Elvis Costello and The Imposters release new track "Paint the Red Rose Blue"

"Paint the Red Rose Blue" follows the October lead single "Magnificent Hurt", and is, in Costello's own words, "The account of someone who has long-courted theatrical darkness, only for its violence and cruelty to become all too real. In its wake, a bereft couple learn to love again, painting a melancholy blue over the red of romance."

The Boy Named If will follow Costello's 2020 album Hey Clockface. He said of the record in October, "The full title of this record is The Boy Named If (And Other Children’s Stories). IF, is a nickname for your imaginary friend; your secret self, the one who knows everything you deny, the one you blame for the shattered crockery and the hearts you break, even your own. You can hear more about this Boy in a song of the same name."

He added, "I started The Boy Named If with just an electric guitar, some sharps and flats, high heels and lowdowns, with five songs in bright major keys and carried on to write a whole new record for The Imposters to play."