Lyrics
What is it that I need that I don't already have?
Who was there in the past that I couldn't seem to save?
But will I seem so smart, me and my broken heart
When I am pretending to be brave

What is there up ahead that I can't already see?
Startling as it seems, well, it's supposed to be
Where am I going next?
And if no one objects
Just close the door and that'll be the end of me

What is it that I lost that I don't really need
Some glasses for my eyes
And an hour or two of speed
My hands don't blister, my hands don't bleed
But I'll never be contented, repent or ever be lamented
'Til I'm planted down like rotten crops
And covered up with weeds

What is it that I want that I can't already taste?
A damson from a tree
A girl that I once chased
A girl who ran away and wanted to be caught
Then bade farewell to my love like some merchandise she bought

Things are going up like blasphemous prayers
I burned up all my paper money on those London derrieres
Prayers and paper money will burn until you choke
The things I should have said
They were so easily left unspoken
I didn't break you down
You were already broken

What is it that I need that I don't already have?
Who was there in the past that I couldn't even see?
But will I seem so smart, me and my broken heart
When I am pretending to be free?
When I am pretending to be free
When I am pretending to be free

Copyright: BMG Rights Management
Writer(s): Elvis Costello




Videos
Close
Elvis Costello - What Is It That I Need That I Don’t Already Have? (Official Audio)
Elvis Costello - "What Is It That I Need That I Don’t Already Have?" (Bozar 27/09/2023) #SNIPPET
Elvis Costello - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
Elvis Costello Plays Penny Lane for Sir Paul at the White House
Elvis Costello - I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea
Fiona Apple with Elvis Costello – "I Want You" @Decades rock live 2006 Amazing Performance
Download SoundHound
The only App that can give you results through singing and humming search!
You can sing any song from this artist to help SoundHound users find it!