In the song below, it’s kind of interesting that a “not dead yet” Romeo asks to be rescued by Juliet.
I have usually ended up concluding that a lot of EC’s songs seem like they are about 1 thing but they are really some kind of code about this massive mission that has been filling his thoughts for at least his entire career.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Mystery Dance
Mystery Dance lyrics
Elvis Costello
Romeo was restless, he was ready to kill
He jumped out the window 'cause he couldn't sit still
Juliet was waiting with a safety net
He said, "Don't bury me 'cause I'm not dead yet"
Why don't you tell me 'bout the mystery dance?
I wanna know about the mystery dance
Why don't you show me 'cause I've tried and I've tried and I'm still mystified
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
Well, I remember Friday night, when the lights went out
And I was tryin' to make it look like it was never in doubt
She thought that I knew and I thought that she did
So, both of us were willing but we didn't know how to do it
Why don't you tell me 'bout the mystery dance?
I wanna know about the mystery dance
Why don't you show me 'cause I've tried and I've tried and I'm still mystified
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
Well, I was underneath the covers in the middle of the night
Tryin' to discover my left foot from my right
You can see those pictures in any magazine
But what's the use of looking when you don't know what they mean?
Why don't you tell me 'bout the mystery dance?
I wanna know about the mystery dance
Why don't you show me 'cause I've tried and I've tried and I'm still mystified
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
I can't do it anymore and I'm not satisfied
"Expert Rites" lyrics
I marvel at the wonder of it in our souless age
Fast flow the tears upon the page
Don't be alarmed I am her friend
Will I be excused if I presume
It's more than disappointment that we share
You share the same sorry life, the families fight,
that unhappy blade you both invite
This romantic ideal has a lonely appeal
I once loved someone the way that you do
But I had to let her go
I live with my regret
Don't despair my would-be Juliet