The song "Different Finger" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions is about a person who is involved in a secret, possibly illicit, affair. The narrator is asking their lover to discreetly remove their wedding ring and put it on a different finger while they meet up. They are desperate to avoid any suspicion or judgment from others. The lyrics suggest that there is a lot at stake in their relationship, and the narrator can't handle the suspicious glances and rumors surrounding them. They acknowledge that people are right to question their actions and advise their lover to straighten up and consider the consequences. Despite the potential risks, the narrator still wants to have a night of passion and excitement with their lover. They emphasize that they don't need to know personal details about each other's lives or have a deep connection. All they desire is one night of glory, without even knowing the lover's second name. Throughout the song, the narrator pleads with their lover to symbolically remove their wedding ring and put it on a different finger. This gesture represents their commitment to keeping their affair hidden and underscores the urgency to do so, as every move they make seems to be under scrutiny. In the end, the narrator asks their lover to put their rings on a different finger before they turn out the light, implying that they want to keep the affair a secret even in the darkness. The lyrics capture the tension, forbidden desire, and the longing for brief moments of escape from the realities of their lives.
