Elvis Costello - White Knuckles lyrics

White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on

I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on

It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit

There's no charge for changing it

Oooh ooh

What are you doing

You see right through him

You don't have to take it when he gets cruel

Chorus:

White knuckles on black and blue skin

(1,4) You don't have to take it so you just give in

(2,3) He didn't 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 she's whispering in his ear

They never found out why they called it laughing gear

Maybe they weren't 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

Chorus

There's always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot

Now it's all petty crime on the news at nine

But it's all she's got

Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap

I don't 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 don't have to take it so you just give in

Chorus

Why don't you come round anymore

Mama said

He's using you

Sister said

I told you so too

When he goes through your head

You took him to be true