The Greatest Thing - Elvis Costello, The Attractions

EVERYONE STOPPED WHEN SHE WALKED INTO THE ROOM

Isn’t this the greatest thing

Everyone own up but nobody could touch her

Isn’t this the greatest thing

PUNCH THE CLOCK keep boxing clever

You’ll be young enough for ever

Isn’t this the greatest thing

Isn’t this THE GREATEST THING

I heard some new confection

Said we can’t afford to feel affection

And it’s the lastest thing

In and out of matrimony

Never once removed the Sony

'Cos it’s a status thing

So girls like that above described

Are not to be so easily bribed

With a white frock and a ring

PUNCH THE CLOCK and in time you’ll get pulled apart

IF YOU’RE MARRIED ON PAPER AND NOT IN YOUR HEART

But I won’t be told that life with the one you love is sordid

Just because some authority says you can’t afford it

Since nights were long and days were olden

Woman to man has been beholden

But since then times have been changing

She sends back HIS TRIBUTE OF A ROSE

And says this ring is better suited for the nose

He’s always fingering

I PUNCH THE CLOCK and it’s OK

I KNOW A GIRL WHO TAKES MY BREATH AWAY

And it’s the greatest

And it’s the greatest thing