"The Name Of This Thing Is Not Love" by Elvis Costello and The Imposters is a song that explores the complex and often confusing nature of relationships. The lyrics depict a feeling that cannot be killed, but it is not referred to as love. The protagonist seems to be struggling with their emotions and the limitations of traditional remedies like potions or pills. The song touches upon the fleetingness of life and how it is not enough time to fully understand this unnamed feeling. The lyrics also mention a bruise on someone's arm and blood on the floor, suggesting a physically abusive situation. However, despite claiming to adore the girl being taunted, the name of this emotion is not love. The protagonist reflects on someone they still think about, even though they try to forget them. There are occasional moments that they cherish, like watching her dress, but it is unclear whether this relationship was a positive or negative experience. The lyrics also mention discarded tokens and rings left behind by one of the protagonist's flings, insinuating a pattern of failed relationships. The protagonist throws something into a rushing river, symbolizing a loss that cannot be recovered, yet still, the name of this thing remains unnamed. In the end, the song suggests that pretending to be tough is a coping mechanism, but it is not a substitute for understanding or labeling this complex emotion. The implied message is that love is not as simple as it may seem, and sometimes the name of this thing is simply unknown.
