Lyrics Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello

20% Amnesia

What is your destiny? the policewoman said (20% amnesia)

The word that she wanted was destination I'm afraid (20% amnesia)

This is your future boy, this is your fate (20% amnesia)

And you're obsolete and they can't afford to educate you (20% amnesia)

In his bedtime boot boy jersey

Ringing up some fantasy tart

Give me strength or give me mercy

Life intimidates art

Give me strength or give me mercy

Don't let me lose heart

From rage to anaesthesia

Twenty percent amnesia

Were you passed out on the sofa (20% amnesia)

While justice was bartered by a drunken oaf? (20% amnesia)

This is all your glorious country thinks of your life (20% amnesia)

Stripped Jack naked with a Stanley knife (20% amnesia)

So the German Queen went home again

But she couldn't find forgiveness

They made a fist of her hand of friendship

But it's only business

Give me strength or give me mercy

Don't let me lose heart

From rage to anaesthesia

Twenty percent amnesia

The wine you drink has never seen a grape

And now your sci-fi suit has lost its shape

But its a dangerous game that comedy plays

Sometimes it tells you the truth, sometimes it delays it

Think back, think back if you still can

When the trumpet sounded and the world began

Somebody said "We must have won"

So they started burying the bogeyman

Mister Gorbachov came cap in hand (20% amnesia)

From a bankrupt land to a bankrupt land (20% amnesia)

Mister Gorbachov and some other fella (20% amnesia)

Were taken to a show called "Cinderella" (20% amnesia)

It wasn't an accident, it wasn't a mystery (20% amnesia)

It was calculated and the rest is history (20% amnesia)

You don't have to listen to me

That's the triumph of free will

When there are promises to break

And dreams to kill

Give me strength or give me mercy

Don't let me lose heart

From rage to anaesthesia

Twenty percent amnesia