"Under Lime" by Elvis Costello and The Imposters tells a story about a former celebrity who is trying to make a comeback after falling from grace. The lyrics depict the protagonist, who was once on a "high horse," being humbled by his failures and desperate circumstances. The song begins by describing how the protagonist, who is down on his luck, watches a train roll by in the rain. He then reappears in the showbiz industry, eager to revive his career. Despite his desperation and financial struggles, he agrees to entertain a young girl who works as a clipboard holder, instructed not to reveal her identity or let him consume alcohol. As the story progresses, the protagonist is shown as flawed and imperfect. He whistles out of tune, and his words don't always rhyme. The song hints at his troubled past and the mistakes he's made. However, he tries to impress someone in a dressing room, only to be rejected. The lyrics also allude to a romantic encounter with a woman who is unaware of his troubled past. They have a deep conversation, and the protagonist asks about her boyfriend and family. He then requests a pill and talks about his "dying will," seemingly contemplating his own demise. The clock ticks away, and the band begins to play, intensifying the atmosphere. In a moment of reflection, the protagonist considers the consequences of his actions. He realizes that he's been lucky not to be caught for his past crimes and deceits. But the clock keeps ticking, urging the story forward. The song concludes with the protagonist acknowledging his fall from grace and the difficulties of recovering one's reputation. He notes that it's a long way down from the high horse he was once on and that to make a successful comeback, he needs to cover his tracks and bury his past mistakes under lime. The repeating line underscores the consequences of his actions and the challenges he faces. Overall, "Under Lime" tells a cautionary tale about fame, downfall, and rebuilding one's life in the face of adversity. It speaks to the complexities of human nature, the consequences of past actions, and the difficulties of redemption.
