"No Wonder" is a song performed by Anne Sofie von Otter and Elvis Costello. The lyrics depict a woman reflecting on her past and the changes she has made in her life. The song implies a sense of regret and a desire to break free from societal expectations. The first verse describes the woman glancing at her reflection and realizing the changes she has undergone. She notices her pale complexion and the knowing look in her eyes, possibly suggesting a loss of innocence or naivety. However, the lyrics also mention someone who held her gaze and took her hand during the springtime. This person could symbolize a past lover or a guiding figure who influenced the woman's choices. The chorus emphasizes that there is no surprise or astonishment in the changes the woman has made. She has learned her lessons well and there is no need to wonder where the girl she used to be has gone. This suggests a level of acceptance and understanding of her transformation. The second verse reveals a secret that remains unknown to others. She has changed her appearance and set her face differently, implying that she has adapted to fit societal expectations or to escape from her past. The lyrics then depict a dream where she imagines herself watching someone leave in a horse-drawn carriage. This dream evokes images of a bygone era, with petticoats dragging in puddles and boots splashed with clay, suggesting a longing for a simpler or more romantic time. In the third verse, the lyrics mention a broken promise and the denial of her name during the summer. This betrayal could be tied to the person mentioned in the first verse. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing that there is no surprise in the woman's transformation. The final verse speaks of the winter, which, figuratively, blurs the sense of right and wrong. This implies that the passage of time and difficult circumstances can lead a person to question their decisions and actions. The chorus is repeated once more, solidifying the theme of self-acceptance and the acknowledgment that there is no wonder or astonishment in the changes the woman has made. Overall, "No Wonder" explores themes of personal growth, societal pressures, and the changes individuals undergo over time. It reflects on the past, regrets, and the desire to break free from expectations, ultimately finding acceptance and understanding in one's own transformation.
