The song "Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter" by Elvis Costello and The Imposters tells a story about a woman who is reflecting on a deteriorating relationship with her partner. The lyrics express her confusion and hurt as she questions what she has done to deserve punishment from her partner. The woman wakes up one day to discover that her partner is gradually disappearing from her life. As she overhears voices and whispers, the lyrics suggest that she may be surrounded by gossip and judgement from others, adding to her distress. However, the song advises against listening to such negative talk. The woman finds herself alone, surrounded by her wealth and material possessions. The lyrics mention her erasing her partner's presence from the pictures on the refrigerator, symbolizing the removal of him from their shared life. She takes care of her responsibilities, paying the bills and the babysitter, indicating her independence. The song hints at a past time when the woman believed the relationship would last a lifetime. However, things have drastically changed, and her partner has become distant and unkind. He can easily break hearts and manipulate emotions, turning affection into bitterness. The lyrics portray the woman losing her love and admiration for him, stating she knows nothing about him anymore. Throughout the song, there is an underlying theme of bitterness, comparing it to burnt sugar. The lyrics suggest that burnt sugar leaves a sour taste, much like the bitter emotions the woman is experiencing. The repeated reference to burnt sugar serves as a metaphor for the damaged and bitter state of the relationship. The song also touches on the woman's role as a mother, with her children painting their father out of the pictures. The lyrics mention the woman trying to hide her nervousness, possibly to protect her children from the reality of the situation. In summary, "Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter" narrates a story of a woman grappling with the end of a once-loving relationship. It explores themes of bitterness, disappointment, and the aftermath of a broken bond.
