Elvis Costello and The Attractions：Meaning of Lip Service Songmeaning

"Lip Service" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and disappointment in a relationship where one person is only going through the motions. The song starts with the lines "You left the motor running, but I know you're so attractive. Getting in some sharp practice, you better not do anything reckless." These lines suggest that the other person may be engaging in deceitful or manipulative behavior. The chorus, "Everybody is going through the motions, are you really only going through the motions?" expresses a feeling of everyone just going through the motions without genuine emotions or sincerity. It questions whether the other person truly cares or is just pretending. The repeated phrase "Lip service is all you'll ever get from me" is a declaration that the relationship will only receive insincere words or promises from the narrator. It suggests that they have grown tired of empty gestures and are not willing to give any more genuine effort in return. The lines "