Lyrics Pretty Words - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

Pretty Words

I ask you nicely
Get my face slapped under wraps
Whats going on precisely
Is there something wrong perhaps?
Surprise, surprise (surprise, surprise)
Its more like a booby trap than a booby prize
Civil disobedience from a soldier with a dirty rifle
Youre loosening all the screws that hold the hinges of my life
Fat cats and army brats
Hep cats and dog tag pawing over girly mags
Pretty words dont mean much anymore
I dont mean to be mean much anymore
All I see are snapshots, bigshots, tender spots
(1) mug shots, machine slots
(2) machine slots, mug shots
till you dont know whats what
You dont know what you got
Curious women running after curious men
Curiosity didnt kill the cat
It was a poisoned pen
But theres not much choice (its hobsons choice)
Between a cruel mouth and a jealous voice
Got back to london
Picked a paper from the man
No words of consolation
Just cartoons and titter tatter
Well well, fancy that
Millions murdered for a kiss me quick hat
No backbone, blood and guts
Better keep your big mouth shut