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Elbow — Lippy Kids
Album: Build A Rocket Boys!
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1453









Released: 2011
Length: 5:58
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Lippy kids on the corner again
Lippy kids on the corner begin
Settling like crows
Though I never perfected the simian stroll
The cigarette senate was everything then

Do they know those days are golden?
Build a rocket boys
Build a rocket boys!

One long June
I came down from the trees
and kerbstone cool
You were a freshly painted angel
Walking on walls
Stealing booze and hour-long hungry kisses
And nobody knew me at home anymore

Build a rocket boys!
Build a rocket boys
Build a rocket boys!

Lippy kids on the corner again
Lippy kids on the corner begin
Settling like crows
And I never effected that simian stroll
No

Do they know those days are golden?
Build a rocket boys
Build a rocket boys!

One long June
I came down from the trees
And kerbstone cool
You were a freshly painted angel
Walking on walls
Stealing booze and hour-long hungry kisses
And nobody knows me at home anymore

Build a rocket boys!
Build a rocket boys
Build a rocket boys!
Comments (138)add comment
The problem is there are no more corners .

via GIPHY

I'd heard this song before but never paid attention to the lyrics before now.  Now I have it at a 9.  It paints such a detailed picture with only a few lines.
RP turned me on to Elbow. I send a few bucks Bill's way every month just for that. GG writes some of the most evocative lyrics.
c.
 LeGiff wrote:
I've always loved this song. Loved it live both times that I've seen them and sang along at the top of my lungs. Got to meet the boys in a pub in Toronto 13 months ago. All really nice fellas.  

Plus the call and response with the whistles.
Youth wasted on the young. I love how this tune speaks volumes between the lines. 
Nice
"Stealing booze and hour-long hungry kisses
And nobody knows me at home anymore"

Timeless stuff; preciously stated here.
One of the weakest Elbow albums, but this one is a fairly good song.
One of my all-time favourite songs - a powerful remembrance of youth in Manchester.
GorillaSimian stroll 
Reminds me of Peter Gabriel's voice... at times
 planet_lizard wrote:
Stop what you're doing for a minute.
 

Or 6 :)
"...stealing booze, and hour long hungry kisses..." Takes me back to my 17 yr old self, my 3rd girlfriend/first love. Mr Garvey is a master story teller; blessed are the Elbow.
Hearing the first paragraph alone is enough to make my day; beautiful writing from Mr Garvey (officially the nicest man in the business called show, and who gets to call Mrs Peel his mother-in-law!).

Love this band to tiny pieces 
 planet_lizard wrote:
Stop what you're doing for a minute.
  

I've always loved this song. Loved it live both times that I've seen them and sang along at the top of my lungs. Got to meet the boys in a pub in Toronto 13 months ago. All really nice fellas.  
Can't get enough of Guy Garveys voice so full of character, smoky, husky and sounds as if it had been shaped by whiskey. Love it.
 twoplain2sea wrote:
Was there anything before  2nd reading - senate?

  

 
Steely_D wrote:

The eagle flies at midnight.

 
{#Roflol}
 Sasha2001 wrote:
"Hey, you're really going to love this elbow song." Said nobody I've ever met in my life.
 
It could just be the reason that we have not, nor probably ever will meet. But I'm cool with it.
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
RP made me addicted to Elbow. Thank you for that.

 
Along with many others... Thank you RP. {#Music}
I find his voice tiring...
Good piece of songwriting.
Build a rocket boys? I thought it was "build a rocking horse" 
 twoplain2sea wrote:
Was there anything before  2nd reading - senate?

 
The eagle flies at midnight.
Was there anything before  2nd reading - senate?
this song has its fans...I am not among them. Worst of all, I'll hear this playing in my head when I awake tomorrow
Nice.  Starting it at a 7.  Could easily go to an 8.
I love that a band like this can exist a thrive in an era where left-of-field bands like Elbow are otherwise over-looked by record companies.
Whatever it is I am doing, each time I hear this voice, I'm like the fox in the Little Prince, excited and happy, in love with a voice
I was one of those Lippy Kids on the corner. God, I loved that corner. Every time I hear this, it transfers back to my childhood on our corner.
They are good live - it was my wife's first rock concert and probably my hundredth, and we were both blown away....

Steely_D wrote:
I totally love this tune, and the call/response whistling when you see them live isn't anything...spectacular or special - but it's important somehow, like a complex "hello" back at him as he asks if we're getting what he's trying to tell us.

Stealing booze and hour long hungry kisses
And nobody knew me at home anymore

Build a rocket, boys. 

 


RP made me addicted to Elbow. Thank you for that.
love, love, love
I totally love this tune, and the call/response whistling when you see them live isn't anything...spectacular or special - but it's important somehow, like a complex "hello" back at him as he asks if we're getting what he's trying to tell us.

Stealing booze and hour long hungry kisses
And nobody knew me at home anymore

Build a rocket, boys. 
 vit wrote:
It's weird to be away from RP for a few months, decide to check in and see what's going on, then be all, "holy crap, you still play Elbow?!?" I'll be sure not to let the door hit my ass on the way back out.

 
"Trend FM" this ain't.
 Abraxas336 wrote:
What makes you think that is important enough to justify a comment?

 
What makes you think the person who made that comment was actually thinking at all?
 vit wrote:
It's weird to be away from RP for a few months, decide to check in and see what's going on, then be all, "holy crap, you still play Elbow?!?" I'll be sure not to let the door hit my ass on the way back out.

 
in the same vein, its funny also to me, that I've not been into Radio Paradise in most of 2 years, small bits here or there but mostly listening to Trance & Dance ... and then recently playing RP more and more, to find some gem called Elbow ... and finding enjoyment of the sound so much to go find out who they were, what they've got in their collection, and be reminded, that this *is* what its like to listen to Radio Paradise.  Eclectic ... go google it, vit, then come back and try again.
Nice song for a quiet Friday night relaxing after a TOUGH week.  Thanks!
Nice smooth melody with a little piano for a morning moment of relaxation and thought.   Thx RP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-WXwy7gYIY - Live
Made 60000 speechless.
Open your mind ! Elbow are great !
Who ARE these guys ?!
 hencini wrote:
Is this Peter Gabriel's son singing?  

 
It sounds almost spookily like Peter Gabriel, but just doesn't hit the same feelings. I don't get the feeling of an artist here.
 vit wrote:
It's weird to be away from RP for a few months, decide to check in and see what's going on, then be all, "holy crap, you still play Elbow?!?" I'll be sure not to let the door hit my ass on the way back out.

 
What makes you think that is important enough to justify a comment?
Yup...its crap
Is this Peter Gabriel's son singing?  
It's weird to be away from RP for a few months, decide to check in and see what's going on, then be all, "holy crap, you still play Elbow?!?" I'll be sure not to let the door hit my ass on the way back out.
Even the little voice in my head that encourages me to be patient, open-minded, and to check the comments of other RP listeners is screaming at me to turn this off. Something about this that really grates at my nerves...hoping that it goes away
Still a 6. Think it's the piano.
After seeing the title I shall now have to change my repotoire as I have been sing the chourus as ''Build A Rockin Horse'' Oh well I got the first word correct, dosen't alter my opinion of the song which is catchy and entertaining.
At first listen it's pretty boring. Maybe it's a grower.
 Lenora wrote:
Love this song...don't understand the naysayers.

 
Hear, hear. It probably helps that I can identify with the sentiment of the song.
Love this song...don't understand the naysayers.
Awesome - I've been waiting for a song I wanted to leave.  Thanks for being crap elbow.
Same here...can't stand the whining.{#Doh}
I could use about a month off from Elbow. PSD.
This gets a strong 9 from me. Sweeps me away. It's so beautiful to me. Funny how these differences happen in our brains.
tingles
Well, once again I am out of step with lots of folks.  I really like this song.  The simple piano and eloquent vocal tone really draw out a melancholic angst for "the good old days" before I started learning about real life.
This song needs a nice long vacation from RP....
I am really getting sick of this tedious song
 Sasha2001 wrote:
"Hey, you're really going to love this elbow song." Said nobody I've ever met in my life.
 

While I love elbow. I may love this comment just as much.
At least for the moment 
I am an Elbow fan but this song just doesn't capture my attention. Maybe I just don't get it...yet. Looks like a LOT of other RP listeners are way ahead of me! Oh no! 
 
 WonderLizard wrote:

Guy Garvey has a gift for nuanced catch-phrasing that rivals Paul Simon’s. “Build a rocket boys” captures not only one generation’s exhortation to another but the older generation’s yearning for its touchstone, its symbol of simpler times—indeed when anyone could build a rocket. Rocket clubs were everywhere. This was a time when the word “rocket” evoked awe and wonder, visions of adventures on other planets, the daringness, indeed the hubris, of our quest to capture the stars—Bradbury’s R Is for Rocket is one example; The Rocketeer and October Sky are others.

A rocket symbolized the future—progress, hope, and unlimited vista. Today the notion is quaint. Even the rocket logo on the U. of Toledo’s football helmets seems faintly anachronistic. And the word itself has fallen on hard times—“Brewster Rockit: Space Guy” is sublimely zany, the funniest thing on the comics pages these days, but it also may have written an obituary for the mystery of the word.



 
Beautifully put.  Just recently broke down and bought this album, it always having struck similar chords for me each time I listened.
You can't play enough of Elbow as far as I'm concerned.
Thank you Bill for Elbow in the U.S.
 Hannio wrote:


also, in shorthand, "support ICBM development under the guise of space exploration".
 
That's disingenuous at best, and blatantly wrong at worst. ICBMs were already established by the time the moon race kicked off, in fact ICBMs were repurposed to serve as launch vehicles for satellites, and the engines were modified for use as upper stage engines for the moonshots. The "race to the moon" was nationalist propaganda certainly, but so were vast portions of the cold war. The space race had tangible economic and scientific benefits. Admittedly, after the first few manned moon missions, the science could've been done as well and cheaper without people.

Brilliant segue from Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds - at least for those of us who are able to appreciate stately, strong melody and carefully constructed harmony! {#Meditate}
 Sasha2001 wrote:
"Hey, you're really going to love this elbow song." Said nobody I've ever met in my life.
 

Don't be a lippy kid!
 Jim_Highfield wrote:
Please play more Elbow, I really like that guy's voice.
 
... meaning the average Rating between us is still only 5  :-) 
Please play more Elbow, I really like that guy's voice.
please play less elbow, that guy's voice drives me crazy
Love this tune. It is spot on.
"You should get out more."

Said the anonymous responder on an internet comment board, not realizing the irony behind his statement.
 unclehud wrote:
"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. "

—- JFK, September 12, 1962

or, in shorthand, "Build a rocket, boys."
 

also, in shorthand, "support ICBM development under the guise of space exploration".
You should get out more.
 


Sasha2001 wrote:
"Hey, you're really going to love this elbow song." Said nobody I've ever met in my life.
 


"Hey, you're really going to love this elbow song." Said nobody I've ever met in my life.
"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. "

—- JFK, September 12, 1962

or, in shorthand, "Build a rocket, boys."

 ziakut wrote:
Elbow has a way of permeating a room with atmosphere that eases the senses, much like the soothing essence of vanilla. I'm gonna lay down and breathe deep now.
 
Agreed. Bliss.

And in response to the 'new nightswimming' idea, i'm with you too - is not so circular but equally pied-piper-ish.

The man with the pipes reminds me of Peter Gabriel too. {#Clap} 
 zitherica wrote:

same here... guess we are still a minority, but nevertheless, a larger minority now :)
 
Listen to Mexican Standoff and tell me you still think they only make miserable music...
       sigh

This voice makes me fall for the guy behind the beard, against my will. Must be a frequency thing

Outstanding vibes
ZOMG love Elbow SO MUCH and would never have learned of them but for RP. {#Notworthy}

When I first heard them, "lugubrious" is probably the adjective I would have applied. These days, I find myself obsessed with The Seldom Seen Kid album and think "sublime" or "transcendant" is more appropriate.
8.

So glad Bill likes Elbow, too.
this song is the new 'nightswimming' to me
Elbow has a way of permeating a room with atmosphere that eases the senses, much like the soothing essence of vanilla. I'm gonna lay down and breathe deep now.
Everyone in my hotel room in Italy ( my wife and I ) like this song.
Stop what you're doing for a minute.
I rather like this! Thanks for introducing me to Elbow. Not my elbow.
Just looked at the lyrics. I've been hearing this as "WIth two kids on the corner...", "Build a rocking horse...", and "stealing boobs..."
 Bacadiar wrote:

This. And I know they're saying "Build a rocket, boys", but I can't picture the comma when I hear it. I get this..

Mentalimage
 
I love RPeeps.
 toomanyollys wrote:
Elbow are one of my instant-PSD bands. Sooooooo miserable. Realise I'm in the minority, but there y'go.
 
This. And I know they're saying "Build a rocket, boys", but I can't picture the comma when I hear it. I get this..

Mentalimage
 toomanyollys wrote:
Elbow are one of my instant-PSD bands. Sooooooo miserable. Realise I'm in the minority, but there y'go.
 
same here... guess we are still a minority, but nevertheless, a larger minority now :)
 Rotterdam wrote:

I can highly recommend the album. Simply beautiful.
And this song gets a 9 from me. 
 

thank you!!
amazon - here I come
Will become an all time classic track
 
 Catecaneverall wrote:
does anyone know the album? is it worth buying it? i love this song!!
 
I can highly recommend the album. Simply beautiful.
And this song gets a 9 from me. 

Guy Garvey has a gift for nuanced catch-phrasing that rivals Paul Simon’s. “Build a rocket boys” captures not only one generation’s exhortation to another but the older generation’s yearning for its touchstone, its symbol of simpler times—indeed when anyone could build a rocket. Rocket clubs were everywhere. This was a time when the word “rocket” evoked awe and wonder, visions of adventures on other planets, the daringness, indeed the hubris, of our quest to capture the stars—Bradbury’s R Is for Rocket is one example; The Rocketeer and October Sky are others.

A rocket symbolized the future—progress, hope, and unlimited vista. Today the notion is quaint. Even the rocket logo on the U. of Toledo’s football helmets seems faintly anachronistic. And the word itself has fallen on hard times—“Brewster Rockit: Space Guy” is sublimely zany, the funniest thing on the comics pages these days, but it also may have written an obituary for the mystery of the word.


does anyone know the album? is it worth buying it? i love this song!!
I love Elbow, can't get enough of them.
Elbow are one of my instant-PSD bands. Sooooooo miserable. Realise I'm in the minority, but there y'go.
Biuitiful!
Even as the whole album!
This is just sublime.
 Thin_Air wrote:
What the fork is a Lippy Kid, and why are they being told to build a rocket?

As I interpret it:

A northern / mancunian expression for a youth who is cheeky / talks back at people / has an attitude / gives lip / is lippy.

Build a rocket - make something of your life instead of wasting it hanging around being lippy.

"Simeon stroll" sums them up - Guy Garvey is a great lyricisit and very true to his roots.

Elbow are a great thing.
 
{#Bananajumprope}  Very good interpretation... 10 from Manchester, UK... song tooo...
How To Build A Rocket

Grows on me.{#Daisy}
another beautiful song from elbow..thanks !
sirdroseph wrote:


Yea, Elbow lost me years ago. Homeboys voice wears thin really quick!{#Frustrated}
 

{#Wall} I hear ya!
 Proclivities wrote:

?
I'm not sure what Tommy James has to do with this tune, but, whatever.........
 
Not a dang thing.  My bad.  I'm into this tune.  Good points!
 Zoonhollis wrote:
I used to kinda like this band. Now they strike me as very boring, and Bill plays them way too often.
 

Yea, Elbow lost me years ago. Homeboys voice wears thin really quick!{#Frustrated}
I used to kinda like this band. Now they strike me as very boring, and Bill plays them way too often.
I hear the chorus of this one, and I picture my boys with their high school rocket team.  {#Mrgreen}
 MirageRF wrote:
How am I supposed to sing along with this song?  It's not Tommy James and the Shondells!  Much nicer, Bill.  {#Daisy}
 
?
I'm not sure what Tommy James has to do with this tune, but, whatever.........
 Thin_Air wrote:
What the fork is a Lippy Kid, and why are they being told to build a rocket?

As I interpret it:

A northern / mancunian expression for a youth who is cheeky / talks back at people / has an attitude / gives lip / is lippy.

Build a rocket - make something of your life instead of wasting it hanging around being lippy.

"Simeon stroll" sums them up - Guy Garvey is a great lyricisit and very true to his roots.

Elbow are a great thing.
 

True...nice.
Solid 10. Love this band. The imagery, feel is just perfect. Can't wait for them to come to the states again.
How am I supposed to sing along with this song?  It's not Tommy James and the Shondells!  Much nicer, Bill.  {#Daisy}
so beautiful
What the fork is a Lippy Kid, and why are they being told to build a rocket?

As I interpret it:

A northern / mancunian expression for a youth who is cheeky / talks back at people / has an attitude / gives lip / is lippy.

Build a rocket - make something of your life instead of wasting it hanging around being lippy.

"Simeon stroll" sums them up - Guy Garvey is a great lyricisit and very true to his roots.

Elbow are a great thing.
 boober wrote:

In your face Pedro!
Bill watches.....everything!
 
LOL!
 dirtdiablo wrote:
Wow, thanks for that.  Thought it was Peter Gabriel at first

I want one of those prizes!!!!!!Cool
 
I actually thought it was Sting at first.