Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach：Meaning of My Thief Songmeaning

The song "My Thief" by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach tells the story of a person who is deeply affected by a lost love. The lyrics suggest that when the protagonist goes to sleep, their thoughts are consumed by the person who left them. They wish that this person would "steal" their heart again and console them, despite the pain they caused. The protagonist admits to feeling almost possessed by the memories and feelings of their lost love. They are willing to endure the "glorious distress" of longing for this person as long as they don't completely lose that feeling. In a desperate plea, they ask the person to take whatever is left of their heart if they can't be together, emphasizing the intense desire to have them back in some way. The lyrics also touch on the idea that the person who left may have had their own reasons or justifications for doing so. The line "I didn't lead you on, but there will always be a little larceny in everyone" suggests that even though the protagonist may not have intentionally caused harm, there is a tendency for people to take or steal something from others, metaphorically speaking. Despite the pain and longing, the protagonist tries to find some solace and is willing to be understanding and forgiving. They mention having a "perfect alibi" and trying to be kind, indicating that they hold no bitterness towards the person who left, and they are trying to cope with the loss. Overall, "My Thief" portrays a complex mix of emotions, including longing, delusion, acceptance, and forgiveness. It captures the intense desire to have someone back even after they have left, while acknowledging the pain and confusion that comes with such a situation.