"Secondary Modern" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions from their album "Taking Liberties" released in 1980. The song explores themes of social status, missed opportunities, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics suggest a feeling of being overlooked or underrated, as the narrator describes being in "second place in the human race." They feel unnoticed and relegated to the basement or the background, represented by the mention of "secondary modern," which refers to a type of secondary school in the UK. The line "Now I know what he meant" implies that the narrator has come to understand someone else's perspective or advice, possibly regarding their position in society. The repetition of "But there won't be a problem till the girls go home" suggests that the true problem or conflict arises only when the distractions or allure of external factors, particularly women, are removed. It could imply that the narrator is more comfortable or confident in their identity when these distractions are absent. The second half of the song delves into the complexities of a relationship. The lyrics question the nature of the connection between the narrator and another person. It poses the question of whether their interaction is purely pleasurable, solely business-related, or a combination of both. The mention of "packet of three" could be a reference to a condom or contraceptive, further implying a potential sexual aspect to the relationship. The song concludes on a melancholic note, with the lyrics expressing that nobody makes the narrator as sad as the person they are addressing. It suggests that this relationship brings them emotional pain, turning their world from one shade of blue to another. Overall, "Secondary Modern" reflects on the feelings of being overlooked, the complexities of relationships, and the emotional rollercoaster that they can bring.
