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Album artwork for Alison by Elvis Costello

Alison

by Elvis Costello

1989 · Rock · 3:24

About this song

  • "Alison" is a bittersweet ballad written by Elvis Costello. The singer articulates his feelings towards Alison, presumably a former lover, who has just got married. Though the music is sweet and tender, the words are harsh and biting. He insists (and repeats) throughout that his "aim is true" (which gave title to his 1977 album), suggesting that, though he is conveying anger, he means well. Or perhaps he offers his "aim" to "put out the big light". . User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply. — lastfm
  • "Alison" is a song written by and first recorded by Elvis Costello in 1977 for his debut album My Aim Is True on Stiff Records. Costello claimed the song was written as an ode to a woman he saw working at a supermarket, though he has remained vague on the meaning. Though Costello's single never charted, it has become one of his most critically acclaimed songs. — wikipedia

Countdown appearances

More from Elvis Costello

The Other Woman artwork
The Other Woman
2001
The Butcher's Boy
2006
Interview 1
2003
Interview 5
2003
“Il sogno” Suite: Workers’ Playtime
2002
A Drunken Man’s Praise of Sobriety
2002
Poisoned Letter
2002
My Youngest Son
2000

See all songs by Elvis Costello ›