"The Man You Love To Hate" is a song by Elvis Costello & The Imposters. The lyrics paint a dark and mysterious scene at a theatre on Silhouette Street. The theatre is filled with the shades of people the narrator has killed or used, and the actors on stage are equally skilled in their roles. The audience, consisting of the ghosts of the once accused, eagerly awaits the narrator's decision on who to execute. The song explores themes of guilt, deceit, and manipulation. The narrator recalls a past love and visits a house on Silhouette Street where they once lived and died. They encounter the woman they once adored, who is now married to someone else. The husband, pretending to be dignified, does not recognize the narrator. The woman takes the narrator's money and gives them a key, informing them that their room is next to the emergency ward. The song suggests a power dynamic, with the narrator being a figure of infamy and ill-repute. The lyrics also touch on political turmoil and the disintegration of a country. The repeated line "the man you love to hate" may signify a manipulative figure who is both admired and despised. Overall, "The Man You Love To Hate" is a cryptic and atmospheric song exploring themes of guilt, deception, and the complex nature of human relationships.
