The song International Echo is performed by Elvis Costello .
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
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 and what' s 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, it came back twisted
If you didn't see it their 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
Well, they paid me money for playing pretend
Then they said that it must be the end
But I was just following the popular trend
International echo
The beer from the bottle, wine from the grape
I stood up straight, got bent out of shape
Now I'm just looking for some way to escape
International echo
But everything I said just seems automatic
The radio plays nothing but static
I think that I'm about to flip my lid
My waitress said that she might be my kid
And give me seven inches, give me twelve
Well, drop the needle on it and let it revolve
Did you hear me calling you?
'Cause hear I go
International echo, echo
Solo
The streets were deserted, the house was dark
Down in the basement there's the faintest spark
Three boys hoping to make their mark
International echo