Alison (song)
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| "Alison" | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
||
| Single by Elvis Costello | ||
| Released | 1977 | |
| Recorded | 1977 | |
| Genre | New Wave | |
| Length | 3:21 | |
| Label | Stiff Records | |
| Producer(s) | Nick Lowe | |
| Elvis Costello singles chronology | ||
| "Less Than Zero" (1977) |
"Alison" (1977) |
"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" (1977) |
"Alison" is the title track on Elvis Costello's first album, My Aim is True, released in 1977. Because "Alison" was recorded before Elvis Costello and the Attractions formed, his backing band was Clover, which would later become Huey Lewis and the News.
Costello has said little of the meaning of the song[citation needed], widely interpreted as being about unrequited love[citation needed]. He has, however, denied claims that "my aim is true" refers to murder, as opposed to devotion[citation needed].
"Alison" was released as a single in the United Kingdom with a B-side of "Welcome to the Working Week" and as two singles in the United States; one with a mono version of the same song on the B-side, the other with "Miracle Man".
Rolling Stone ranked it #318 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Brandon Boyd of Incubus has stated that it is his favorite song.
[edit] Lyrics
- Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
- And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
- But I heard you let that little friend of mine
- Take off your party dress
- I'm not gonna get too sentimental
- Like those other sticky valentines
- 'Cause I don't know if you are loving some body
- I only know it isn't mine
- Alison, I know this world is killing you
- Oh, Alison, my aim is true
- Well, I see you've got a husband now
- Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
- You used to hold him right in your hand
- I bet he took all that he could take
- Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
- When I hear the silly things that you say
- I think somebody better put out the big light
- 'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
- Alison, I know this world is killing you
- Oh, Alison, my aim is true
- My aim is true
- My aim is true
