Lyrics Riot Act (demo) - Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Forever
It doesn't mean forever anymore
I said forever
But it doesn't look like I'm gonna be around much anymore

When the heat gets sub-tropical
And the talk gets so topical

Riot act, you can read me the riot act
You can make me a matter of fact
Or a villain in a million
A slip of the tongue is gonna keep me civilian

Why do you talk such stupid nonsense
When my mind could rest much easier
Instead of all this dumb dumb insolence
I would be happier with amnesia

They say forget her
Now it looks like you're either gonna be
Be for me or against me
I got your letter
Now they say I don't care for the color that it paints me

Trying to be so bad is bad enough
Don't make me laugh by talking tough
Don't put your heart out on your sleeve
When your remarks are off the cuff

Riot act, you can read me the riot act
You can make me a matter of fact
Or a villain in a million
Slip of the tongue is gonna keep me civilian

Riot act, you can read me the riot act
You can make me

Riot act, you can read me the riot act
You can read me the riot act
You can read me the riot act