Pretty Words - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

I ask you nicely

Get my face slapped under wraps

Whats going on precisely

Is there something wrong perhaps?

Surprise, surprise (surprise, surprise)

Its more like a booby trap than a booby prize

Civil disobedience from a soldier with a dirty rifle

Youre loosening all the screws that hold the hinges of my life

Fat cats and army brats

Hep cats and dog tag pawing over girly mags

Pretty words dont mean much anymore

I dont mean to be mean much anymore

All I see are snapshots, bigshots, tender spots

(1) mug shots, machine slots

(2) machine slots, mug shots

till you dont know whats what

You dont know what you got

Curious women running after curious men

Curiosity didnt kill the cat

It was a poisoned pen

But theres not much choice (its hobsons choice)

Between a cruel mouth and a jealous voice

Got back to london

Picked a paper from the man

No words of consolation

Just cartoons and titter tatter

Well well, fancy that

Millions murdered for a kiss me quick hat

No backbone, blood and guts

Better keep your big mouth shut