2335. “Sulky Girl” by Elvis Costello
This month, Lala is our hero!
Another outstanding song from Brutal Youth, “Sulky Girl” is another Costello classic about another beautiful but dangerous woman:
He said “Hello, my pretty flower”
Just trying out his tycoon power
Avoiding the mirror, her pitying stare
She said “You’re mistaken, your money’s no good in here”
Just some stupid little know-it-all
Who thought she looked easy; he’s not that astute
He’ll pay for the distance
Between cruelty and beauty
The song starts with a Steve Nieve organ piece and a kind of shuffling rhythm. Costello’s singing is pretty low key for most of the verses, though it kicks into mid-gear on the choruses and high gear on the bridge.