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Elvis Costello — Wake Me Up (w/ The Roots)
Album: Wise Up Ghost
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1821









Released: 2013
Length: 5:47
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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I've got this phosphorescent portrait of gentle Jesus meek and mild
I've got this harlot that I'm stuck with carrying another man's child
The solitary star announcing vacancy burnt out as we arrived
They'd throw us back across the border if they knew that we survived
And they were surprised to see us
So they greeted us with palms
They asked for ammunition, acts of contrition and small alms

Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
With a slap or a kiss
Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
There must be something better than this

I've got this imaginary radio, and I'm punching up the dial
I've got the A.C. trained on the T.V. so it won't blow up in my eye
And everything that I thought fanciful or mocked as too extreme
Must be family entertainment here in the strange land of my dreams
And I'm practising my likeness of St. Francis of Assisi
And if I hold my hand outstretched
A little bird comes to me

And I might recite a small prayer
If I ever said them
I lay down on an iron frame
And found myself in Bedlam
Stepping on the fingers that were stretching through the bars
Wailing echoes down the corridors

Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
With a slap or a kiss
Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
There must be something better than this

They've got this scared and decorated girl strapped to the steel trunk of a Mustang
They drove her down a cypress grove where traitors hang and stars still spangle
They dangled flags and other rags along a coloured thread of twine
They dragged that bruised and purple heart along the road to Palestine

Someone went off muttering, he mentioned thirty pieces
Easter saw a slaughtering, each wrapped in bloodstained fleeces

My thoughts returned to vengeance but I put up no resistance
Though I seemed a long way from my home
It really was no distance

Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
With a slap or a kiss
Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
There must be something better than this

And the player piano picks out "Life Goes On"
The Ringtone rang out "Jerusalem"
Into the pit of sadness
Where the wretched plunge
We've buried all the Innocents
We must bury revenge

Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
There must be something better than this
There must be something better than this
There must be something better than this

In the name of the Father and the Son
In the name of Gasoline and a Gun
Wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up, wake me up
Comments (107)add comment
Love the groove. Elvis adds exactly nothing.
Posted 3 weeks ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello is not my favorite artist, but I quite like this!
Posted 3 weeks ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
I'd love to hear an instrumental of this 
Posted 3 weeks ago by wanderinglevel    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

PSD then and stop bothering those of us who like this.


Not a fan either, but he certainly deserves a spot on this station. Maybe everybody deserves a spot...
Posted 1 year ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
MAN!  This song is GREAT!  Funky, funky 'background' music with badass lyrics up front.

Yeah, if that was my reality/dream, I'd sure be pleading for someone to wake me up and pleading that we bury vengeance.

I vote 8 on first listen.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
This man has the nerve to diss others writing and making much finer music.
Posted 1 year ago by BonzoWiltsUK    [ Reply ]
Elvis is many things. Funky is not one of them
Posted 2 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I always thought this was Cake until I took a closer listen.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 boffyflow wrote:


Yes, my thoughts exactly. I faintly hear Dr. John in this one...


I can hear that.
Posted 2 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
I love this tune.. great groove
Posted 2 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
Worst EC album to date. My personal opinion. 
Posted 2 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
 Bluesgrrl wrote:

Sure are a lot of haters on this song.  I think its quite nice, has a New Orleans feel which I'm digging right now.



Yes, my thoughts exactly. I faintly hear Dr. John in this one...
Posted 2 years ago by boffyflow    [ Reply ]
 Ralf wrote:

I am a big fan but Elvis’s music can be pretty inaccessible sometimes!




Yep! This tune is not bad, but it is not my favorite Elvis C tune!
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
I am a big fan but Elvis’s music can be pretty inaccessible sometimes!
Posted 3 years ago by Ralf    [ Reply ]
 marty88210 wrote:

Read the poetry of the lyrics...and If you can get beyond the surface, listen to the message....it ain't religious.




The lyrics here are controversial and I couldn't find anyone speaking to the message, except this comment from 7 years ago.    ?
Posted 3 years ago by Michael_Dean    [ Reply ]
love this groove, the horns make it!
Posted 3 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
I love Elvis Costello but seriously never heard this before.   Awesome and thanks Bill for fixing that for me!  So many new bands and songs added to my fav list based on RP.. 
Posted 3 years ago by petvan    [ Reply ]
This is horrid. 
Posted 4 years ago by lmkny5    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:

Then don't fuck him.
 Elvis is an aquired taste. i grew to love him... and then sometimes hes totally annoying.. 3o years ive felt that way..  king of america and this album are really great. you have to get into the lyrics to see how he is using it wiht the music. its more unique than people think

Posted 4 years ago by effiji    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
What is Elvis Costello's real name?

Answer:
Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus
 
 

Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus, OBE

tiny update...
c.



Posted 4 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
The comments are pretty funny, highly polarized - more so than usual.

The funniest thing is, Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus, OBE, couldn't possibly care less what anybody else thinks. He proved that with his very first album (when they were still 'albums').  These days, it's unlikely he's in such financial straits he 'needs' to create or perform. He does it for himself - always has - and the rest of us can enjoy it or not.

Everybody's entitled to their opinion, good, bad, or ugly (no, not a comment on his appearance. Although...) Just don't expect the gentleman to care.

BTW, I kinda dig it.
c.
Posted 4 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 inmanart wrote:
If you can conjure up an intelligent dialogue ,then we could fast forward your illiterate juvenile comment.  Otherwise, move on, go back to your whiny world and stay there.  Thank you.
 

Posted 4 years ago by pegster1956    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello = Sucko-barfo
Posted 4 years ago by lmkny5    [ Reply ]
barely worth the ear time
Posted 4 years ago by richgoose    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:

Then don't fuck him.
 
That is freaking HI-larious!!
Posted 4 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
First time I've heard this one - Love It!! EC does not disappoint!
Posted 4 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
 inmanart wrote:
hate fucking Elvis Costello!
 
Then don't fuck him.
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Damn Elvis getting almost funky!
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
hate fucking Elvis Costello!
Posted 4 years ago by inmanart    [ Reply ]
I like this! It should be friday night to grab a cold Guiness
Posted 4 years ago by ontibierhoff    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
Where is that confounded bridge?
 
Exactly...in fact the only reason this isn't an 8 for me is that bridge-less-ness....such a great grove....love the Roots....EC too....still....Long Live RP!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
I love EC voice and could listen to him sing all. Damn. Day!
Posted 5 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
I agree. Boggles my mind how someone comes to Radio Paradise ( dedicated to delivering an eclectic variety of music) , they provide a PSD button and people still complain about songs they don't like. Play something different or find a new station... oldsaxon wrote:

PSD then and stop bothering those of us who like this.
 

Posted 5 years ago by Warren_Smith    [ Reply ]
 DocStrangelove wrote:
HIS VOICE leaves me reaching for the mute button.
terrible volcals
 
Agreed. Whatever value may lie in the musical accompaniment, the singing, or what approximates singing, is really difficult for me to hear. Lots of modern musicians have voices that stray from what was once seen as good and I pretty much embrace a wide variety of performers. But, this track grates on me raspingly.
Posted 6 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
This song was half over before I realized he's using most of the lyrics from his own song Bedlam, off of The Delivery Man album. Except this tune has a different chorus. I think I prefer the energy of the original.
Posted 6 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
His voice is out of tune, and the music pretty repetitive, but wow, that's a solid groove. The Roots as your rhythm section could make Mozart funky!
Posted 6 years ago by murdog    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello is a genius and  THE ROOTS are superb musicians. Great track.
Posted 6 years ago by allenanddouglas    [ Reply ]
I'd love the Roots if for no other reason than my dad now acknowledges that some hip hop is actually pretty OK. {#Lol}
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Not a huge Elvis C fan, but I gotta say this is pretty funking kool.
Posted 6 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
Saw him at The "Cap" in Port Chester, NY the other week. At times I was ready to walk out during the show. At other times I wanted him to keep going for a few hours. Frustrating, but that appears to be how he likes it.
Posted 6 years ago by Ropes    [ Reply ]
 aelfheld wrote:
Elvis Costello's voice always puts me in mind of Pee-wee Herman.

 
{#Lol}
Posted 6 years ago by miamizsun    [ Reply ]
Love it
Posted 7 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 CoYoT51 wrote:
....

MANY of you don't like this Elvis... I must confess I'm fond of his work. I good 8 for me here.

 
Yes, why is that?  I expect RP to play lots of Elvis Costello and that is fine, but I do not enjoy the man's music at all.  

What is wrong with me? {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
There are much better songs on that album e. g. Refuse to be saved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33xp_qV9yt4

This one slowly puts me to sleep.....
Posted 7 years ago by strangestairway    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello's voice always puts me in mind of Pee-wee Herman.
Posted 7 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
Lines from Bedlam.

MANY of you don't like this Elvis... I must confess I'm fond of his work. I good 8 for me here.
Posted 7 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
funky costello
Posted 7 years ago by np0x    [ Reply ]
Where is that confounded bridge?
Posted 8 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Enormous relief after getting Bjorked.
Posted 8 years ago by ottojschlosser    [ Reply ]
I've never given EC a "3" before.  This cut is a tedious and boring drone.
Posted 8 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello Music {#No}
Elvis Costello Music with Roots {#Yes}

Diane Krall Music {#Yes}
Diane Krall coop w/Elvis Costello {#No}
Posted 8 years ago by Angry_Old_Man    [ Reply ]
 nostradamuszen wrote:
I like the song. It's interesting. Costello is not aiming at the mainstream - but neither are most RP listeners, I venture to suppose?

EC is stuck with his voice and its timbre: don't expect voicebox surgery any time soon.

And what's with al the dissing, people? If RP is going to end up like Facebook: a boxing-ring for seven-year-olds who are too scared to learn how to fight, I for one am going to desert the forum.

:-D

 
Are you speaking of the dissing, dissing of the dissing or the dissing of the dissing dissing? It's hard to keep track. Apparently some people like this song and some do not. Wow!  I, for one, think it's gr8! 
Posted 8 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Well, this just got annoying. Sorry, Elvis. 
 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
I thought it was Morphine...
Posted 8 years ago by mmulhern    [ Reply ]
GROOVING!!
 
Posted 8 years ago by RP4Prez    [ Reply ]
I like the song. It's interesting. Costello is not aiming at the mainstream - but neither are most RP listeners, I venture to suppose?

EC is stuck with his voice and its timbre: don't expect voicebox surgery any time soon.

And what's with al the dissing, people? If RP is going to end up like Facebook: a boxing-ring for seven-year-olds who are too scared to learn how to fight, I for one am going to desert the forum.

:-D
Posted 8 years ago by nostradamuszen    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

The quasi-pretentiousness drips from the rancid rind of this inedible post.  If only you could hear yourself talk. Perhaps you would have been better off just saying, "I don't like EC's singing voice" and been done with it.

 
"Quasi-pretentiousness"? Maybe if I understood what on this earth you mean by this term I could respond other than to agree that I don't like his singing voice. But it goes deeper than that. Lots of singers have voices I don't like. But when you describe an electronic post as having a rind? I guess the bad food analogy only goes so far. And I could have said I don't like his voice, but would you have felt compelled (or so it seems) to stretch some metaphors so far? Unlikely.
Posted 8 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Something is in his voice
that I like
very much.
Posted 8 years ago by KalleB    [ Reply ]
 Such a cool funky tune....It's quite surprising that more RP listeners don't appreciate this?! 
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

The quasi-pretentiousness drips from the rancid rind of this inedible post.  If only you could hear yourself talk. Perhaps you would have been better off just saying, "I don't like EC's singing voice" and been done with it.

 



And yet he'd still be missing the Mark.
Posted 8 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
YES YES AND MORE YES!  Noboday but RP plays Elvis anymore. This is a tremendous version of the original song with both The Roots and Elvis bringing their best. Thank you RP. 
Posted 8 years ago by Mythmyth    [ Reply ]
         Is this all about a parallel universe?
If yes then the time gets streched into yesterday.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
That ?uestlove groove. {#Drummer}
Posted 9 years ago by Shmelo    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:
I can genuinely appreciate the skill evident in the lyrics and concepts of EC. But, his remarkably weak and it seem almost deliberately grating vocal style (and singing voice) are increasingly unwelcome. It's as if he has taken a type of punk aesthetic and stripped out the freshness, leaving a slightly rancid rind. Then he applies a spare and quasi-melodic instrumental foundation. The result is... not quite edible, but more or less recognizable as intended to be consumed (to stretch the food analogy). 

 
The quasi-pretentiousness drips from the rancid rind of this inedible post.  If only you could hear yourself talk. Perhaps you would have been better off just saying, "I don't like EC's singing voice" and been done with it.
Posted 9 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Sure are a lot of haters on this song.  I think its quite nice, has a New Orleans feel which I'm digging right now.
Posted 9 years ago by Bluesgrrl    [ Reply ]
 
Jota wrote:
Excellent song.{#Clap}

 

agreed.
Posted 9 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
He should have given up singing long time ago...
Posted 10 years ago by ciolca    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
Wake me up when it's over

 
Just what I was about to say. The horns are all that stand between this and my first psd
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
Wake me up when it's over
Posted 10 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
I can genuinely appreciate the skill evident in the lyrics and concepts of EC. But, his remarkably weak and it seem almost deliberately grating vocal style (and singing voice) are increasingly unwelcome. It's as if he has taken a type of punk aesthetic and stripped out the freshness, leaving a slightly rancid rind. Then he applies a spare and quasi-melodic instrumental foundation. The result is... not quite edible, but more or less recognizable as intended to be consumed (to stretch the food analogy). 
Posted 10 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
This is as bad as his "Stick Out Your Tongue".  Now I have two Elvis C songs that make me turn RP off.
Posted 10 years ago by barks    [ Reply ]
 johncartlidge wrote:
My sentiments exactly! In fact, I'd go as far as politely requesting that NO Elvis Costello songs are played on RP anymore! Not quite sucko barfo, but pretty close...

 TerryStone wrote:
I love Radio Paradise, but please stop playing this song.

 



 
I'd politely ask that you're opinions are ignored.  This station is not for the arrogant who think only their playlist should be played.
Posted 10 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
Excellent song.{#Clap}
Posted 10 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
I think I've heard this song too much lately on RP. I'm getting to like it less and less. Very repetitious. Put it on the shelf for a while, Bill.
Posted 10 years ago by musikluvr    [ Reply ]
What is Elvis Costello's real name?

Answer:
Declan Patrick Aloysius Macmanus

 

Posted 10 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
Hate this guy.  Love his wife.  The only Elvis I like is a speed skater.
Posted 10 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
not his best work, like the horns.
Posted 10 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

PSD then and stop bothering those of us who like this.

 
{#Clap}
Posted 10 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
Read the poetry of the lyrics...and If you can get beyond the surface, listen to the message....it ain't religious.
Posted 10 years ago by marty88210    [ Reply ]
 johncartlidge wrote:
My sentiments exactly! In fact, I'd go as far as politely requesting that NO Elvis Costello songs are played on RP anymore! Not quite sucko barfo, but pretty close...

 TerryStone wrote:
I love Radio Paradise, but please stop playing this song.

 



 
PSD then and stop bothering those of us who like this.
Posted 10 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
love this!
Posted 10 years ago by Hogtownmike    [ Reply ]
7 > 8 Great groove.
Posted 10 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
love it.

 

 
Nice groove.... 
Posted 10 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
{#Frustrated} Make it stop!!! What a dirge.
Posted 10 years ago by Mike_Sneade    [ Reply ]
 gatorade wrote:
I don't know. I'm betwixt and between.

 

Agreed. Despite my rather high expectations, nothing has really grabbed me from this effort - yet.
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
My sentiments exactly! In fact, I'd go as far as politely requesting that NO Elvis Costello songs are played on RP anymore! Not quite sucko barfo, but pretty close...

 TerryStone wrote:
I love Radio Paradise, but please stop playing this song.

 


Posted 10 years ago by johncartlidge    [ Reply ]
 paradisepig wrote:
What was that song that went "Why did you do it, why did you do that thing to me"? 70's I think. Anyway that song keeps popping into my head .... not a bad song...not bad at all

 
I think you're referring to "Why Did You Do It?" by Stretch.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Huh. Not bad. A very natural progression for him and actually feels like a return to some of his earlier work with a modern twist. 
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
What was that song that went "Why did you do it, why did you do that thing to me"? 70's I think. Anyway that song keeps popping into my head .... not a bad song...not bad at all
Posted 10 years ago by paradisepig    [ Reply ]
love it.
Posted 10 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Love it!  Perhaps the best EC tune I've heard recently.  Funky and groovy - perfect.
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
I love Radio Paradise, but please stop playing this song.
Posted 10 years ago by TerryStone    [ Reply ]
I don't know. I'm betwixt and between.
Posted 10 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
Bet you this would sound a lot better live since it's The Roots.  This sounds very tame. 
Posted 10 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
I dunno.  Elvis seems to be a tyrant.  It sounds like him with a decent backing band.  Would have liked to have heard more Roots.
Posted 10 years ago by lafcadio    [ Reply ]
Two great tastes that taste great together.

Love the groove - love the guitar riff. 
Posted 10 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Once you become a world-famous musician, what's next?
Marry a Canadian of course.

Right, Elvis? Right, Elton?

Right on.
Posted 10 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
{#Motor}
Posted 10 years ago by mortrates    [ Reply ]
What a sound!! Great recording of the great Elvis Costello (with The Roots).
Posted 11 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
Yawn!
Posted 11 years ago by Lindow    [ Reply ]
Most excellent. Haven't tasted this particular varietal of funk since the days of Morphine.
Posted 11 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
what a great combining of varied talents - i blast this when i play it!!!!    this song is amazing - in fact the first 3 or 4 cuts on this album are fantastic
Posted 11 years ago by 12stepgazette    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:
Seriously, wake him up.
Zzzzzz .... 

 
Totally agree.  I love Elvis Costello, but there is something better than this called Armed Forces.
Posted 11 years ago by creekgirl    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello and The Roots? Didn't see that coming {#Jump}
I like it!
Posted 11 years ago by Minimally    [ Reply ]
Really digging this - funky and airy. And thankfully, EC is avoiding his high-pitched torture-croon, which honestly should be outlawed by the Geneva Convention. ;-)
Posted 11 years ago by rocklandlove    [ Reply ]
I like it.
Posted 11 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Seriously, wake him up.
Zzzzzz .... 
Posted 11 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]