"Wise Up Ghost" is a song by Elvis Costello and The Roots. The song follows a narrative of societal issues, introspection, and reflection. The lyrics suggest a theme of awakening and realization, urging listeners to wise up and face the realities of the world. The line "Last lions roar before they're tamed" symbolizes the loss of strength and freedom, representing individuals who are silenced or controlled by society. The song also touches on the idea of redemption and learning from past mistakes. Costello sings about being aware that he can't go back to the way things were, accepting that change is necessary for personal growth. There are references to different characters and situations throughout the song. The line "Old woman living in a cardboard shoe" could symbolize someone who has faced hardship and feels lost. The verse "Lost girl found on the radio, Down around Larado" portrays a girl seeking solace through music, possibly escaping her troubled reality. The lyrics encourage questioning authority and not blindly trusting institutions or individuals. The lines "Fool's Gold turns rivets into rust, 'Til you don't know who to trust" suggest that false promises and deceit can erode one's trust and faith in others. The song also explores themes of isolation and detachment. The lines "Trapped within a House of Feathers, Sitting in a Shirt of Wire, Howling at a Wall of Flowers" depict a person feeling confined and overwhelmed by their circumstances, desperately searching for a way out. Ultimately, "Wise Up Ghost" is a call to action, urging listeners to become more aware and conscious of the world around them, to question societal norms and expectations, and to strive for personal growth and understanding.
