"Love for Sale" is a song originally written by Cole Porter, and later covered by Elvis Costello and The Attractions. The song portrays a dark and cynical perspective on love, turning it into a commodity that can be bought and sold. The lyrics describe a lonely and desolate street where the only sound is the heavy footsteps of a lonesome cop. The singer takes advantage of this atmosphere and opens up a "shop" where love is for sale. The moon has been observing the wayward ways of the town, leading to a smirk on its face, indicating the questionable nature of the town's romantic relationships. The chorus repeats the phrase "Love for sale" and highlights the youth and freshness of the love on offer, albeit slightly tainted. The song questions who would be willing to buy and indulge in this kind of love, who is ready to pay the price for a temporary escape to paradise. The lyrics imply a dismissive attitude towards the romanticized depiction of love by poets, claiming to know every kind of love better than they do. The singer has experienced various forms of love but has not found true love in the process. Overall, "Love for Sale" explores the commodification and transactional nature of love, presenting a cynical view of relationships in a way that challenges traditional notions of romance.
