"The Delivery Man" by Elvis Costello and The Imposters tells the story of several characters and their intertwined lives. The song begins by introducing Vivian, who brags about wild nights and beauty that she never truly possesses. She talks about a man named Abel, who is portrayed as a charming figure, resembling Elvis and Jesus. However, Abel is just a humble delivery man, contradicting the fantasies people have about him. Geraldine, another character, is skeptical of Vivian's tales and cleans up after her. She feels constant sadness since Abel left and knows Vivian is lying. Geraldine also has a daughter to raise and does not trust the Delivery Man, possibly referring to Abel. Lastly, Ivy is introduced, reflecting on her father's death due to misleading orders. She questions the significance of flags and medals, highlighting the meaningless violence he experienced. On July 5th, Abel and Ivy go missing during the fair when they notice all the local girls worth kissing. Ivy sees Abel as somewhat of a savior figure, resembling Elvis and Jesus. In one of Abel's lines, he asks why people can't be kind to him as they were supposed to be. After being released, he had a new identity and wanted to be seen as the Delivery Man that everyone dreams of. This line suggests a longing for acceptance and understanding. Overall, "The Delivery Man" delves into themes of longing, deception, and the disparity between people's fantasies and reality. It presents the interconnected lives of Vivian, Geraldine, and Ivy, with Abel serving as a symbolic figure for their desires and dreams. The song reflects on the complexity of human relationships and the longing for something more.
