Elvis Costello and The Attractions：Meaning of No Action Songmeaning

"No Action" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions, released in 1978 as part of their album "This Year's Model." The song revolves around themes of unrequited love, communication breakdown, and the frustration of being in a one-sided relationship. The lyrics depict a narrator who is disillusioned with their romantic relationship and no longer feels the desire to be intimate or emotionally connected with their partner. The lines "I don't wanna kiss you, I don't wanna touch. I don't wanna see you 'cause I don't miss you that much" convey their detachment and lack of interest. The phrase "telephone junkie" suggests that the narrator's partner is overly reliant on phone calls to maintain their connection. The narrator, however, asserts that they had clearly communicated from the beginning that they were just good friends and nothing more. They feel trapped and suffocated by the constant contact and reliance on the telephone. The mention of holding "bakelite" refers to a type of plastic used in older telephone handsets, symbolizing the narrator's detachment and lack of emotion. They admit that when they hold their partner, it lacks any passion or meaningful action. The second half of the song explores jealousy and longing. The narrator acknowledges that their partner has someone else in their life, someone who provides everything they need. It's frustrating for the narrator, as they can't understand why their partner didn't bring them along on their journey. Despite their aversion to being a "telephone junkie," the narrator admits that they sometimes call their partner even when they know they are not lonely. This act of reaching out momentarily relieves their feelings of longing but leads to a quick disconnection, hinting at their reluctance to fully engage in the relationship. Overall, "No Action" captures the frustration and emotional detachment experienced in a one-sided relationship and the lingering pain of unrequited love.