Lyrics White Knuckles - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

White Knuckles

White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on I believe shes the one that hes got his heart set on It doesnt matter if your face doesnt fit
Theres no charge for changing it Oooh ooh
What are you doing
You see right through him
You dont have to take it when he gets cruel
White knuckles on black and blue skin
(1,4) you dont have to take it so you just give in
(2,3) he didnt mean to hit her but she kept laughing
White knuckles sweatin on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
Losing face with the boys while shes whispering in his ear
They never found out why they called it laughing gear
Maybe they werent loved when they were young
Maybe they should be hung by their tongues
Oooh ooh
Under the blankets with the body jerk
He needs her like the axe needs the turkey
Making a mockery of his fancy footwork
Theres always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot
Now its all petty crime on the news at nine
But its all shes got
Love on the never never dreams dont come cheap
I dont close my eyes when I go to sleep
Oooh ooh
It gets right under your skin
It makes you as miserable as sin but
You dont have to take it so you just give in Why dont you come round anymore
Mama said
Hes using you
Sister said
I told you so too
When he goes through your head
You took him to be true