The song "Success" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions explores the detrimental effects of success on a relationship. The lyrics depict a couple who used to be deeply connected and promised a future together. However, as the person achieves fame and fortune, their priorities shift, and they no longer prioritize their partner or their relationship. The speaker laments how their partner no longer has time to love them due to their newfound success. The speaker is left feeling alone and forgotten, spending their evenings in solitude. The success that once brought joy and fulfillment to their partner has now caused their relationship to deteriorate. The lyrics suggest that the couple could regain happiness by occasionally spending time together, but the partner seems too consumed by their success to prioritize the relationship. The speaker reflects on how their partner's behavior has changed, no longer holding them like they used to. The success has seemingly changed the partner's attitude and made them unaware of the emotional neglect they are causing. Overall, the song portrays the consequences of success on a relationship, highlighting the emotional toll it can take and the ways in which it can lead to a failure of the home.
