The song "Talking In The Dark" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions reflects on the longing and emptiness that comes from a lack of communication and connection in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and frustration as the narrator tries unsuccessfully to keep themselves occupied and distracted. They describe talking to themselves but not being able to truly listen or engage in meaningful conversation without the presence of the person they miss. The line "I miss talking in the dark" symbolizes the intimate and personal conversations that often occur in a close relationship, where vulnerabilities and secrets are shared without judgment. Without the other person, the narrator feels like they have lost a vital component of their identity and social connectivity. As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges their inclination towards seeking negative experiences and becoming their own source of torment. They express the emptiness and dissatisfaction they feel in their own actions and choices. The repeated phrase "Without you, I'm not conversational, Without the sense of the occasional" emphasizes the importance of the other person in their life and how their absence has affected the narrator's ability to engage in conversation and find fulfillment. The song concludes with the hopeful idea that despite the challenges, the couple can still find a way to communicate and resolve their issues. The line "We can talk and talk until we talk ourselves out of it" suggests that through honest and open communication, they can overcome the obstacles and reconnect on a deeper level. Overall, "Talking In The Dark" explores the theme of longing for emotional connection and the consequences of failing to communicate effectively in a relationship.
