The song "Hoover Factory" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions describes a sense of nostalgia for the once highly regarded and impressive Hoover factory located on the Western Avenue, just outside of London. The lyrics reflect on the awe and wonder that the factory must have evoked when it was new. Costello sings about the splendor and grandeur of the Hoover factory, emphasizing that if you had seen it, you would agree. The factory's significance is conveyed through references to its impact on the pages of fashion magazines and its scrolls and inscriptions reminiscent of Egyptian art. The song contemplates the idea that the Hoover factory is not a matter of life or death, but questions the importance of anything at all. The lyrics suggest that taking another breath or caring about such things may ultimately be inconsequential. The repeated phrase "Green for go, green for action" accompanied by place names like Park Royal and North Acton, signifies movement and progress along the Western Avenue. It adds a sense of dynamism to the song, contrasting with the nostalgic tone. Overall, "Hoover Factory" evokes a sense of an era gone by, celebrating the magnificence of an industrial landmark and reflecting on the transience of human existence.
