Brilliant Mistake Lyrics

The song Brilliant Mistake is performed by Elvis Costello in the album named The Very Best of Elvis Costello in the year 2001 .



He thought he was the King of America
Where they pour Coca Cola just like vintage wine
Now I try hard not to become hysterical
But I'm not sure if I am laughing or crying

I wish that I could push a button
And talk in the past and not the present tense
And watch this hurtin' feeling
Disappear like it was common sense

It was a fine idea at the time
Now it's a brilliant mistake

She said that she was working for the ABC News
It was as much of the alphabet as she knew how to use
Her perfume was unspeakable, it lingered in the air
Like her artificial laughter, her mementos of affairs

"Oh", I said, "I see you know him
Isn't that very fortunate for you?"
And she showed me his calling card
He came third or fourth and there were more than one or two

He was a fine idea at this time
Now he's a brilliant mistake

He thought he was the King of America
But it was just a boulevard of broken dreams
A trick they do with mirrors and with chemicals
The words of love in whispers and the acts of love in screams

I wish that I could push a button
And talk in the past and not the present tense
And watch this lovin' feeling
Disappear like it was common sense

I was a fine idea at the time
Now I'm a brilliant mistake

I was a fine idea at the time
Now I'm a brilliant mistake




Elvis Costello - The Very Best of Elvis Costello

Apr 2001

  1. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding
  2. Oliver's Army
  3. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
  4. Accidents Will Happen
  5. Pump It Up
  6. I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
  7. Radio Radio
  8. Clubland
  9. Good Year For The Roses
  10. Man Out Of Time
  11. I Wanna Be Loved
  12. Everyday I Write The Book
  13. Brilliant Mistake
  14. The Other Side Of Summer
  15. Tokyo Storm Warning
  16. Sulky Girl
  17. So Like Candy
  18. She
  19. Big Tears - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  20. Beyond Belief - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  21. Lipstick Vogue - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  22. Green Shirt - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  23. Pills & Soap
  24. Shipbuilding - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  25. High Fidelity - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  26. New Lace Sleeves - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  27. Talking In The Dark - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  28. New Amsterdam
  29. I Hope You're Happy Now - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  30. Riot Act - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  31. My Funny Valentine
  32. Indoor Fireworks - The Costello Show
  33. Almost Blue - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  34. I Want You - Elvis Costello & The Attractions
  35. God Give My Strength
  36. That Day Is Done
  37. I Want To Vanish - Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve


Brilliant Mistake