This is the real stuff. I've never seen a musician express grief and anger so effectively - he almost spits and vomits fury at the contempt of Margaret for humanity. Brave man, that Elvis.
This made a huge impression on me in the late 80s after the miners strike and the destruction of Welsh communities. This should be played on the deaths of sunak, Johnson, Braverman, Rhys Mogg et al. Bravo Declan.
It's September 2022, the woman this song was based on has been dead for years and yet her ideals are as alive as they ever have been. I hope I live long enough to see them tramped into the dirt, I know I probably never will.
utterly brilliant,one of the finest political songs ever written. i remember seeing him do this to finish a concert at the albert hall when it came out and everyone erupting into an emotional standing ovation. sadly it looks like the old witch is being cremated so we won't get the chance to do this but there would have been a long long queue.
Thank you Elvis. I've been listening to the BBC tell us what a wonderful leader she was. Their self-editing was breathtaking. It's just like when Reagan died, and every establishment talking head hurriedly began rewriting history.
I had to watch this again to commemorate the passing of the most overtly evil political leader Britain has had in my lifetime, maybe ever. This was -and still is - the most devastating piece of music I have ever seen performed on TV.The next day, None of us at work could do any work: all we could talk about was how incredible it was that Elvis had come out and articulated what we all felt. And there's what should go on her headstone - "she takes all the glory but none of the shame". Alan Alan
I love this song ... for years I have thought you could replace Thatcher's name with Dick Cheney and anyone else in W Bush's Administration and sing this song to them. Elvis Costello is BRILLIANT!
It could be sung about a lot of politicians & rulers. Nobody has the bravery to say it the way it should be said like Elvis. One of the best songwriters to ever exist.
Saw him the night before in Manchester and he said the same thing. Second time he'd sung it in 15 years! He said he had hoped he'd never have to sing it in public again, got a standing ovation...
Passion and completely justified contempt and hatred mixed into one, expressed so eloquently by Elvis. I'll be one of the first in the in the long queue.
Thank you for this posting. This really captures what is so elemental Elvis; that sheer brilliance, that unvarnished honesty, that emotional power. This performance is so powerful.
The studio/album version is great too. There is a point in the song where his voice breaks. I always imagine that he is fighting back tears of anger as I do.
One of his greatest songs, with all things considered perhaps his greatest, and that's saying something.....This one hit emotively like a freight train.....
This song kept me alive here in the States - captured perfectly my rage and disgust at living with the "Teflon President". And then again with "W". Thank's El, couldn't have said it better m'self!!
@alexredcloud yes please, this is one of my favourite Elvis Costello songs. I bought the album when it came out and fell in love with this one. Righteous anger. My Sentiments exactly Elvis!
MT drove me to Northern California October 1985. Never looked back. No regrets. Now America has its own monster that wont go away. I hope shes rotting in some nasty place for all of eternity, thank you Elvis, for articulating my anger.
Yes this was a great song starts with defiance then disbelief and before the end surrender and more subtle forms of defiance rather like the dirt stamping had become a mental meditation. thanks for posting
I remember watching this when it was first broadcast and it still sends tingles down my spine. It is a poetic, political summary of the contempt Thatcher and her kind felt - and still feel - for those who do not sign up for her vision of a greedy, selfish, money-based existence (there is no such thing as society !). Where is she to be buried ?
Blighted a whole generation and more. I was working in the coalfields at that time and saw terrible destruction to communities and families in a few years - despite the great spirit there. There are many more with the same ideology - that's the problem
This is a good song for what should be a day of celebration. The mood of bitterness is right, too, because her legacy is still with us in so many ways: massive social division; ever increasing disparity in wealth; a fragmented infra-structure; utilities in the hands of (and making money for) multi-nationals; a culture of greed and self-centredness; emphasis on rights rather than responsibilities; wide-spread disrespect for, and distrust of, public servants - and this wretched Government...
Elvis hit the nail on the head with this song. And now she dies, 35 years too late. It is one of the few times I regret being an atheist. I would like to think of the iron lady rusting in hell.
personally I think this is his finest moment. Saw elvis play this at Edinburgh Playhouse in 1991 and he added a few verses at the end. It was during the period of anti-poll tax demos in Scotland and he really got the audience wound up. would love to hear a recording of this as it really sent shivers down my spine...
Don't want to make it less special for you, but I saw him the night before that, in Glasgow, and he played it there too. According to the Elvis Costello Wiki, that was the first time he'd played it on that tour, and he's played it at every show since. Glad he's stuck with it. It's a fantastic song that really seems to resonate with the UK audiences right now.
Elvis is married to heavenly Diana Krall & he detests Thatcher as the devil herself. For one man to get both ends of joy & hatred completely right must cover the total spectrum of human emotion.
I never understood how appropriate this song was, until I started listening to and understanding Stefan Molyneux and remembering my onw experiences and thoughts about them mothas and their influences on our lives...
Just saw him play this at his Liverpool gig. He prefaced it by saying that Tory chancellor George Osborne reminded him of Noddy ("and not in a good way"). Superb gig.
Wow! Now THAT was an unpredictable comment Michael. Must have taken you ages to come up with that. Can't wait to see you upload something I can comment on. Not that I'll hold my breath. I can tell you're one of life's spectators.
I love Elvis and feel that he is one of the most under-appreciated artists of his generation. I pay to see my favorite artists for their music, not for their social commentary in light of their political philosophy.
There's no shame in being lied to. The shame lies with the liars. I think people were a little more naive back then. Today we expect lies to be coming at us from all sides. Back then that wasn't the case.
The world celebrates today! So evil....I sang this when Reagan died and will sing it when Dubya, Cameron, and the rest go too if I don't die too soon. The world needs Elvis more than ever today.
Wow... I was an adult in the 80s, an anti-Reaganist at that, and I had no idea Thatcher was an evil shrew. I've always envisioned her as that Iron Lady that was sold to me. Guess I'd better go do my homework and learn a thing or two.
This is the real stuff. I've never seen a musician express grief and anger so effectively - he almost spits and vomits fury at the contempt of Margaret for humanity. Brave man, that Elvis.
If you're listening, Elvis, it's way past time that you recorded 'Black Boys On Mopeds'.
Time I phoned your agent to request it . . .
I was at his concert at The Royal Albert hall when he played this song for the first time, it got a standing ovation.
This made a huge impression on me in the late 80s after the miners strike and the destruction of Welsh communities. This should be played on the deaths of sunak, Johnson, Braverman, Rhys Mogg et al. Bravo Declan.
It's September 2022, the woman this song was based on has been dead for years and yet her ideals are as alive as they ever have been. I hope I live long enough to see them tramped into the dirt, I know I probably never will.
With you Jake
"I can't find any words to portray my contempt strong enough" - Nothing more to add to that.
It's 45's last night in the White House. I now fully understand, empathize with, and feel Costello's emotions here.
utterly brilliant,one of the finest political songs ever written. i remember seeing him do this to finish a concert at the albert hall when it came out and everyone erupting into an emotional standing ovation. sadly it looks like the old witch is being cremated so we won't get the chance to do this but there would have been a long long queue.
spike is the body of elvis's best work. its a spectacular album. missed in the times.
Thank you Elvis. I've been listening to the BBC tell us what a wonderful leader she was. Their self-editing was breathtaking. It's just like when Reagan died, and every establishment talking head hurriedly began rewriting history.
Getting Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead up on the charts was a wasted effort. This should’ve been the one.
Absolutely!
I had to watch this again to commemorate the passing of the most overtly evil political leader Britain has had in my lifetime, maybe ever. This was -and still is - the most devastating piece of music I have ever seen performed on TV.The next day, None of us at work could do any work: all we could talk about was how incredible it was that Elvis had come out and articulated what we all felt. And there's what should go on her headstone - "she takes all the glory but none of the shame".
Alan
Alan
Great song..and nowadays..just their names have changed..
Elvis Costello doesn't mince words. A song equal to Bob Dylan's best.
I love this song ... for years I have thought you could replace Thatcher's name with Dick Cheney and anyone else in W Bush's Administration and sing this song to them.
Elvis Costello is BRILLIANT!
It could be sung about a lot of politicians & rulers. Nobody has the bravery to say it the way it should be said like Elvis. One of the best songwriters to ever exist.
Saw him the night before in Manchester and he said the same thing. Second time he'd sung it in 15 years! He said he had hoped he'd never have to sing it in public again, got a standing ovation...
Passion and completely justified contempt and hatred mixed into one, expressed so eloquently by Elvis.
I'll be one of the first in the in the long queue.
Thank you for this posting. This really captures what is so elemental Elvis; that sheer brilliance, that unvarnished honesty, that emotional power.
This performance is so powerful.
Still so applicable.
The studio/album version is great too. There is a point in the song where his voice breaks. I always imagine that he is fighting back tears of anger as I do.
Definitely, yes.
I`ll be playing it on rotation all day.
still stunning after all this time
One of his greatest songs, with all things considered perhaps his greatest, and that's saying something.....This one hit emotively like a freight train.....
This song kept me alive here in the States - captured perfectly my rage and disgust at living with the "Teflon President". And then again with "W". Thank's El, couldn't have said it better m'self!!
dear E.C. art knows no limitations especially perfomance art thumbs up its not over stand strong
@alexredcloud yes please, this is one of my favourite Elvis Costello songs. I bought the album when it came out and fell in love with this one. Righteous anger. My Sentiments exactly Elvis!
Stunning. Remember seeing this when it was broadcast. Raw, gut wrenching and sad, as well as angry.
Elvis should release it to the public domain for this occasion.
Yes Elvis this IS enough to voice your contempt. And for all of our contempt so we never forget. Never forgive.
MT drove me to Northern California October 1985. Never looked back. No regrets. Now America has its own monster that wont go away. I hope shes rotting in some nasty place for all of eternity, thank you Elvis, for articulating my anger.
I dedicate this to the rotten memory of Rush Limbaugh, who blessedly cooled in his linens 2/17/21
Yes this was a great song starts with defiance then disbelief and before the end surrender and more subtle forms of defiance rather like the dirt stamping had become a mental meditation. thanks for posting
That's the most intense stare & hateful sneer I've ever seen.
Great song.
Been a long time coming... I have been waiting many years to hear this song on this day.
I had it on repeat on the jukebox in the pub on that very (good) day. Ding dong.
And now just as relevant as ever...
Have been looking for this song on youtube for ages. Thx for posting!!
Rejoice, Rejoice..the day has finally come..to..Tramp the dirt down !!!
I have just got it on constant replay in celebration!!!!!!
I remember watching this when it was first broadcast and it still sends tingles down my spine. It is a poetic, political summary of the contempt Thatcher and her kind felt - and still feel - for those who do not sign up for her vision of a greedy, selfish, money-based existence (there is no such thing as society !). Where is she to be buried ?
Che bella ballad, like like like 🎶🎶🎶
beautiful art
Says it all in one fantastic song.
Blighted a whole generation and more. I was working in the coalfields at that time and saw terrible destruction to communities and families in a few years - despite the great spirit there. There are many more with the same ideology - that's the problem
This is a good song for what should be a day of celebration. The mood of bitterness is right, too, because her legacy is still with us in so many ways: massive social division; ever increasing disparity in wealth; a fragmented infra-structure; utilities in the hands of (and making money for) multi-nationals; a culture of greed and self-centredness; emphasis on rights rather than responsibilities; wide-spread disrespect for, and distrust of, public servants - and this wretched Government...
Elvis hit the nail on the head with this song. And now she dies, 35 years too late. It is one of the few times I regret being an atheist. I would like to think of the iron lady rusting in hell.
A great song for a merveilleux moment.
Thanks.
I am so happy that I am still alive to be able to tramp the dirt down, down ,down.....
Happy April 8, folks.
Please re- release this song. Let the people speak. Number 1
Great song by a great songwriter
Very good, thank you so much :-)
personally I think this is his finest moment. Saw elvis play this at Edinburgh Playhouse in 1991 and he added a few verses at the end. It was during the period of anti-poll tax demos in Scotland and he really got the audience wound up. would love to hear a recording of this as it really sent shivers down my spine...
you did it 👍
I think of this song every time I hear Schumer's voice. I'm being a good boy so I will outlive him.
Beautifully put.
another one bites the dust! we will Tramp the Dirt Down.
Loved the guy. This song especially. 30 years later he accepts an OBE. Phony.
Thanks to God for letting me see this day!!!!!
Don't want to make it less special for you, but I saw him the night before that, in Glasgow, and he played it there too. According to the Elvis Costello Wiki, that was the first time he'd played it on that tour, and he's played it at every show since. Glad he's stuck with it. It's a fantastic song that really seems to resonate with the UK audiences right now.
Elvis is married to heavenly Diana Krall & he detests Thatcher as the devil herself.
For one man to get both ends of joy & hatred completely right must cover the total spectrum of human emotion.
'I never thought for a moment that human life could be so cheap'.
My apologies I'm an idiot, thanks for getting back
I foresee this song getting played a lot today!
Everyone should buy this on Itunes and get it to Number 1 this week
I never understood how appropriate this song was, until I started listening to and understanding Stefan Molyneux and remembering my onw experiences and thoughts about them mothas and their influences on our lives...
I saw a newspaper picture from the political campaign
A woman was kissing a child, who was obviously in pain
She spills with compassion, as that young child's
Face in her hands she grips
Can you imagine all that greed and avarice
Coming down on that child's lips
Well I hope I don't die too soon
I pray the lord my soul to save
Oh I'll be a good boy, I'm trying so hard to behave
Because there's one thing I know, I'd like to live
Long enough to savor
That's when they finally put you in the ground
I'll stand on your grave and tramp the dirt down
When England was the whore of the world
Margaret was her madam
And the future looked as bright and as clear as
The black tarmacadam
Well I hope that she sleeps well at night, isn't
Haunted by every tiny detail
'Cos when she held that lovely face in her hands
All she thought of was betrayal
And now the cynical ones say that it all ends the same in the long run
Try telling that to the desperate father who just squeezed the life from his only son
And how it's only voices in your head and dreams you never dreamt
Try telling him the subtle difference between justice and contempt
Try telling me she isn't angry with this pitiful discontent
When they flaunt it in your face as you line up for punishment
And then expect you to say thank you straighten up, look proud and pleased
Because you've only got the symptoms, you haven't got the whole disease
Just like a schoolboy, whose head's like a tin-can
Filled up with dreams then poured down the drain
Try telling that to the boys on both sides, being blown to bits or beaten and maimed
Who takes all the glory and none of the shame
Well I hope you live long now, I pray the lord your soul to keep
I think I'll be going before we fold our arms and start to weep
I never thought for a moment that human life could be so cheap
'Cos when they finally put you in the ground
They'll stand there laughing and tramp the dirt down
Songwriters: COSTELLO, ELVIS
Tramp The Dirt Down lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Nicely said.
she lives on
lots of people follow her beliefs of showing many faces and telling you its the right thing to be
Let's all buy the MP3 and get it number 1. BUY, BUY, BUY!!!
Release this as a single and watch it go to number 1.
Yesss. Well said mate!
Now more than ever.
How can so many working class people be wrong? I'm a civil servant and I saw her destruction.
Just saw him play this at his Liverpool gig. He prefaced it by saying that Tory chancellor George Osborne reminded him of Noddy ("and not in a good way"). Superb gig.
The queue is going to be mighty long!
Fitting eulogy for Thatcher, for sure.
Just in time for my birthday
hairlikespaghetti...your so right that we never recovered from it. We are still paying the price.
Please re release this!!
Wow! Now THAT was an unpredictable comment Michael. Must have taken you ages to come up with that. Can't wait to see you upload something I can comment on. Not that I'll hold my breath. I can tell you're one of life's spectators.
Elvis said this about Maggie: "She doesn't have a soul. She will burn in hell."
What a beautiful song :) I certainly laughed when they trampled the dirt.....
It's not so much what he's saying, but, the intense emotion with which he sings it.
I love Elvis and feel that he is one of the most under-appreciated artists of his generation. I pay to see my favorite artists for their music, not for their social commentary in light of their political philosophy.
it doesn't get less moving with years. good on ya, dec
I'm literally installing Itunes now to do just that.
Buy it on iTunes, perhaps?
Spot on
Don't know what the original comment was...but Wow. Just wow.
Had to hear this song in honor of Madiba today!
from the US i dedicate this to ever president, and esp recently, killin kissinger. history is a circle.
He is my hero. He really is. Now how about an album on Blair, Bush, Bush Jr, Reagan etc...
I love Angry Elvis.
Yep, we forget sometimes that the ideological turn - there is no such thing as society' - all started there - in this century at least.
cheers to EC! finally got it
Ho ho, so I'm not the first to look this up today!?
oh forgot to say, superb tune
There's no shame in being lied to. The shame lies with the liars. I think people were a little more naive back then. Today we expect lies to be coming at us from all sides. Back then that wasn't the case.
I`ll be there to join him,
The world celebrates today! So evil....I sang this when Reagan died and will sing it when Dubya, Cameron, and the rest go too if I don't die too soon. The world needs Elvis more than ever today.
Sorry I meant that when he sung it in Manc it was the second time in 15 (with the night before in Glasgow being the first)
Wow... I was an adult in the 80s, an anti-Reaganist at that, and I had no idea Thatcher was an evil shrew. I've always envisioned her as that Iron Lady that was sold to me. Guess I'd better go do my homework and learn a thing or two.
Amen to that...
I saw this on the night it went out, has stayed with me, I made an assumption Elvis was not a fan of Thatcher.