The song "Brown To Blue" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions tells the story of a heartbreaking courtroom scene where two lovers are separated and their names are changed. The lyrics depict the narrator and their former partner standing in a courthouse room, physically close but emotionally distant. They both brought different things to the situation - the partner brought a lawyer while the narrator brought a broken heart. The judge pronounces the words in the way the partner wanted, resulting in the partner changing their name from Brown to Jones. At the same time, the narrator's name is also changed from Brown to Blue. This signifies the emotional toll and feelings of loss that the narrator experiences as a result of the separation. The narrator expresses their inability to control their tears, which fall on the courtroom floor, as their right to love the partner is taken away. The world seems to stop for the narrator in that moment, as they realize the magnitude of the situation and the impact it will have on their life. The judge, however, seems indifferent to the narrator's emotions and doesn't consider the consequences of forcing them to live without their beloved partner. The narrator expresses that they are still in love with the partner, even though they have now changed their names. Overall, "Brown To Blue" explores the themes of heartbreak, loss, and the emotional aftermath of a separation. The song highlights the narrator's feelings of loneliness and the challenges they face in navigating their life without their former partner.
