Dirty Rotten Shame Lyrics by Elvis Costello

Dirty Rotten Shame Lyrics

    I recall the good old days
    But thankfully, they've gone
    Now the ponies all are broken nags
    That stumble as they groan
    And throw the jockeys from their throne
    When there are pitches left to dodge
    And lions left to tame
    But it's nothing but a dirty rotten shame
    It's a dirty rotten shame
    That when you're frivolous and strong
    It isn't youth, its fearlessness
    That has been wasted on the young
    The cruel are in the cradle
    And the bishop's in the bag
    It's nothing but a dirty rotten shame

    Now i find life a millionaire
    That brags for rags and jewels
    A snarling pup is wild enough
    But as his anger proves
    He's left to sharpen useless tools
    That tear and graze and finer phrase
    But few are worth the name
    It's nothing but a dirty rotten shame

    It's a dirty rotten shame
    And that is not an idle boast
    When all your courage and your strength
    Will leave you as you need it most
    When there are lamps to dampen
    And cauliflowers to flip
    It's nothing but a dirty rotten shame

SEARCH LYRICS