"Lipstick Vogue" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions from their album "This Year's Model" released in 1978. The song tackles themes of love, doubt, and deception in relationships. The lyrics start with a warning against someone falsely claiming to love the narrator. It suggests that love may just be a rumor, and if there is any doubt about someone's feelings, they should not say anything. The line "Sometimes I think that love is just a tumor; you've got to cut it out" implies that sometimes love can be destructive and needs to be removed. The song then moves on to discuss apologies and insincerity. The narrator acknowledges that someone apologizes for their actions but believes they do not genuinely mean it. They dismiss the need to worry because they had fun in the relationship despite the insincere apologies. The line "Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being" suggests that the narrator may have felt dehumanized or used in the relationship. The chorus emphasizes the uniqueness and importance of the person being addressed. They are not just another person in the superficial world represented by the "lipstick vogue," but someone who stands out and matters. The second verse uses metaphors to describe a relationship as a slot machine that is barely functioning and gets "hit" with a live wire, symbolizing the pain caused. The narrator questions whether the person being addressed was told they were special but dismisses their claims of having no feelings, stating it is a way to kill their emotions. The verse continues with references to control, tokens, and the desire to throw the narrator away. However, the narrator remains unbroken and implies that there are certain words or truths that others avoid speaking. The line "Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being" is repeated, suggesting a recurring feeling of being disconnected or devalued in the relationship. Overall, "Lipstick Vogue" is a cynical exploration of love, insincerity, and the destructive nature of some relationships. It reflects Costello's trademark blend of biting lyrics and energetic music.
