"Alison" | ||||
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Single by Elvis Costello | ||||
from the album My Aim Is True | ||||
B-side | "Welcome to the Working Week" | |||
Released | 21 May 1977 | |||
Recorded | 1977 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:21 | |||
Label | Stiff (UK) Columbia (US) | |||
Songwriter(s) | Elvis Costello | |||
Producer(s) | Nick Lowe | |||
Elvis Costello singles chronology | ||||
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"Alison" is a song written by and first recorded by Elvis Costello in 1977 for his debut album My Aim Is True on Stiff Records. Costello claimed the song was written as an ode to a woman he saw working at a supermarket, though he has remained vague on the meaning. Though Costello's single never charted, it has become one of his most famous songs.
Linda Ronstadt, who covered the song and released her version in 1979, had a moderate hit with it.
while the more mellow "Alison" combines slightly jazzy guitars and soulful vocals. This great melancholy pop song was written about a checkout girl at a local supermarket and features the line which gives this album its title.