298 Quotes by Elvis Costello

Don't try to touch my heart, it's darker than you think. And don't try to read my mind, because it's full of disappearing ink.

When they finally put you in the ground, I'll stand on your grave and tramp the dirt down.

My grandfather and my father disagreed about music, not least of all because my dad wanted to improvise. It wasn't just that he wanted to play different music; it was just that he came off the dots.

For all the courage that we never had, I'm just about glad.

The theme of exile is attractive to me, because it's sort of like the family business. Not just music, but travel.

The truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark. It scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark.

When you work with new people, I think that it throws all of the matters into relief, because you have to explain yourself every time. It's like crossing a new border. They want to see your documents.

There are a few things that I regret, but nothing that I need to forget.

People become so deeply attached to the sound of one period that they blow a fuse when you move on. I've heard people complain bitterly about recordings they haven't even heard.