they suck and cant play instruments. Costello is the most talented musician and song writer in punk music.

This song is pretty much just about giving in to the flow and having fun. He deems that hes just been on tender hooks and people look down on him, like his parents (turn it down flat!) and possibly his girlfriend (he bought things for her and tried to please her but she was too smug to give a shit). So, he just listens to music and partys all the goddam time.

I'm writing this to everyone who thinks that Elvis Costello is "punk," "pretty punk" or "very punk." First, EC is one of my all-time favorite artists. But, punk? Are you kidding me? Here are some of my other favorite artists that are PUNK: The Sex Pistols, The Clash, David Johanssen and the New York Dolls, Patti Smith, The Scientists, Dead Kennedys, The Ramones, etc.

Punk began in the mid 1970s in the U.K (protopunk began in the 1960s). It was very political and did not have a mainstream audience, though there was a subculture...

Punk actually started in the mid seventies in New York at CBGB's. Malcolm McClaren got the Idea for the Sex Pistols from Richard Hell when he saw their style.

It came out in England around 76 to 77 with the Sex Pistols and The Clash and like bands. When it came out in the UK it was much more political because of the climate their.

The Ramones predates Never Mind the Bullocks and the first Clash album. The New York Dolls predate the UK punk movement as well.

You are right, Shoshana, that Elvis Costello isn't really punk. He did ride the Coat tails of the new punk movement though to get his career going. He originally was on Stiff Records which was a DIY label for many punk artists.

Elvis is really a singer/songwriter.