The song "Poor Fractured Atlas" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions tells the story of a man who is feeling angry and frustrated. He retreats to the woods with his gun to try to release his pent-up anger. However, when he returns to his desk in the city, he feels weakened and powerless, unable to express himself through his writing. The chorus describes the man, named Atlas, throwing himself on a mattress and waving his pencil like a pirate's cutlass, symbolizing his attempt to regain control and strength. The lyrics suggest that Atlas is intentionally increasing his burdens as a way to cope with his inner struggles. He believes that only the child within him would understand this approach and that a woman wouldn't comprehend his actions. The second verse reflects on the destructive nature of mankind, represented by the creation of weapons like blades and pistols. The metaphor of a waterfall over a dam symbolizes man's attempt to control and contain his own anger and frustrations through magical means. However, the reference to a punched hole in the fabric suggests that these attempts are ultimately futile, and the man's anger continues to leak through. The song suggests that the protagonist's struggle and his desire to increase his burdens are difficult for others, particularly women, to understand. It explores themes of inner turmoil, the insufficiency of external expressions of anger, and the complexities of gender roles in understanding and coping with emotional struggles.
