Songtext Forty Elvis Costello

Forty

Bells are chiming for victory

Theres a page back in history - 45

They came back to the world that they fought for

Didnt turn out just like they thought - 45

Here is a song to sing to do the measuring

What did you lose, what did you gain, what did you win?

Nine years later a child is born

Theres a record so you put it on - 45

Nine years more if were lucky now

Nine year old puts his money down - 45

Every scratch, every click, every heartbeat

Every breath that I held for you - 45

Theres a stack of shellac and vinyl

Which is yours now or which is mine? - 45

Here is a song to sing to do the measuring

What did you lose, what did you gain, what did you win?

Bass and treble heal every hurt

Theres a rebel in a nylon shirt

But the words are a mystery Ive heard

Till you turn it down to thirty-three and a third

cause it helps with the elocution

Corporations turn revolutions - 45

I heard something peculiar said

"perhaps hes got a shot" and "now hes dead" - 45

So dont you weep and shed(? )

Just change my name instead

But what do you lose when it all goes to your head?

Bells are chiming and tears are falling

It creeps up on you without a warning - 45

Every scratch, every click, every heartbeat

Every breath that Ive blessed

Ill be lost I confess - 45 45 45