Lyrics Strict Time - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

Strict Time

Theres a hand on a wire that leads to my mouth
I can hear you knocking but Im not coming out
Dont want to be a puppet or a ventriloquist
cause theres no ventilation on a critical list
Fingers creeping up my spine are not mine to resist
Strict time
Toughen up, toughen up Keep your lip buttoned up Strict time
Oh the muscles flex and the fingers curl
And a cold sweat breaks out on the sweater girl
Strict time
Oh hes all hands, dont touch that dial
The courting cold wars weekend witch trial
Strict time
All the boys are straight laced and the girls are frigid
The talk is two-faced and the rules are rigid cause its strict time
Strict time
You talk in hushed tones, I talk in lush tones
Try to look italian through the musical valium
Strict time
Thinking of grand larceny
Smoking the everlasting cigarette of chastity
Cute assistants staying alive
More like a hand job than the hand jive
Strict time