Pump It Up (Elvis Costello song)

"Pump It Up"
Artwork for UK and Dutch vinyl singles
Single by Elvis Costello and the Attractions
from the album This Year's Model
B-side"Big Tears"
Released10 June 1978[1]
GenreNew wave[2]
Length3:17
LabelRadar
Songwriter(s)Elvis Costello
Producer(s)Nick Lowe
Elvis Costello and the Attractions singles chronology
"(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea"
(1978)
"Pump It Up"
(1978)
"This Year's Girl"
(1978)
Official video
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Pump It Up on YouTube

"Pump It Up" is a 1978 song by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. It originally appeared on Costello's second album This Year's Model, which was the first he recorded with the backing group the Attractions. Written as an ironic response to his time during the Stiffs Live Tour and inspired by "Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan, "Pump It Up" features a stomping rhythm and ironic lyrics.

Released as a single, the track reached number 24 in the UK. It has since become one of Costello's most well-known songs, appearing on several compilation albums and being listed by critics as one of Costello's greatest songs. The song was also accompanied by an iconic video featuring Costello dancing on the sides of his feet.

  1. ^ Hinton, Brian (1999). Let Them All Talk: The Music of Elvis Costello. London: Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. p. 426. ISBN 978-1-86074-196-8.
  2. ^ Molanphy, Chris (19 November 2022). "Angry Young Men Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate. Retrieved 17 February 2024.