Lyrics Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello

International Echo

The streets were deserted and the house was dark

Down in the basement there was the faintest spark

Three boys hoping to make their mark

International echo

They said it was nothing but a worthless toy

Sign right here and you can be employed

Woke up startled in the state of joy

International echo

The roof is shaking and the house is ablaze

I've been wide-awake for days

I thought I heard a signal breaking through

And at this distance that is hard to do

Could be seven inches

Could be twelve

Drop the needle on it and let it revolve

I felt a pulse and a drum tattoo

I was just thinking about you

Send out a message and it's sure to rebound

What's that I hear?

What is that sound?

Seems to be coming from under the ground

International echo

It can't be repeated

It can't be resisted

It went out straight and it came back twisted

If you didn't see it then, then you probably missed it

International echo

Must be something in the atmosphere

Let me be your volunteer

I thought I heard a signal coming through

In a language that I never knew

Give me seven inches

Give me twelve

Drop the needle on it and let it revolve

I felt a pulse and a drum tattoo

Even though it was taboo

Solo!

They paid me money for playing pretend

And they said this must be the end

I was just following the popular trend

International echo

Beer from the bottle and wine from the grape

Stood up straight, got bent out of shape

Now I'm just looking for some way to escape

International echo

Everything I said just seems automatic

Radio plays nothing but static

I think that I'm about to flip my lid

My waitress said that she might be my kid

Give me seven inches

Give me twelve

Drop the needle on it and let it revolve

Did you hear me calling you?

'Cos hear I go

International echo

Echo

Solo!

The streets were deserted

The house was dark

Down in the basement there was the faintest spark

Three boys hoping to make their mark

International echo