Under Lime

Album: Look Now (2018)
Play Video
  • It's a long way down from the high horse you're on
    When you stumble and then you're thrown
    Yeah, the last time we saw him, he was out in the rain
    Watching that train roll down the track
    Now he's back in showbiz
    Trying to make a comeback

    We know that he's desperate
    And we know that he's broke
    He's the mystery guest we'll puncture
    They told a young girl with a clipboard
    "Just keep him amused"
    "Whatever you do, don't tell him your name"
    "Whatever you think, don't let him drink"
    Under lime, under lime, under lime

    He whistles out of tune
    His words don't always rhyme
    But we will be right back
    We're almost out of time

    Down a long corridor, he's trying to impress
    He was helping a showgirl fasten up her dress
    And the clock on the wall tick-tocked the time away
    And the band starts to play

    In the violent strip of an undressing room
    She loosened his grip and started
    Tell me your story if you feel so inclined
    He was a mess, almost resigned
    Though she could guess, I think you will find
    She thought "Oh, you know, I wouldn't mind"

    He asked her boyfriend's name
    Then her whole family tree
    She thought, "I can't believe
    It's happening to me"

    And upset, said "Hey, Pet, would you kindly pass that pill
    And allow me to just dictate my dying will"
    And the clock on the wall tick-tocked the time away
    And the band starts to play

    Jimmie was dreaming as she uncrossed her legs
    He shuttered his eyes discreetly
    And he thought of a drummer and considered a snare
    But the beat of his heart said, "Don't even start"
    His conscience was bare, it said "Don't even dare"
    She's completely unaware

    She forced a laugh or a sign
    At every alibi
    Once every crime was confessed
    He buttoned up his vest

    Said "Hey gal, you're a pal, you've really been a sport"
    And you don't get a record if you never get caught
    And the clock on the wall tick-tocked the time away
    And the band starts to play

    It's a long way down from that high horse you're on
    It's a long way back, 'less you cover your track
    Or you bury your crime
    Under lime, under lime, under lime, under lime

    It's a long way down from that high horse you're on
    It's a long way back, 'less you cover your track
    Or you bury your crime
    Under lime, under lime, under lime, under lime

    It's a long way down from that high horse you're on
    It's a long way back, 'less you cover your track
    'Cause you bury your crime
    Under lime, under lime, under lime Writer/s: Elvis Costello
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • Didi from Maceration40 years on it's a lot more layers than that.
    This album is deep, with links to not only IB and PFM, but obviosly to Secret Profane and Sugarcane, and blatantly to Penny Lane.
    Lime Street is a famous Liverpool boulevard associated with the train station, around the corner from Penny Lane, and home to ballrooms and nightclubs. Under Lime is lower still than "down among the wines and spirits."
    No reason to accept the time frames in the thirties and fifties, since the title song has obvious #MeToo connotations.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.