Brilliant Mistake
Words & Music:
Declan Patrick Aloysius
MacManus (Elvis Costello)
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G F [4x]
G
D
He thought he was the King of
America
C
G
D
Where they pour Coca Cola just
like vintage wine.
G
D
Now, I try hard not to become
hysterical;
C
G D
But I'm not sure if I am
laughing or crying.
C
F
C
I wish that I could push a
button and talk in the past and not the present tense;
C
F
C Em
And watch this hurtin' feeling
disappear like it was common sense.
G F G F G
Em F C G C
Em Am G
C
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 the
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 axe 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.