Elvis Costello - Alison

First performance: 08/12/2001

Coverinfo

Bruce played the song only once:  
 
2001-12-08 Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ 

Bruce played the song during a three and one half hours of total, Christmas spirit show. Costello did a  lovely acoustic rendition–with Bruce on backing vocals.
 
 
 

Songinfo

"Alison" is a song written by and first recorded by Elvis Costello in 1977 for his debut album, "My Aim Is True ".
 
 
 

Other cover versions

Bruce on the artist

Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen:
Their history together : www.njarts.net
 
2009-09-25 Apollo Theater, New York City 
Officially released on DVD and Blu-ray as Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… (Season 2). 
Appearing on the "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …" television show in 2009, Springsteen said:
" Elvis’ first three records were a hurricane. He’s made great ones, since, all of ’em. But you had the perfect storm, the first three records … It was just like, ‘Whoah.’ "
 
 
Bruce performed 8 times live with Elvis Costello
 
Brucebase: click here

2012-10-16 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City
2009-11-07 Madison Square Garden, New York City
2009-09-25 Apollo Theater, New York City
2006-02-08 Staples Center, Los Angeles
2003-02-23 Madison Square Garden, New York City
2001-12-08 Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ
1987-09-30 Cocoanut Grove, Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles
1984-04-29 Warfield Theatre, San Francisco
 
 
Costello first released his version of Springsteen’s "Brilliant Disguise" as the B-side of his "It’s Time" single in 1996. It was also on the 2003 compilation, Light of Day: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen.
 
 
   

Lyrics

Oh it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl.
And with the way you look I understand
that you are not impressed.
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
take off your party dress.
I'm not going to get too sentimental
like those other sticky valentines,
'cause I don't know if you've been loving somebody.
I only know it isn't mine.
Alison, I know this world is killing you.
Oh, Alison, my aim is true.

Well I see you've got a husband now.
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying
in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand.
I'll bet he took all he could take.
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
when I hear the silly things that you say.
I think somebody better put out the big light,
cause I can't stand to see you this way.

Alison, I know this world is killing you.
Oh, Alison, my aim is true.
My aim is true.