"Beyond Belief" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions from their 1982 album "Imperial Bedroom." The song explores themes of deceit, jealousy, and the repetitive nature of history. The lyrics suggest that history tends to repeat itself, with old conceits and defeats resurfacing over time. The speaker criticizes those who pretend to care about important issues but only offer insincere gestures like crocodile tears and a pocketful of tissues. The speaker refers to themselves as the "oily slick" in the "windup world of the nervous tick," suggesting a cynical and manipulative nature. They hang around, longing for torment and not wanting to be alone in their misery. The battle with addiction, particularly alcoholism, is also mentioned as something not novel or unique. In the "almost empty gin palace," the speaker sees their love interest, referred to as "Alice," through a two-way looking glass. Alice is portrayed as oblivious to the speaker's jealousy and still smiles sweetly. The relationship is fraught with insults, flattery, and malicious intent. The speaker questions whether cruelty is necessary to be emotionally detached. As the song progresses, the speaker realizes that they fit an identikit (a standard profile) completely, meaning they have become predictable and ordinary. They claim not to have any secrets but still leave discreetly. The chorus suggests that the speaker may blame California or be locked away in Geneva's deepest vault, comparing their predicament to the canals of Mars and the Great Barrier Reef. They feel beyond belief, suggesting a level of disbelief at the situation they find themselves in. The verse continues with the speaker's hands being clammy and cunning, likely alluding to their apprehension and manipulative nature. They acknowledge the stunning appearance of their love interest but express little hope of success. The following lines describe how both men and women engage in a contentious fight, referencing the conflict between the sexes. The song ends with the speaker expressing a sense of impending grief and disappointment. What once seemed appealing to them now feels beyond belief, possibly indicating that they have become disillusioned or disenchanted with the situation they find themselves in. Overall, "Beyond Belief" examines themes of deceit, jealousy, and emotional detachment within relationships. It highlights the repetitive nature of human behavior and the consequences of our actions.
