"Turning The Town Red" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions from their album "Blood and Chocolate" released in 1986. The song is written by Elvis Costello himself. The song tells a tale of someone who has been taught that their actions are unacceptable and won't be tolerated anymore. The protagonist is portrayed as being disruptive and causing chaos wherever they go, depicted by the line "They put me in the picture but the film turned blue." It suggests that they are out of sync with the expectations of society. The lyrics also describe the protagonist having a head full of new ideas and words, which they express with shocking behavior. This rebelliousness is emphasized with the line "You're a big boy now, with a face to stop clocks." It implies that their actions are attention-grabbing and possibly confrontational. The chorus, "Turning the Town Red," is an expression used to describe causing trouble or chaos in a place. By repeating this phrase, it reinforces the idea that the protagonist is causing disruptions wherever they go. The song continues with the consequences of the protagonist's actions. They are told to face the consequences and accept responsibility for their behavior. The line "You made your bed, and now you better dream in it" suggests that they have to live with the outcomes of their actions. The lyrics also touch on themes of regret and longing for the past. The mention of "old toy soldiers and your mother's sleepers" evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence lost. It implies that the protagonist's actions have affected their relationships and memories. The song also includes a section where the protagonist questions their own actions and the consequences they may have on others. The lines "Surely I'm the correlation that's gonna cause her shame, So, what's she doing in my bed?" hint at guilt and a realization of the impact of their behavior on someone close to them. Overall, "Turning The Town Red" explores themes of rebellion, consequences, and reflecting on one's actions. It suggests that the protagonist's disruptive behavior has led to regret and a questioning of their own choices.
