Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Elvis Costello
Canonical path: /elvis-costello/white-knuckles
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
White Knuckles
Read White Knuckles lyrics by Elvis Costello on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
White Knuckles
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
White knuckles came down to put the frighteners on
I believe she's the one that he's got his heart set on
It doesn't matter if your face doesn't fit
There's no charge for changing it
Oooh ooh
What are you doing
You see right through him
You don't have to take it when he gets cruel
Chorus:
White knuckles on black and blue skin
(1,4) You don't have to take it so you just give in
(2,3) He didn't mean to hit her but she kept laughing
White knuckles sweatin' on the headboard
He never found out what the kisser was for
Losing face with the boys while she's whispering in his ear
They never found out why they called it laughing gear
Maybe they weren't loved when they were young
Maybe they should be hung by their tongues
Oooh ooh
Under the blankets with the body jerk
He needs her like the axe needs the turkey
Making a mockery of his fancy footwork
Chorus
There's always someone new to toy with when the penny drops in the slot
Now it's all petty crime on the news at nine
But it's all she's got
Love on the never never dreams don't come cheap
I don't close my eyes when I go to sleep
Oooh ooh
It gets right under your skin
It makes you as miserable as sin but
you don't have to take it so you just give in
Chorus
Why don't you come round anymore
Mama said
He's using you
Sister said
I told you so too
When he goes through your head
You took him to be true
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "White Knuckles"?
Elvis Costello performs "White Knuckles", and this lyric page sits inside the Elvis Costello catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "White Knuckles"?
Yes. The related section below points to All This Useless Beauty and Beautiful with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Elvis Costello?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Elvis Costello's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on White Knuckles yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.