The song "Pidgin English" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions tells the story of a young girl and her sick father. The girl is about to turn twenty-seven and will soon receive her widow's pension. The father is too sick to even catch a common cold or get arrested. He is too afraid to speak up and too tired to resist. The lyrics mention that many hands make light work and shorthand makes life easy. The father works night shifts and wants to remain unseen. The situation between the girl and her father often ends up in arguments with abusive language and physical bruises. The lyrics suggest that a change is better than staying in such a situation. The chorus refers to the ten commandments of love, implying that love should be based on belief, trust, promises, and genuine affection rather than superficial gestures. The lyrics describe love as just a throwaway kiss in this "Pidgin English," suggesting that love is often shallow or insincere. The song criticizes those who talk big but lack substance. It mentions the contrast between appearances and reality, from someone pretending to be stoic but having a keen interest, to someone trying to act exotic while coming from their own backyard. The lyrics mention different languages and communication methods, highlighting the diversity and confusion in expressing oneself. In the end, the lyrics ask if the listener has forgotten how to say something meaningful in their version of "Pidgin English." The overall meaning of the song seems to be a critique of superficiality, hypocrisy, and the importance of genuine love and communication.
