Accidents Will Happen

Album: Armed Forces (1979)
Charted: 28
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  • Oh I just don't know where to begin
    Though he says he'll wait forever
    It's now or never
    But she keeps him hanging on
    The silly champion
    She says she can't go home
    Without a chaperone

    Accidents will happen
    We only hit and run
    He used to be your victim
    Now you're not the only one

    Accidents will happen
    We only hit and run
    I don't want to hear it
    'Cause I know what I've done

    There's so many fish in the sea
    That only rise up in the sweat and smoke like mercury
    But they keep you hanging on
    They say you're so young
    Your mind is made up but your mouth is undone

    Accidents will happen
    We only hit and run
    He used to be your victim
    Now you're not the only one

    Accidents will happen
    We only hit and run
    I don't want to hear it
    'Cause I know what I've done

    And it's the damage that we do
    And never know
    It's the words that we don't say
    That scare me so

    There's so many people to see
    So many people you can check up on
    And add to your collection
    But they keep you hanging on
    Until you're well hung
    Your mouth is made up but your mind is undone

    Accidents will happen
    We only hit and run
    He used to be your victim
    Now you're not the only one

    Accidents will happen
    We only hit and run
    I don't want to hear it
    'Cause I know what I've
    I know what I've
    I know what I've done

    I know, I know, I know, I know
    I know, I know, I know, I know
    I know, I know, I know, I know
    I know, I know, I know, I know
    I know, I know, I know, I know
    I know, I know Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

  • The Toner from Eugene, OrThe EP version was recorded live at Hollywood High School. It was included as a bonus with the LP when it was first released in 1979.
  • Steve from Chino Hills, CaThis was from Elvis's third album, Armed Forces. To really get this song you first have to read the lyrics (see the link above). Armed Forces is one of those albums that best listened to all the way through. The songs all build on each other. ' Accidents will happen' sets the pace for the album, just like "Welcome to the working week" sets up "My Aim is True" and "No Action" sets up "This year's model." Somewhere in the song he puts the lines

    "And it's the damage that we do
    And never know
    Its the words that we don't say
    That scare me so"

    So profound, and to think, this is only the first song of the album! Armed Forces is a journey that is led out by Nick Lowe's "What's so funny bout Peace Love and Understanding?" Armed Forces is a work of art!
  • Marlene from Montreal, QcThere was an EP released of this song where Elvis played it live, just with piano, recorded in England (probably at some club)... It was only available on import and was never released here but I heard it when an english friend played it for me.
  • Ted from Phoenix, AzIn 1979 Phoenix, this was one of the few so-called "New Wave" songs to get a lot of airplay on the local album-oriented rock station. It's a great song with great lyrics and less-than-stellar but soulful vocals, but I still don't know from the lyrics what the accident being sung about was.
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