Elvis Costello - Brilliant Mistake

King Of America / 1995-08-08 1. American Without Tears 2. Brilliant Mistake 3. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood 4. Eisenhower blues 5. Glitter Gulch 6. I'll Wear It Proudly 7. Indoor Fireworks 8. Jack Of All Parades 9. King Of Confidence 10. Little Palaces 11. Lovable 12. Our Little Angel 13. Poisoned Rose 14. Shoes Without Heels 15. Sleep Of The Just 16. Suffering Face 17. Suit of Lights 18. They'll Never Take Her 19. The Big Light 20. The People's Limousine

Brilliant Mistake

He thought he was the King of America
Where they pour Coca Cola just like vintage wine
Now I try hard not to become hysterical
But I'm not sure if I am laughing or crying
I wish that I could push a button
And talk in the past and not the present tense
And watch this hurtin' feeling disappear
Like it was common sense
It was a fine idea at the time
Now it's a brilliant mistake

She said that she was working for the ABC News
It was as much of the alphabet as she knew how to use
Her perfume was unspeakable
It lingered in the air
Like her artificial laughter
Her mementos of affairs
"Oh" I said "I see you know him"
"Isn't that very fortunate for you"
And she showed me his calling card
He came third or fourth and there were more than one or two
He was a fine idea at the time
Now he's a brilliant mistake

He thought he was the King of America
But it was just a boulevard of broken dreams
A trick they do with mirrors and with chemicals
The words of love in whispers
And the acts of love in screams
I wish that I could push a button
And talk in the past and not the present tense
And watch this lovin' feeling disappear
Like it was common sense
I was a fine idea at the time
Now I'm a brilliant mistake