White Knuckles - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on I believe shes the one that hes got his heart set on It doesnt matter if your face doesnt fit

Theres no charge for changing it Oooh ooh

What are you doing

You see right through him

You dont have to take it when he gets cruel

White knuckles on black and blue skin

(1,4) you dont have to take it so you just give in

(2,3) he didnt mean to hit her but she kept laughing

White knuckles sweatin on the headboard

He never found out what the kisser was for

Losing face with the boys while shes whispering in his ear

They never found out why they called it laughing gear

Maybe they werent loved when they were young

Maybe they should be hung by their tongues

Oooh ooh

Under the blankets with the body jerk

He needs her like the axe needs the turkey

Making a mockery of his fancy footwork

Theres always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot

Now its all petty crime on the news at nine

But its all shes got

Love on the never never dreams dont come cheap

I dont close my eyes when I go to sleep

Oooh ooh

It gets right under your skin

It makes you as miserable as sin but

You dont have to take it so you just give in Why dont you come round anymore

Mama said

Hes using you

Sister said

I told you so too

When he goes through your head

You took him to be true