"Expert Rites" is a song by Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet from their collaborative album "The Juliet Letters" released in 1993. The song is performed in a spoken word style accompanied by string instruments. The lyrics depict the narrator's reflection on the complexities and disappointments of love in a seemingly soulless age. The narrator marvels at the significance of emotions and tears expressed through words on a page. Despite the somber tone, the narrator assures the listener that they are a friend. The song addresses a couple, possibly joining them in their shared sadness and strife. The couple's life is described as "sorry," indicating a sense of unhappiness and regret. The reference to a "unhappy blade" may suggest self-harm or the destructive nature of their relationship. The singer acknowledges the couple's romantic ideal, which may be a yearning for a love that feels unattainable and lonely. The narrator then reveals that they, too, had loved someone deeply but had to let them go, implying a sense of personal regret and longing. The line "I live with my regret" highlights that the narrator carries the weight of their past decisions. In a plea to the listener, referred to as "Juliet," the narrator empathizes with her struggles and asks for her help in explaining the meaning behind their shared experiences. Overall, "Expert Rites" delves into themes of love, disappointment, regret, and the longing for a deeper connection in a world that may feel devoid of emotion. The song explores the complexities of relationships and the internal conflicts that individuals may face when navigating love and loss.
