"The Sharpest Thorn" is a song by Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint. The lyrics portray a narrative centered around themes of repentance, celebration, and the internal struggle between good and evil. The song begins with the narrator dressed in their finest attire, comparing themselves to the sharpest thorn defending a rose. This symbolizes their readiness to face any challenges or obstacles that come their way. They mention the presence of departed loved ones during a yearly event, where they raise glasses and cheer, while also acknowledging the possibility of forgetting old acquaintances as time passes. Archangels Michael and Gabriel are mentioned, suggesting a spiritual presence guiding the narrator. Despite their awareness of the need to repent for their sins, they engage in worldly pleasures, actively searching for new sins that haven't even been invented yet. This highlights the narrator's inclination towards exploring and engaging in unconventional experiences. The lyrics also delve into the duality of good and evil, personified by the characters Good and Evil in a fight lasting longer than a single night. This ongoing battle between moral forces surpasses the span of human lives and has the power to change relationships, turning a mistress into a wife. The last verse uses confetti as a metaphor, representing the momentary celebration and joyous atmosphere that masks the narrator's internal turmoil. Their head is aching, and their pockets are bare, suggesting the toll this internal struggle takes on them. The repeated line "I wasn't born the sharpest thorn" reflects the narrator's recognition of their own shortcomings and limitations. Overall, "The Sharpest Thorn" explores themes of personal struggles, the desire for indulgence, the conflict between good and evil, and the fragility of human nature.
