Dirty Rotten Shame Lyrics - Elvis Costello

I recall the good old days 

But thankfully, they've gone 

Now the ponies all are broken nags 

That stumble as they groan 

And throw the jockeys from their throne 

When there are pitches left to dodge 

And lions left to tame 

But it's nothing but a dirty rotten shame 

It's a dirty rotten shame 

That when you're frivolous and strong 

It isn't youth, it's fearlessness 

That has been wasted on the young 

The cruel are in the cradle 

And the bishop's in the bag 

It's nothing but a dirty rotten shame 

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Now I find life a millionaire 

That brags for rags and jewels 

A snarling pup is wild enough 

But as his anger proves 

He's left to sharpen useless tools 

That tear and graze and finer phrase 

But few are worth the name 

It's nothing but a dirty rotten shame 

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It's a dirty rotten shame 

And that is not an idle boast 

When all your courage and your strength 

Will leave you as you need it most 

When there are lamps to dampen 

And cauliflowers to flip 

It's nothing but a dirty rotten shame