45 by Elvis Costello

Album: When I Was Cruel (2002)

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Costello wrote this on his 45th birthday. It is a look back on his life.
The first single from the album. His previous album, which he did with Burt Bacharach, came out in 1998.
Costello liked the lyrical quality of the number 45. The year 1945 was significant in English history , and he had fond memories of 45 RPM albums.

Comments: 2

Geri from San Francisco, CaIn this song, Elvis sings about the meaning of the number 45 in his life. First of all, his father served military duty in World War II, which ended in 1945. His Parents owned a record store that sold 45's when he was born. He bought his first 45 at 9 years old. He also mentions JFK being shot dead at 45 years old perhaps by a 45 revolver. Finally he muses at how fast we age and confesses that he's just turned 45 himself.
Meredith from Austin, Tx45 is a song about the significance in the number 45. he mentions the age, the year, the record, the gun..etc

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