The song "Big Tears" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions was released in 1978 and is a track from their album "This Year's Model." The song is a reflection on the disillusionment and mediocrity present in everyday life. The lyrics describe how everyone is busy with their regular routines, oblivious to the sniper taking aim. The line "Even if he hit you, you'd still think it's just a graze" suggests that people have become desensitized to danger and are not really engaged with the world around them. The song criticizes society's obsession with materialism, symbolized by the image of people window shopping without being amazed. It suggests that people have become numb to their surroundings, even if something significant were to happen, like a gunshot hitting them. The lyrics also touch on the theme of conformity and disappointment. The protagonist attends movies and shows, thinking they are truly living, but the song suggests they are unaware of the emptiness in their lives. The line "You think that you're living, you don't really know" implies a lack of self-awareness. The chorus, "Big tears mean nothing, you can count them as they fall," suggests that the tears shed over shallow and insignificant matters hold no real value. The phrase "When you're lying in your coffin, tell me who's been taken in" questions the worth and impact of people's concerns and worries after they have passed away. The second verse mentions the idea of a "new boss automatic clause," which may refer to corporate policies that are often created to benefit the company rather than the individual. The protagonist is fascinated by the strange and different aspects of the city but returns home disappointed due to the recurring feelings of being put down. The song emphasizes the futility of tears and the lack of genuine emotion in society. The mention of buttons falling off an overcoat symbolizes the decay and disintegration of personal appearance and pride. The line "Standing in the shadow, turning wives to widows" suggests that societal pressures and expectations can be destructive and lead to broken relationships. Overall, "Big Tears" critiques the superficiality and conformity within society, highlighting the emptiness and lack of authenticity found in everyday life.
