"Mouth Almighty" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions is a song about the consequences of speaking without thinking and the regret that follows. The lyrics emphasize the theme of infidelity and how the protagonist's careless words drive their partner away. The song portrays a sense of ownership and control over a town, symbolizing the narrator's arrogance and self-importance. The "tricks of confidence" refer to the protagonist's persuasive and manipulative behaviors. The footprints left on the pavements indicate the impact and influence they have on others. The narrator laments that every girl they get close to seems to be reminiscent of their ex-partner, as if wearing their perfume. This implies that the protagonist is haunted by their past actions, constantly reminded of the person they lost due to their careless words. The lyric mentions the clock striking the letters of the ex-lover's name at both midnight and noon. This suggests that the narrator is plagued by memories of their past relationship at all times, unable to escape their guilt and regret. The song acknowledges the protagonist's tendency to speak impulsively and without filtering their thoughts. They admit their faults and lack of control over their tongue, indicating a realization of their own behavior. However, they question why their ex-partner didn't believe them when they claimed to change, leading to their departure. The chorus repeats the line "Mouth almighty," emphasizing how the protagonist's excessive talking has caused their downfall. They express regret for opening their mouth and wish they had kept quiet, avoiding the consequences they now face. The line "So I threw away the rose and held onto the thorn" suggests that the protagonist willingly let go of something beautiful (represented by a rose) and held onto their own flaws (symbolized by a thorn). This shows a level of self-awareness, recognizing that their actions have led to their own loneliness and replacement. In conclusion, "Mouth Almighty" is a reflective and regretful song about the consequences of careless words and their impact on relationships. It explores themes of guilt, regret, and the realization of one's faults in communication.
