"This House Is Empty Now" is a song co-written by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach. It was released in 1998 as part of Costello's album "Painted from Memory," which was a collaboration with Bacharach. The song tells a story of a broken relationship and the emptiness that remains after the love has gone. The lyrics depict a house that used to be filled with laughter and happiness, but is now deserted and filled with echoes of anger. The protagonist longs for their partner to return, hoping to see their face reflected in the window of their broken home. However, they realize there is nothing they can do to make the other person want to stay. The song reflects on the memories associated with the house, such as pictures on the walls and celebrations with friends. The protagonist tries to fill their life with distractions to numb the pain but finds that their memories still bring the person close before disappearing again. They question whether the other person was truly unhappy in the relationship, as they never expressed their dissatisfaction. The song also explores the aftermath of the breakup, highlighting how friends must choose sides and how the empty house serves as a reminder of the lost love. Despite the emptiness and longing, the protagonist acknowledges that there is nothing they can do to change the situation. Overall, "This House Is Empty Now" captures the melancholic atmosphere and sense of loss that accompanies the end of a relationship. It explores themes of longing, loneliness, and the struggles of moving on after a breakup.
