"Romeo's Seance" is a song by Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet. The lyrics depict a lonely and desperate individual seeking connection with someone they have lost. The title itself references Romeo, a symbol of romantic love, to convey the longing and emotional turmoil present in the song. The protagonist of the song is desperately seeking a sign or message from their lost loved one. They feel isolated and abandoned, as everyone else has lost interest and they are alone in their grief. The lyrics express a desire for communication and a plea for a response, indicated by references to knocking, sending messages, and seeking contact. The protagonist faces challenges in living with their emotions, referred to as a "matronly face at the window." They yearn for understanding and empathy from the one they have lost, as they believe that only that person can truly see and comprehend their suffering. The song also mentions scattering paper and thimbles and taking care of candles, potentially representing acts of ritual or superstition associated with trying to communicate with the departed. The mention of an unplugged radio and the closeness of the person being sought after suggest a sense of supernatural presence or spiritual connection. As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal that the protagonist has a baby with them, implying that they are responsible for caring for someone while still grappling with their own pain. The closing lines - "Me and my hand-holding baby walking the floor and the ceiling, this is the song she dictated this evening" - introduce an element of confusion, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Overall, "Romeo's Seance" is a poignant and introspective song that conveys the yearning for connection, the struggles of grief, and the complexity of human emotions.
