Costello, Elvis - Toledo Lyrics






All through the night you telephoned
I saw the light blinking red
Beside the cradle
But you don't know how far I've gone
Now I must live with the lie
That I made
But if I call, I know I won't have to say it
You'll hear my voice - something is bound to betray it

But do people living in Toledo
Know that their name hasn't travelled very well?
And does anybody in Ohio
Dream of that Spanish citadel?
But it's no use saying that I love you
And how that girl really didn't mean a thing to me
For if anyone should look into your eyes
It's not forgiveness that they're gonna see

You hear her voice - "How could you do that?"
You hear her voice - "How could you do that?"

So I walked outside in the bright
Sunshine and lovers pass by
Smiling and joking
But they don't know the fool I was
Why should they care what was lost
What was broken?

But if I call, I know I won't have to say it
You'll hear my voice - something is bound to betray it

But do people living in Toledo
Know that their name hasn't travelled very well?
And does anybody in Ohio
Dream of that Spanish citadel?
But it's no use saying that I love you
And how that girl really didn't mean a thing to me
For if anyone should look into your eyes
It's not forgiveness that they're gonna see

But do people living in Toledo
Know that their name hasn't travelled very well?
And does anybody in Ohio
Dream of that Spanish citadel?
But we still have Florence, Alabama
We don't have Paris, and we don't have Rome





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Costello, Elvis Toledo Comments
  1. h.... l....

    Magnifique. Je suis parti visiter Toledo suite à cette chanson...

  2. G.... D....

    EC looked so happy at the end there, taking his slight bow... pleased... satisfied, accomplished.

  3. L.... C....

    Sublime...from🇦🇷

  4. S.... ....

    But we have Florence, alabama lol... Deep

  5. D.... B....

    One of the best collaborations ever. I have always been a massive fan of Burt and also elvis( I was in front of him at a showing of Fantasia ) this a album is fantastic

  6. v.... ....

    Such an incredible performance...WOW

  7. M.... F....

    Classic.

  8. D.... W....

    One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums, ever!

  9. O.... P....

    President Trump sent me here....... ;-)

  10. J.... V....

    I live in Toledo and have never heard this song!

    J.... V....

    Poor thing

  11. D.... E....

    Burt Bacharach's catalogue of supreme songs is never ending.

  12. P.... D....

    Elvis Costello is the Best ... Of the"Pop Art" ! With "Chet Baker" ! 🎼 Is More...

  13. L.... S....

    Class and Style great Song e voice, meraviglia.

  14. t.... ....

    Who are the 44 trolls who gave this a thumbs down? 1,800 v. 44, pretty clear. Great song. Love Bert Bacharach and Elvis Costello is pretty good too. Why are there so many good songs about Ohio?

  15. A.... M....

    Really A Gift!💝🎵
    Thank you so much🌹

  16. R.... R....

    Grown folks music. The artistry of these two for me was an unusual pairing, or so I thought, until hearing this compilation of their work together. I get it now. The melodies and how the lyrics are treated are,for me, purely and masterfully done. This one in my opinion is a classic album.

  17. P.... A....

    Hermosa y emotiva canción

  18. P.... ....

    Formidable

  19. M.... C....

    Wonderfull !!!!

  20. S.... B....

    Elvis's voice has always been a massive problem for many many people.
    Hes not a great singer and hes not even a great 'non-singer' in the manner of Astaire or Durante or maybe greatest of all Donald Fagen
    I think his singing is the problem here and with all his other work with Bacharach.Why does he feel the need to impose himself on this material as a performer?
    Bacharach is one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century and Elvis is frankly out of his depth in Burt's company.Deep down Elvis knows that.
     I acknowledge that Elvis is a great lyricist like Lorenz Hart or Ira Gershwin-- but you'd never catch those 2 geniuses trying to sing when everyone knows they can't.

    S.... B....

    Absolute nonsense.

  21. J.... M....

    Love these guys!

  22. J.... M....

    Fist alblum purchased of nonrock,and I love it !

  23. m.... m....

    i remember i heard a song from the album on the radio and ran straight to the shop to buy the cd.still as good

  24. J.... B....

    One of my favorite songs love this

  25. d.... ....

    Love him so….

  26. F.... L....

    20 years before the release of “Painted from memory “, Elvis already had expressed his devotion for Burt Bacharach’s music. He made an amazing, thrilling cover of “I just don’t know what to do with myself” in the “Stiff Live” album, a quite difficult record to find. I vividly recommend you to enjoy it. Finally Elvis made his dream come true of working together with Burt, and the result couldn’t be better. “Painted from memory” is undoubtedly a masterpiece, among the best of Elvis Costello discography, with “Get Happy” and “Armed Forces”.

  27. J.... C....

    For some reason Elvis is said he doesn't like horns in his song's, but when horns accompany his vocals it's a fantastic Sound! When Daryl Hall did that tune "not the only flame in town" it was a instint hit...Elvis has to open up with some horns he has the perfect crooner's voice for the horn...

  28. S.... D....

    love the song -
    but how does Burt manage to keep playing at the end - even after he stands up?

    S.... D....

    it's a mystery

  29. K.... A....

    This song is one of a series of songs on an album that is nothing short of sensational.

  30. a.... s....

    canta muito

  31. T.... S....

    This is pure genius...a great conglomeration of two great artists....soul and structure and songwriting and great orchestrated pieces....I love this....Timo Himself...

  32. D.... C....

    Elvis has the spark needed for a Bachrach song. Cool.

  33. K.... C....

    I've been in love with Burt Bacharach for 50 years. He's still got it. Absolutely beautiful interpretation by Mr. Costello.

  34. A.... S....

    Rest In Peace Elvis

  35. S.... ....

    We're all thinking of you, Elvis.

  36. M.... L....

    You guys are seamless. What perfection. My heart is soaring.

  37. J.... M....

    Absolutely no one does melancholy or arrangements like Bacharach. A master. And Elvis? Sublime.....

  38. M.... T....

    All through the night you telephoned
    I saw the light blinking red
    Beside the cradle
    But you don`t know how far I`ve gone
    Now I must live with the lie
    That I made
    But if I call, I know I won`t have to say it
    You`ll hear my voice - something is bound to betray it
    But do people living in Toledo
    Know that their name hasn't traveled very well?
    And does anybody in Ohio
    Dream of that Spanish citadel?
    But it`s no use saying that I love you
    And how that girl really didn't mean a thing to me
    For if anyone should look into your eyes
    It`s not forgiveness that they`re gonna see
    You hear her voice - "How could you do that?"
    You hear her voice - "How could you do that?"
    So I walked outside in the bright
    Sunshine and lovers pass by
    Smiling and joking
    But they don`t know the fool I was
    Why should they care what was lost
    What was broken?
    But if I call, I know I won`t have to say it
    You`ll hear my voice - something is bound to betray it
    But do people living in Toledo
    Know that their name hasn't traveled very well?
    And does anybody in Ohio
    Dream of that Spanish citadel?
    But it`s no use saying that I love you
    And how that girl really didn't mean a thing to me
    For if anyone should look into your eyes
    It`s not forgiveness that they`re gonna see
    But do people living in Toledo
    Know that their name hasn't traveled very well?
    And does anybody in Ohio
    Dream of that Spanish citadel?
    But we still have Florence, Alabama
    We don`t have Paris, and we don`t have Rome

  39. s.... ....

    I love both these artists

  40. k.... ....

    Pure Ear Candy!!!

  41. a.... ....

    If you looked up the definition of cool in your Funk & Wagnalls, this is what you'd find.

  42. e.... ....

    Wow. He sounds like Scott Weiland.

  43. B.... V....

    Nuthin like a Sunday evening with Burt!
    REPLY

  44. a.... ....

    Hauntingly good song. I love the melody, the performance, that classic Bacharach sound. I love Elvis’ nuanced singing and expression although it strikes me as limited. Would love to hear Harry Connick or Kurt Ellington do it justice. The only real distraction for me is the Toledo metaphor. I’m sorry, I don’t get it. Totally escapes me. The first four lines sound like a non sequitur to the four that problem.

    But do people living in Toledo
    Know that their name hasn’t traveled very well?
    And does anybody in Ohio
    Dream of that Spanish citadel?
    But it`s no use saying that I love you
    And how that girl really didn't mean a thing to me
    For if anyone should look into your eyes

    a.... ....

    UM, you do know about Toledo in Spain? Very significant city about cultural tolerance and interaction. Then there were The Toledo race riots in the 20s. A little historical research goes a long way.

  45. D.... M....

    This is so beautiful... the whole album is a piece of art

  46. M.... R....

    Listening again.. So appreciate your efforts to make a EC longtime fan girl and Bachrach​ as well.. Great great contribution ! ( Little bit addicted to this)😉

  47. L.... S....

    Outstanding vocals on this track. Amazing song.

    L.... S....

    Lily Stone ,I SO agree.. often this song is in my mind.. Don't know if you're an Elvis fan,( I assume)😊 I'm kinda addicted to this album..

    L.... S....

    Michelle R Jackson I love his music. It is an amazing album. 😃

  48. D.... B....

    One big regret I have in life is not going to a Burt Bacharach concert....It just never happened as much as I wanted to go - Still what a musical genius the man is.....Thanks, Burt.

    D.... B....

    I got to see him once, almost by accident in 2005 in Las Vegas. Went with a friend for a few days, no fixed plans and in a cab on the way into town from the airport saw a billboard that he was performing at the Orleans hotel and decided to go that night. He was great, with an ensemble very much like the one in this video. He sang a lot that night.

  49. F.... M....

    Love this....love Elvis Costello. I think Burt Bacharach is awesome.

  50. J.... C....

    The worst part of is that the Live: In Session renditions were MUCH better than the album itself.

  51. G.... R....

    I had no idea Elvis Costello had such a great voice. And Burt Bacharach is just amazing!

  52. D.... K....

    Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello have transformed life with this music, it is so great,
    so warm, so real. Thank You Both,
    Paul Shandling, Chicago

    D.... K....

    An example of "high art" in my humble opinion, if there is such a thing...in any case, art none the less.

  53. c.... ....

    BEANIE CLUB! REPRESENT!

  54. A.... P....

    Muito bom!!

  55. E.... R....

    Beautiful voice and lyrics!! Sounds exactly like the cd.

  56. G.... M....

    I have said for years as a singer/songwriter myself in awe of this album, that it could be used to teach a Master Class in writing/arranging/ producing. There isn't a wasted note, a wasted syllable on the whole record.

    G.... M....

    As the same, I completely agree.

    G.... M....

    You are SO right

    G.... M....

    @Candia I recommend secret, profane and sugarcane. Its a deep, beautifully written album.

    G.... M....

    My all this high praise for a punk rocker from Paddington? Blimey!

  57. R.... ....

    Damn. That was beautiful.

  58. J.... W....

    Bravo! DeClan.Classic B.B. arrangement.Simply lovely.

  59. M.... R....

    Thank you. I'm in love with this album..especially this song. Huge EC fan.

  60. c.... ....

    Please... one more album! Do it one more time! It is one of the best albums EVER!

  61. G.... M....

    to the 14 people that gave this a thumbs down, please never go on anything music related again. You clearly have no clue.

    G.... M....

    Nice performance of a long lasting career with Burt Bacharach

    G.... M....

    They probably don't have a clue because they're bots.

    G.... M....

    @seemefeel2 Burt Bacharach writes the music, Hal David writes the lyrics!

    G.... M....

    "Pearls before swine?" Well, that's kind of harsh, isn't it? But yeah, if listener is not ready for it, for whatever reason, they are going to reject it, for one reason or another... you could argue over the content, some esoteric stuff, but to not give music like this it's fair due... serious discussion then becomes difficult...

    G.... M....

    @Brandon Could be. Robotic or human ones. Artificial intelligence? I'll say.

  62. s.... E....

    I'm from Toledo by far the best song

    s.... E....

    Lansing, Michigan

  63. A.... M....

    Thank You!!💗

  64. A.... M....

    💗🎵

  65. C.... M....

    It doesn't get any better.

  66. s.... ....

    What a great, great song.

  67. K.... A....

    This was a Grammy Winning album...every song is perfect...listen to "Painted From Memory"....completely awesome...my wife and I have been dancing to this album for years...Burt Bacharach just has such an incredible touch in crafting a song...and it's difficult to beat Elvis Costello sing a ballad...

    K.... A....

    Kalani Ayau What a beautiful thing, you and your wife dancing, enjoying this album. A dream I hope will be for me one day🌹

    K.... A....

    Kalani Ayau What a sweet thing to dance with your love to this.. I hope one day to have the same joy..

    K.... A....

    Ah, if only my wife would listen....

  68. A.... W....

    a song i wish i had written. masterpiece. the finest lyricist of the 20th century paired with the best composer, and probably the best thing either of them ever did. Please visit my channel and subscribe if you like... this album informed my work tremendously. thanks!

  69. D.... D....

    First time Ive heard this,,,,,magnificent,,,,why isnt this all over the Goddamned radio ?

    D.... D....

    Because the radio plays rubbish these days.

    D.... D....

    No Payola - No Play!

    D.... D....

    Because People Like Crap.

  70. D.... D....

    Well done lads,,,,
    Timeless,,,
    Exquisite

  71. V.... A....

    It is absolute beautiful, Two genius.

    V.... A....

    Exactly. Geniuses creating magic together.

  72. C.... H....

    So many thoughts about this song.  My parents played Burt in our house throughout my childhood.  I can't resist his music and lyrics regardless of who sings.    I think anyone who has been through a divorce holds these feelings inside.

    C.... H....

    +Colette Harrington As great as Burt is, he writes the tunes not the lyrics (Hal David mostly for the classic hits), Costello for this one and all from 'Painted from memory'

  73. i.... ....

    Yet another need and reason for Music and Performance and Composition to exist in this world where most of us trip over our tongues and fear to express our feelings, even if we  could ever express ourselves so well .

  74. S.... V....

    Toledo is an accomplished work of art.... Few songs have achieved my favorites list but this one is enduring the test of time.....

    S.... V....

    Santos Valdez I just discovered it this year! Wonderful!

  75. F.... B....

    Outstanding

  76. V.... C....

    C'è Toledo, c'è via Toledo e c'è questa Toledo di Elvis Costello e Burt Bacharach.
    Esci, va dove ti portano questa voce e queste note, incontro a Napoli con un sole che chiama la primavera.

  77. M.... A....

    Absolute masterpiece!

  78. S.... O....

    Sublime

  79. P.... N....

    radio on early morning and this Gem nurtured my ears, made one's day, bugger that , learned to play, it. Loved this ever since.

  80. D.... L....

    Exquisite.

  81. r.... h....

    yes ...i call

  82. M.... C....

    Going to see him on Monday-hope he is better in person.

    M.... C....

    You will not be disappointed

  83. P.... M....

    I wish the CD of this song had the same ending.

  84. B.... C....

    ? A cradle is what the handset of a phone rests in. Seems like odd lyrics about the birth of a baby. Weird. I wish I could find more info on this, it seems the cd/live lyrics differ a bit.

    B.... C....

    bonicon1 gas! xD

    B.... C....

    I don't think it's that deep is just a beautiful song with beautiful words end of story

  85. K.... K....

    Bob Dylan can't sing either, right?

  86. p.... ....

    did you come to this video just to post that? lol get a life

  87. K.... C....

    My mom played this album all the time as a kid and I hated it. But now I love it!

  88. i.... ....

    I live in breathless hopes that these two will re-unite and add K.D. Lang to form a fabulous and to-be-fabled trio. If only I ruled the world and could command it to happen...

    i.... ....

    That would be AMAZING!

  89. j.... ....

    This is magic

  90. B.... K....

    How old are you and you ex?

  91. p.... ....

    This song was written in response to a letter Costello received from my beautiful ex-girlfriend's father upon her birth (hence the cradle reference). He sent it while living in Toledo.

  92. p.... ....

    The fucking horns @ 2:10 are so classic Bachrach it brings tears every time

  93. p.... ....

    no, you actually mean "cruel"

  94. p.... ....

    give it time brother, patience is a virtue

  95. T.... A....

    I MEAN CREUL HAHA :)

  96. T.... A....

    I AGREE OFF THIS PLANET - FUCK THIS CREUK WORLD :(