"Party Girl" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions is a song about a man who falls for a woman known for her party lifestyle. He acknowledges that there are many such women all over the world, but despite knowing that he shouldn't get his hopes up, he sees a longing in their eyes for something more than just a casual fling. The protagonist has encountered these party girls before, witnessing them leave once the party is over and realizing that their interest in him was solely temporary. However, he feels a special connection with the woman he sings about in the song. He understands that she might not want to be tied down or change her carefree lifestyle, but he still desires to be with her. He recognizes the possibility of never fully adapting to her lifestyle or accepting the changes it brings. Nevertheless, he doesn't want to possess her or lose her either. He refers to himself as the "guilty party" who wants his share, but he also acknowledges that she has him in her grasp like a strong vice. The song conveys the narrator's conflicting emotions of being infatuated with this party girl while understanding the potential challenges and uncertainties that come with pursuing a relationship with her. It explores themes of longing, desire, and the inevitable clash between different lifestyles.
