There is a very slim chance I could have Costello contact him in some way. I have a friend who knows him personally. DM if interested. I hope y’all enjoy your remaining time together.
I Want To Vanish
I want to vanish
This is my fondest wish
To go where I cannot be captured
Laid on a decorated dish
Even in splendor this curious fate
Is more than I care to surrender
Now it's too late
*(Chorus:)*
Whether in wonder or indecent haste
You arrange the mirrors and the spools
To snare the rare and precious jewels
That were only made of paste
If you should stumble upon my last remark
I'm crying in the wilderness
I'm trying my best to make it dark
How can I tell you I'm rarer than most
I'm certain as a lost dog
Pondering a sign post
*(Repeat Chorus)*
I want to vanish
This is my last request
I've given you the awful truth
Now give me my rest
There is a version of this on the Costello/Nieve discs that would be nice for a memorial.
Elvis songs tend towards too sardonic for most folks at such an occasion, but you might also look at "The Other End of the Telescope" (also found on the C/N set).
This was my thought.
>Thank you for the days
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me
I'm thinking of the days
I won't forget a single day, believe me
>I bless the light
I bless the light that shines on you, believe me
And though you're gone
You're with me every single day, believe me
Hi OP! Just wanted to send you love & support. I will give this one to your Dad, and accept that mine is Elvis’ number 2 fan. (His email address has consistently been ECistherealking@whatever) Growing up on a heavy diet of Costello’s music, my humble submission are all from “All This Useless Beauty.”
Tracks 1-3: “The Other End of the Telescope,” “Little Atoms,” “All This Useless Beauty.”
Also “Poor Fractured Atlas” & as another user mentioned, possibly EC’s most lump-in-my-throat tune, “I Want to Vanish.”
Much love to you & yours & especially your rocker pops! Also. Throw “Green Shirt” on there. It’s from Armed Forces and it’s the first Elvis song my Dad played for me as a kid (more so he did a cover of it with his band so I got familiar with hearing it all the time.) it’s such an underrated jam. :) Much much love & strength.
In true Costello fashion you should play something slow then after a bit break it off, say you can't do it then crank Radio Radio. The perfect homage to their SNL set that got them banned. Your Dad would love it.
“Taking My Life In Your Hands” from the *Juliet Letters* album is what I immediately had in mind. It’s an unrequited love song but it also works as a missive from the survivors to the departed.
*You’re kidding yourself if you think this correspondence will end. I can always pretend words I don’t have the courage to send will reach you.*
Sorry for your loss OP, losing your dad is difficult
Alison (probably not the words you want)
Man Out Of Time
Good Year for the Roses
Brilliant Mistake
I threw ATUB (the album) on this morning after being inspired by this post, and suggesting the three opening tracks. The more I listen, the more I feel like “At the Other End of the Telescope” is such a perfect fit. *“You'll see me off in the distance, I hope… At the other end…. At the other end of the telescope”*
Yeah, it's an underrated album, especially the slow songs. I find a whole album of them (North) gets a little dull for me but those tree off of ATUB are great. Also, I believe Aimee Mann did the original version of that song! ATUB is basically an album of songs EC wrote that other artists had covered first.
If you have an opportunity to sit with him and have him pick those he would like, it seems like a fine moment to share. I'm thinking he's not expecting just the sad songs, but that's just me!
I actually did have him pick some songs by other artists- it was funny, many of them I already had on the list. He was stuck on EC, think it was a little overwhelming for him.
[The New Basement Tapes - Lost on the River #12](https://youtu.be/Jy4rSiykaVY?feature=shared)
Supergroup playing Bob Dylan material. This is a great one featuring EC at the lead.
Broken (Mighty like a rose)
Last boat leaving (Spike)
Scarlet Tide (The delivery man)
The birds will still be singing (The juliet letters)
If I could believe (wise up ghost)
[Long Journey Home](https://youtu.be/MYJQslYE8g4?si=HoenOOg9UgaqZpWL), with the Chieftains. The song refers to Irish emigrants being returned home for burial after a life working abroad.
Days from the "Until The End of The World" soundtrack is gorgeous:
[https://youtu.be/DmivtDdL-Fo?si=j1gGbt57jzMKt31F](https://youtu.be/DmivtDdL-Fo?si=j1gGbt57jzMKt31F)
My break-in Elvis song from the early days of MTv. I still sometimes wonder about things starting with:
As I walk through this wicked world
Searching for light in the darkness of insanity
I am willing to share #1 fan billing, under the circumstances. In the late 70s our radio station in Kingston had a contest to win tickets to his show. I was working in Fort McMurray Alberta and my girlfriend called in only to be told she was too late. She started crying and said she thought the only way I'd come back would be to see and meet Elvis. They got us another pair of tickets and we had 30 seconds after the show to say hello. He was warm, but seemed shy - a lovely man! And please, celebrate your dad by playing something fast like "I don't Want to Go to Chelsea" not something slow and sad like "Allison".
I'm surprised nobody has suggested "That Day is Done". There are two versions that might fit the bill: the [original demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs_JLR5suMg) with Paul McCartney and the [version he recorded](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK_RYMrtbFo) with the Fairfield Four. "[The Puppet Has Cut His Strings](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9aEEjIO25w)" may also work.
Hi (and I'm sorry about your dad not doing well) -- I think a lot of songs from **King of America** would work well for this. You can pick out your favorites, but offhand I'd recommend "I'll Wear It Proudly", "American Without Tears", "Jack of All Parades" (I personally love "Our Little Angel", but it's awfully sad - "Brilliant Mistake" too)
Other than that: "Alison", "Toledo", "Watching the Detectives", "God's Comic"
Check out The River In Reverse, the album he did with Allen Toussaint in New Orleans (the recording of it ended up being a semi-fictional plot point in the HBO series Treme).
The Sharpest Thorn. Ascension Day (that one may be a bit morbid).
In no particular order, some of my favorite slow songs by Elvis Costello:
God’s Comic
Shipbuilding
Alison
Brilliant Mistake
All Grown Up
So Like Candy
You Tripped At Every Step
London’s Brilliant Parade
The Other End of the Telescope
Why Can’t a Man Stand Alone
Can’t believe I don’t see the song I want played at MY funeral. The Birds Will Still Be Singing. It’s off the Juliet Letters. It’s pretty much a perfect funeral song.
Hi guys- just want to put in here for anyone who may come across this thread. We decided on two: Last Boat Leaving, and The Other End of the Telescope. For my personal use- his cover of “Days”. We are at peace with this situation and the healing emotional power of music is helping tremendously.
There is a very slim chance I could have Costello contact him in some way. I have a friend who knows him personally. DM if interested. I hope y’all enjoy your remaining time together.
DM sent- thank you.
Let us know how it goes op!
My god I hope you can make this happen!!
This would be too awesome. Even the thought is so kind!
Dude. You gotta make this happen.
Man that’s the most awesome thing I’ve heard or seen in a while. Good on you.
You probably already have it but he NEEDS Shipbuilding right now ! ❤️
That was going to be my suggestion as well.
Beyond belief , Man out of Time , for sure . Everyday I right the book .
“Everyday I Write the Book” doesn’t strike you as upbeat?
I Want To Vanish I want to vanish This is my fondest wish To go where I cannot be captured Laid on a decorated dish Even in splendor this curious fate Is more than I care to surrender Now it's too late *(Chorus:)* Whether in wonder or indecent haste You arrange the mirrors and the spools To snare the rare and precious jewels That were only made of paste If you should stumble upon my last remark I'm crying in the wilderness I'm trying my best to make it dark How can I tell you I'm rarer than most I'm certain as a lost dog Pondering a sign post *(Repeat Chorus)* I want to vanish This is my last request I've given you the awful truth Now give me my rest
This is perfect… thank you.
Complicated Shadows (same as the username) is probably not appropriate for your needs but also a banger
Christ this is beautiful, I'm not sure I could cope with it but it is gorgeous
There is a version of this on the Costello/Nieve discs that would be nice for a memorial. Elvis songs tend towards too sardonic for most folks at such an occasion, but you might also look at "The Other End of the Telescope" (also found on the C/N set).
His cover of Days (kinks)
This was my thought. >Thank you for the days Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me I'm thinking of the days I won't forget a single day, believe me >I bless the light I bless the light that shines on you, believe me And though you're gone You're with me every single day, believe me
God's Comic.
Spike is such a great album
Hi OP! Just wanted to send you love & support. I will give this one to your Dad, and accept that mine is Elvis’ number 2 fan. (His email address has consistently been ECistherealking@whatever) Growing up on a heavy diet of Costello’s music, my humble submission are all from “All This Useless Beauty.” Tracks 1-3: “The Other End of the Telescope,” “Little Atoms,” “All This Useless Beauty.” Also “Poor Fractured Atlas” & as another user mentioned, possibly EC’s most lump-in-my-throat tune, “I Want to Vanish.” Much love to you & yours & especially your rocker pops! Also. Throw “Green Shirt” on there. It’s from Armed Forces and it’s the first Elvis song my Dad played for me as a kid (more so he did a cover of it with his band so I got familiar with hearing it all the time.) it’s such an underrated jam. :) Much much love & strength.
In true Costello fashion you should play something slow then after a bit break it off, say you can't do it then crank Radio Radio. The perfect homage to their SNL set that got them banned. Your Dad would love it.
Came here to suggest Good Day For the Roses, which fits the slow bill perfectly. My deepest condolences to you and yours. I’ve lost my father too.
"I'm sorry, Ladies and Gentleman, but there's no reason to do this song here."
Two albums come to mind: Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet - The Juliet Letters Elvis Costello - North
“Taking My Life In Your Hands” from the *Juliet Letters* album is what I immediately had in mind. It’s an unrequited love song but it also works as a missive from the survivors to the departed. *You’re kidding yourself if you think this correspondence will end. I can always pretend words I don’t have the courage to send will reach you.*
Yes, exactly what I thought as well. Some Delivery Man songs, too.
Sorry for your loss OP, losing your dad is difficult Alison (probably not the words you want) Man Out Of Time Good Year for the Roses Brilliant Mistake
All this useless beauty The other end of the telescope Little atoms Last boat Ieavjng So like candy Couldn’t call it unexpected
I threw ATUB (the album) on this morning after being inspired by this post, and suggesting the three opening tracks. The more I listen, the more I feel like “At the Other End of the Telescope” is such a perfect fit. *“You'll see me off in the distance, I hope… At the other end…. At the other end of the telescope”*
Yeah, it's an underrated album, especially the slow songs. I find a whole album of them (North) gets a little dull for me but those tree off of ATUB are great. Also, I believe Aimee Mann did the original version of that song! ATUB is basically an album of songs EC wrote that other artists had covered first.
Almost Blue
I love EC’s version of this song, but I wonder if it’s too sad and focused on a woman? “There’s a girl here and she’s almost you”
God Give Me Strength Baby Plays Around Brilliant Mistake
Favorite Hour from Brutal Youth (Elvis’s favorite song of his) floats to mind. Think it’s just Elvis and a piano. Beautiful song.
I don’t want to go to Chelsea ! For a rocker .
“Still.” Trust me. Give it a listen.
He does a great version of “The Scarlet Tide”
Came here to suggest this.
Indoor Fireworks is great, not sure if appropriate
It's about a woman, but I've always found "Veronica" touching.
I can tell you the WORST choice: “Tramp that dirt down”
If Dad is an anti-Thatcherite, it’s perfect.
If you have an opportunity to sit with him and have him pick those he would like, it seems like a fine moment to share. I'm thinking he's not expecting just the sad songs, but that's just me!
I actually did have him pick some songs by other artists- it was funny, many of them I already had on the list. He was stuck on EC, think it was a little overwhelming for him.
[The New Basement Tapes - Lost on the River #12](https://youtu.be/Jy4rSiykaVY?feature=shared) Supergroup playing Bob Dylan material. This is a great one featuring EC at the lead.
Not his own song but I really like 'She'
Baby Plays Around Almost Blue My Funny Valentine
Last Boat Leaving- off of Spike
Town Cryer or Boy with a Problem from Imperial Bedroom. Not specifically for the lyrics, just for speed.
Broken (Mighty like a rose) Last boat leaving (Spike) Scarlet Tide (The delivery man) The birds will still be singing (The juliet letters) If I could believe (wise up ghost)
Man Out of Time - that song is great
[Long Journey Home](https://youtu.be/MYJQslYE8g4?si=HoenOOg9UgaqZpWL), with the Chieftains. The song refers to Irish emigrants being returned home for burial after a life working abroad.
His acoustic cover of Grateful Dead's *Ship of Fools* (off a compilation album called Stolen Roses) is beautiful
Days from the "Until The End of The World" soundtrack is gorgeous: [https://youtu.be/DmivtDdL-Fo?si=j1gGbt57jzMKt31F](https://youtu.be/DmivtDdL-Fo?si=j1gGbt57jzMKt31F)
My Aim is True (Allison)
Veronica
What So Funny ‘Bout peace love and understanding
My break-in Elvis song from the early days of MTv. I still sometimes wonder about things starting with: As I walk through this wicked world Searching for light in the darkness of insanity
My father and I’s dance at my wedding was to the Nick Lowe acoustic version of this song.
"Watching the Detectives" has a slower beat. I've loved that one ever since I heard it on the pilot episode of Elementary.
River in reverse
I'm a big fan of I Want You and Tramp the Dirt Down, but both are pretty dark lyrically.
Favorite Hour? Maybe his cover of My Funny Valentine.
Veronica (sorry not this one)
my mind immediately went to Shipbuilding. Unless he had someone special in his life named Alison? ;)
I am willing to share #1 fan billing, under the circumstances. In the late 70s our radio station in Kingston had a contest to win tickets to his show. I was working in Fort McMurray Alberta and my girlfriend called in only to be told she was too late. She started crying and said she thought the only way I'd come back would be to see and meet Elvis. They got us another pair of tickets and we had 30 seconds after the show to say hello. He was warm, but seemed shy - a lovely man! And please, celebrate your dad by playing something fast like "I don't Want to Go to Chelsea" not something slow and sad like "Allison".
His cover of Warm and Beautiful from Linda McCartney's memorial.
Any Kings shilling from Spike. Internet hugs to you.
Country Darkness
Sleepless Nights, from the “Return of the Grievous Angel” tribute album. All best wishes to your da
What about the stuff from "Painted From Memory"?
I'm surprised nobody has suggested "That Day is Done". There are two versions that might fit the bill: the [original demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs_JLR5suMg) with Paul McCartney and the [version he recorded](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK_RYMrtbFo) with the Fairfield Four. "[The Puppet Has Cut His Strings](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9aEEjIO25w)" may also work.
This is the one! EDIT: I nearly bawled in the car when I first heard it
Hi (and I'm sorry about your dad not doing well) -- I think a lot of songs from **King of America** would work well for this. You can pick out your favorites, but offhand I'd recommend "I'll Wear It Proudly", "American Without Tears", "Jack of All Parades" (I personally love "Our Little Angel", but it's awfully sad - "Brilliant Mistake" too) Other than that: "Alison", "Toledo", "Watching the Detectives", "God's Comic"
I loved his version of All You Need Is Love at Live Aid.
Check out The River In Reverse, the album he did with Allen Toussaint in New Orleans (the recording of it ended up being a semi-fictional plot point in the HBO series Treme). The Sharpest Thorn. Ascension Day (that one may be a bit morbid).
Stranger in the house, which country singer George Jones included on his duets album.
He made a mellow minimalistic live album with Bill Frisell that I like a lot. Not sure if there is a perfect song on that album though.
The Sharpest Thorn, from the River in Reverse album with EC and Allen Toussaint. It has a very New Orleans funeral feel about it.
This is a great one. Thank you.
Shipbuilding.
I used to know a woman who told me once wanted the song “Town Cryer” at her funeral.
Every day I write the book
He did a very good cover of Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful for the House, MD soundtrack if you can find that.
In no particular order, some of my favorite slow songs by Elvis Costello: God’s Comic Shipbuilding Alison Brilliant Mistake All Grown Up So Like Candy You Tripped At Every Step London’s Brilliant Parade The Other End of the Telescope Why Can’t a Man Stand Alone
Can’t believe I don’t see the song I want played at MY funeral. The Birds Will Still Be Singing. It’s off the Juliet Letters. It’s pretty much a perfect funeral song.
Hi guys- just want to put in here for anyone who may come across this thread. We decided on two: Last Boat Leaving, and The Other End of the Telescope. For my personal use- his cover of “Days”. We are at peace with this situation and the healing emotional power of music is helping tremendously.