"Don't Look Now" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Imposters. The lyrics convey a sense of self-consciousness and vulnerability, as well as a desire for attention and validation. The song opens with the narrator urging someone not to look at them, implying they are feeling insecure and not presentable in some way. They sarcastically offer the option of wearing expensive fur to divert attention from their appearance. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is lacking confidence in their outward appearance or perhaps feeling judged. As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges that they have noticed someone stealing glances at them but urges them not to observe their movements or physical features too closely. This reveals the narrator's awareness of being objectified and their attempt to maintain some level of control over how they are perceived. However, the tone changes in the chorus as the narrator challenges the listener to really look at them and question what they see. Perhaps they are tired of being objectified and want to be seen for who they truly are, beyond surface judgments. The repetition of "Looking at how you're looking at me" suggests a desire for deeper connection and understanding. As the song continues, the lyrics explore the narrator's ability to read the listener's mind and their promise to behave better in the future. This could imply that the narrator has been misunderstood or misrepresented in the past and wants to rectify that in their future interactions. In the final verse, the narrator wonders what the listener sees when they observe them and questions whether the listener will think of them later when they are alone. This highlights the narrator's longing for a genuine connection and validation from the listener, even when they are not present. Overall, "Don't Look Now" explores themes of insecurity, self-consciousness, objectification, and the desire for authentic connection.
