Organization: Princeton University > >SONG: Brilliant Mistake >Elvis Costello > >Intro > > > > >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 > /B >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 axe 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 > > >