(Satorical Eloquence) Don't Ya Wanna Play This Game No More

Album

21 at 33

Label

Rocket Record Company, The

Genre

Piano Rock

Media Type

45s

Composer(s)

Elton John, Tom Robinson

Entered Chart

Aug 9, 1980

Peak Date

Sep 27, 1980

Released

13 May 1980

Recorded

August 1979

Catalog #

The Rocket Record Company – XPRES 41

B-Side

Cartier / White Man Danger

"Sartorial Eloquence" is a song by British musician Elton John with lyrics written by Tom Robinson. It is the third track of his 1980 studio album, 21 at 33. In the UK, it was issued as "Sartorial Eloquence", and in the US as "Don't Ya Wanna Play This Game No More?". It reached No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 45 Adult Contemporary, falling just short of the Top 40 in the UK (#44), and making lesser showings in Canada (#57) and Australia (#91). According to Elizabeth Rosenthal in her book, His Songs: The Musical Journey of Elton John, the song evokes the disappointment of a man left behind which grows in volume and despondency

You've a certain sartorial eloquence
And a style that's almost of your own
You've got the knack of being so laid-back
It's like talking to the great Unknown

You've got a self-sufficient swept-back hairdo
Pretty certain that you've got it made
Oh your lifestyle shows in the clothes you chose
Sitting pretty in the masquerade

[Chorus]
Sing it
Don't you want to play this game no more
Don't you want to play no more?
Don't you want to play this game no more
Don't you want to play no more?

You remain the only main contender
Though you never, you never meant to lose at all
Down at the mouth yet unsurrounded
Adamant before the fall

Though when you go you know I might be lonesome
But I'll keep it under close control 
Go and get your kicks and babe let's call it quits
I believe I'm feeling indisposed

[Chorus]