Now playing

Strict Time

Chords

4.85 votes

Listen

YouTubeYouTube SpotifySpotify AppleApple Music

90BPM

Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Strict Time
Words & Music by: Elvis Costello
From the album: TRUST
INTRO:
G C G C G C G C
There's a Ghand on a wire that Cleads to my mouth
I can Ghear you knocking but I'm Cnot coming outG  C  G  C  
CDon't want to be a puppet or a ventriloquist
'Cause there's no ventilation on a critical listG  C  G  C  
DFingers creeping up my spine are Cnot mine to resistG  
Strict tiCmeG  C  
CHORUS:
DToughen up, toughen up
Keep your lip buttoned upC  
Strict GtimeC  G  C  
Oh the Gmuscles flex and Cthe fingers curl
And a Gcold sweat breaks out Con the sweater girlG  
CStrict tGimeC  
COh he's all hands, don't touch that dial
The courting cold wars weekend witch trialG  
CStrict GtimeC  
DAll the boys are straight laced and the Cgirls are frigid
The talk is two-faced and the rules are rigid 'cause it's Gstrict time
Strict CtimeG  C  
(Chorus)
GYou talk in hushed tones, CI talk in lush tones
GTry to look Italian through Cthe musical ValiumG  
CStrict GtimeC  
CThinking of grand larceny
Smoking the everlasting cigarette of chDastity
Cute assistants staying alive
CMore like a hand job than the hand Gjive
CStrict GtimeC  
Chorus

All chords in this song (3)

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

Chord Book

670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com

Strict Time

by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Strict Time

Words & Music by: Elvis Costello

From the album: TRUST

INTRO:

G C G C G C G C

G C

There's a hand on a wire that leads to my mouth

G C G C G C

I can hear you knocking but I'm not coming out

Don't want to be a puppet or a ventriloquist

G C G C

'Cause there's no ventilation on a critical list

D C G

Fingers creeping up my spine are not mine to resist

C G C

Strict time

CHORUS:

Toughen up, toughen up

Keep your lip buttoned up

G C G C

Strict time

G C

Oh the muscles flex and the fingers curl

G C G

And a cold sweat breaks out on the sweater girl

C G C

Strict time

Oh he's all hands, don't touch that dial

The courting cold wars weekend witch trial

C G C

Strict time

D C

All the boys are straight laced and the girls are frigid

The talk is two-faced and the rules are rigid 'cause it's strict time

C G C

Strict time

(Chorus)

G C

You talk in hushed tones, I talk in lush tones

G C G

Try to look Italian through the musical Valium

C G C

Strict time

Thinking of grand larceny

Smoking the everlasting cigarette of chastity

Cute assistants staying alive

C G

More like a hand job than the hand jive

C G C

Strict time

Chorus

About Strict Time Chords by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Learn how to play Strict Time by Elvis Costello & The Attractions with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Strict Time chords”, “Strict Time guitar chords”, or “Elvis Costello & The Attractions Strict Time chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Strict Time chords and for experienced players who want accurate Strict Time lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, C, D.

FAQ — Strict Time by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

How do I play "Strict Time" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Strict Time" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Strict Time" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions free?

Yes. The chords for "Strict Time" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Strict Time" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Strict Time" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Strict Time"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Strict Time" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Strict Time" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Strict Time" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Elvis Costello & The Attractions below.

What key is "Strict Time" in?

The chords for "Strict Time" show the original chord names (including G, C, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.