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Indoor Fireworks
"Indoor Fireworks" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello that was first released on his 1986 album King of America. Written as a eulogy for a broken relationship, the song utilizes a central metaphor of fireworks and took inspiration from Costello's failed marriage. On the song, Costello is supplemented by the studio professionals of the Confederates, as on most of King of America.
The song has seen positive reception from critics and has appeared on compilation albums. Nick Lowe's cover of the song, appearing on 1985's The Rose of England, has attracted similar acclaim.
With its introspective lyrics and somber tone, "Indoor Fireworks" was written by Elvis Costello as a "lament to the end of love". Both Nick Lowe and author Graeme Thomson surmised the song was written for Costello's first wife, Mary, who was divorcing Costello around this period; Thomson described the song as "a fittingly tender goodbye." Pitchfork noted its lyrics use of fireworks as an "extended metaphor".
Costello attempted the song several times throughout the album sessions with several different arrangements, with performances often being undermined by his consumption of too much whiskey. Costello also attempted a full-band version with members of the Confederates, the studio band that he had just completed recording "Glitter Gulch" with, but determined that the song was "really for another day."
The version of "Indoor Fireworks" that was released on King of America was recorded the day after the sessions that produced "Poisoned Rose" and "Eisenhower Blues". Having drunk and celebrated the successful sessions the night before, Costello attended the sessions in "pretty poor shape". Costello then recorded the song in one take with James Burton on acoustic guitar, Jerry Scheff on string bass, and Mitchell Froom on organ. Though the band attempted more takes, the first take would be the one selected for release: as Costello commented, "It was probably best that we cut it quickly as this kind of romantic obituary is not something you would want to labour over."
Costello's recording of "Indoor Fireworks" was first released in February 1986 as the sixth track on Costello's 1986 album King of America. The song was not released as a single, though Costello has integrated the song into his live setlist several times, including duets with Nick Lowe and Emmylou Harris.
In addition to appearing on King of America, the song has appeared on compilations such as 1989's Girls Girls Girls, 1994's The Very Best of Elvis Costello and The Attractions 1977–86, 1999's The Very Best of Elvis Costello, and 2007's The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years.
A new 2024 recording of "Indoor Fireworks", subtitled "Memphis Magnetic Version", was released on the super deluxe box set King of America & Other Realms on 1 November 2024, along with a new remaster of the original recording.
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Indoor Fireworks
"Indoor Fireworks" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello that was first released on his 1986 album King of America. Written as a eulogy for a broken relationship, the song utilizes a central metaphor of fireworks and took inspiration from Costello's failed marriage. On the song, Costello is supplemented by the studio professionals of the Confederates, as on most of King of America.
The song has seen positive reception from critics and has appeared on compilation albums. Nick Lowe's cover of the song, appearing on 1985's The Rose of England, has attracted similar acclaim.
With its introspective lyrics and somber tone, "Indoor Fireworks" was written by Elvis Costello as a "lament to the end of love". Both Nick Lowe and author Graeme Thomson surmised the song was written for Costello's first wife, Mary, who was divorcing Costello around this period; Thomson described the song as "a fittingly tender goodbye." Pitchfork noted its lyrics use of fireworks as an "extended metaphor".
Costello attempted the song several times throughout the album sessions with several different arrangements, with performances often being undermined by his consumption of too much whiskey. Costello also attempted a full-band version with members of the Confederates, the studio band that he had just completed recording "Glitter Gulch" with, but determined that the song was "really for another day."
The version of "Indoor Fireworks" that was released on King of America was recorded the day after the sessions that produced "Poisoned Rose" and "Eisenhower Blues". Having drunk and celebrated the successful sessions the night before, Costello attended the sessions in "pretty poor shape". Costello then recorded the song in one take with James Burton on acoustic guitar, Jerry Scheff on string bass, and Mitchell Froom on organ. Though the band attempted more takes, the first take would be the one selected for release: as Costello commented, "It was probably best that we cut it quickly as this kind of romantic obituary is not something you would want to labour over."
Costello's recording of "Indoor Fireworks" was first released in February 1986 as the sixth track on Costello's 1986 album King of America. The song was not released as a single, though Costello has integrated the song into his live setlist several times, including duets with Nick Lowe and Emmylou Harris.
In addition to appearing on King of America, the song has appeared on compilations such as 1989's Girls Girls Girls, 1994's The Very Best of Elvis Costello and The Attractions 1977–86, 1999's The Very Best of Elvis Costello, and 2007's The Best of Elvis Costello: The First 10 Years.
A new 2024 recording of "Indoor Fireworks", subtitled "Memphis Magnetic Version", was released on the super deluxe box set King of America & Other Realms on 1 November 2024, along with a new remaster of the original recording.