The song "Suspect My Tears" by Elvis Costello and The Imposters talks about a relationship dynamic where one person has been dominant and controlling for a long time. The narrator, who has been submissive in the past, decides to change the power dynamic. They realize that the other person uses tears as a manipulative tool and decides to use the same strategy to regain control. The lyrics suggest that the dominant person has always been able to get what they want by crying and making the narrator feel guilty or powerless. The narrator has observed this behavior and learns how to play the same game. They start crying too, hoping to make the dominant person suspect their own tears and realize that they are not the only ones who can manipulate emotions. The lyrics also touch upon the hurtful actions of the dominant person, mentioning how they have made the narrator feel bad and how they have promised to lose control but quickly melt afterwards. The narrator is tired of always giving in and wants to change the power dynamics in the relationship. There is an element of hypocrisy in the song, with the narrator admitting that they are willing to cheat and be sly in order to regain control. The song suggests that two manipulative people are colliding, with each trying to outdo the other. Overall, "Suspect My Tears" explores themes of power, manipulation, and the desire to regain control in a relationship where one person has had dominance for too long.
