Meaning of 'Almost Blue'

by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song 'Almost Blue' by Elvis Costello & The Attractions describe the feeling of sadness and loss after the end of a relationship. The singer is still emotionally connected to the past and remembers the things he and his ex-partner used to do together. He meets someone who looks almost like his ex and realizes that many of the promises he once saw in his ex-partner's eyes are now seen in the eyes of this person.

The lyrics also reflect on how feelings have changed over time. The line 'Now your eyes are red from crying' shows that the singer recognizes that his ex-partner is also going through the pain of loss.

The song also expresses the idea that flirting with danger and the risk of a new relationship has made the singer a fool who only aims to be happy. The lines 'Flirting with this disaster became me' and 'It named me as the fool who only aimed to be' illustrate this notion.

However, there is also a message of hope. The singer recognizes that there is always a part of him that is true and authentic, despite the pain and difficulties he is going through. The lines 'There is part of me that's always true' and 'Not all good things come to an end' illustrate this idea.

Overall, 'Almost Blue' is about the complex emotions after the end of a relationship, longing for the past, and seeking comfort in new encounters. The lyrics of the song express these feelings in a simple and poignant way.