Punishing Kiss Lyrics - Elvis Costello

(words macmanus/o'riordan, music: costello) 

I favour a good punishing kiss 

It helps pass the lonely afternoon 

Another stiff drink, wipe off that lipstick 

For when you reach a certain age 

All the most villainous men can be found on channel ten 

I make them dance in attendance 

'we will be back in a minute or two' 

And he will punish that girl 

Oh forget the reason 

Just look at me I'm lost in a social whirl 

She was never so witty 

Always struggling to be full of fun 

'on weekdays 

From mid-day to one' 

In a little black cocktail dress everyone hates 

She'll be saving the world inbetween fashion plates 

I know what she gets up to in the back of that blacked out limousine 

And I catch myself shouting at the screen 

I think that it's time to turn over 

They say it's harmless I know 

A hundred and ten percent certain 

Virtually real 

If you need something to feel 

Then favour a punishing kiss 

It helps chase the wasted afternoons 

The flowers and pearls 

The long lost relations 

That love sick tom-boy comes in bloom 

The pointless heartache 

That seems to belong in my blue room 

Can't stand the suspense 

The endless embraces 

Each episode lends the silly pretence 

Say I can look away when I will never miss it 

Starts with a joke 

And ends with a punishing kiss 

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