"Busy Bodies" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions, released in 1979 as part of their album "Armed Forces." The lyrics depict a narrative about being involved with a person who is constantly preoccupied with themselves and their own interests, leading to a lack of genuine connection or progress in the relationship. The song starts by highlighting the narrator's frustration with the person they are involved with. The individual believes that they have seen and experienced everything with their partner, yet they feel insignificant and unimportant. The phrase "Busy bodies getting nowhere" suggests that both the narrator and their partner are constantly busy, but it leads to a sense of emptiness and lack of fulfillment. The song continues to describe the person's self-obsession and how they ignore the needs and feelings of others. They break rules and disregard regulations, focusing only on their own desires and pleasure. The line "you watch her legs through several service stations" implies a voyeuristic and objectifying behavior. As the song progresses, the narrator expresses their disappointment with the person's actions. The person is depicted as being focused on their own success and career advancements, engaging in dubious activities with different partners. The phrase "you're becoming automatic" suggests that the person is losing their authenticity and moral compass as they prioritize their own ambitions and seek validation through their actions. The lyrics also depict the person's constant need for attention and their disregard for others' boundaries. The line "you want attention, you try my patience" shows the narrator's exhaustion and frustration with the person's behavior. The person is seen as a nuisance, continuously seeking validation and recognition without considering the impact of their actions on others. Despite the person's desire for connection and intimacy, they remain detached and distant. The line "you want to kiss her, but she's busy with her makeup" illustrates how the person is more focused on their appearance and public image rather than engaging in a meaningful relationship. In the end, the person's actions are revealed to be insincere and temporary. The wave of their partner's hand is described as a tidal wave, highlighting the enormity of their indifference and lack of commitment. The phrase "temporarily out of action" suggests that the person's busyness and self-obsession result in a lack of substance and depth in their relationships. Overall, "Busy Bodies" portrays a relationship characterized by shallow connections, self-centeredness, and a lack of genuine emotional connection. The song criticizes the idea of prioritizing personal success and image over meaningful interactions and highlights the emptiness that can result from such behavior.
