Pump It Up

Album: This Year's Model (1978)
Charted: 24
Play Video
  • I've been on tenderhooks, ending in dirty looks
    Listening to the Muzak, thinking 'bout this 'n' that
    She said, "That's that, I don't wanna chitter-chat"
    Turn it down a little bit or turn it down flat

    Pump it up, when you don't really need it
    Pump it up, until you can feel it

    Down in the pleasure center, hell-bent or heaven-sent
    Listen to the propaganda, listen to the latest slander
    There's nothing underhand that she wouldn't understand

    Pump it up, until you can feel it
    Pump it up, when you don't really need it

    Hey

    She's been a bad girl, she's like a chemical
    Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic
    You wanna torture her, you wanna talk to her
    All the things you bought for her, could not get a temperature

    Pump it up, until you can feel it
    Pump it up, when you don't really need it

    Out in the fashion show, down in the bargain bin
    You put your passion out under the pressure pin
    Fall into submission, hit-and-run transmission
    No use wishing now for any other sin

    Pump it up, until you can feel it
    Pump it up, when you don't really need it
    Pump it up, until you can feel it
    Pump it up, when you don't really need it

    Pump it up, until you can feel it
    Pump it up, when you don't really need it
    Don't really need it
    Don't really need it
    Don't really need it Writer/s: Elvis Costello
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

  • Bobb from BurbankActually, Costello said his song was influenced by Dylan and Dylan's song was influenced by Berry's song. Making a point of how musicians borrow ideas from each other over generations, and why he's cool with that.
  • Hedrek from Los Angeles, CaFerocious, powerful, ridiculous. It should have been called "Embolisms and Infarctions for Lovers"
  • Steve from Chino Hills, CaThis was back in the day of ultra low budget videos. Hence the white cove background. His spastic movements and funky glasses makes what should be an ordinary video into an iconic video.
  • Nikolai from Los Angeles, CaReally good song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.