"Church Underground" by Elvis Costello is a song that tells the story of a woman who has experienced a troubled and painful past, but remains resilient and determined to move forward. The lyrics describe the woman standing on a stage, wearing a simple dress and exuding both strength and vulnerability. Despite her calm demeanor, she hides a cunning and potentially dangerous nature beneath the surface. She challenges others to make assumptions about her, asserting that they don't truly know her mind or the depth of her past experiences. The song explores themes of deception and broken promises. The narrator admits that every word they have spoken is true, except for those that were broken in two. This suggests that there have been instances of dishonesty or betrayal in the past. The woman in the song seeks to find peace and redeem herself after nights of pretending. She looks for a pawnbroker or moneylender, symbolizing her search for someone who can provide financial security and stability. The mention of turning up the volume and then turning it down represents the trivial secrets that are buried underneath profound issues. The lyrics also touch upon the woman's personal journey of trying to cleanse herself from the influence of someone who has hurt her. She tries to wash off the fingerprints left by this person and feels compelled to make others feel inferior, perhaps as a way of regaining power and control. The woman has worked as a performer, but it seems that her sound doesn't resonate with people. The line "Why do you do me down, Mister? / Sing 'Hallelujah,' Sister" suggests that she questions why others criticize her while praising others. Despite this, she continues to pour her heart into her music, even though it might go unappreciated. The song also highlights the dichotomy between inner feelings and outward appearances. The woman's broken past contrasts with her calm exterior, and she is willing to confront the discrepancies between her public and private self. She is no martyr or plaster saint, and she rejects the notion of being confined to prescribed roles and expectations. The lyrics end with a sense of rebellion and empowerment. The woman is described as rolling and swinging, rising up like all hell and all hallows. She refuses to be understood by those who have not experienced what she has gone through. In the end, the lyrics suggest that the Church, which traditionally represents a place of solace and redemption, is not an adequate refuge for her. She chooses to create her own underground, a space where she can define her own identity and find freedom.
