Song #35: Elvis Costello - Shabby Doll (off Imperial Bedroom - 1982)
While I’ve written and selected previous songs with certain people in mind, this is Sing It Back’s first OFFICIAL dedication post. Fifty years ago today, the most influential and important man in my life was born in east Toronto. He was proof that kindness can be a permanent trait, despite all hardships. He was the smartest man I’ve ever met. He was my stepfather Scott, and up until he passed away five years ago no one has ever loved someone the way he loved my mother. As cynical as I may be at times, I know without a doubt that that kind of love and respect definitely exist.
Of the many ways in which Scott continues to influence me, our mutual love of Elvis Costello is one of the most obvious. From the first time he played Everyday I Write the Book in the car up at the cottage to letting me borrow Costello’s entire discography to rip onto my very first iPod, The Imposter’s music was something only he and I shared. Mom, try as she might, could never grow to like his voice.
As I was preparing this post, though, I realized - I didn’t know his favourite song! I listened to all 300 Costello songs in my library (a labour of love for sure), and finally asked Mom if she knew his favourite. She said, “Does he have one called Shabby Doll?” Of course; it’s one of my favourites as well.
When I saw Costello in concert last year, I thought only of Scott. I watched Spectacle reverently. Would I like Elvis Costello’s music as much without the connection? I don’t know, because it’s impossible for me to separate the two. Elvis Costello transcends just his own songwriting for me - he represents a father-daughter bond that can’t be severed by illness, death or time. Happy birthday, Dadoo.
