The song "Down Among The Wine And Spirits" by Elvis Costello tells the story of a man who has fallen from his previous high status and is now drowning his sorrows in alcohol. The lyrics describe how he once had a great love and set his mind on her completely but has since lost her. The man is depicted as walking around with a constant pain that never ceases. He tries to speak but ends up going to pieces, suggesting that he is emotionally broken. He lives with the lingering words of their final argument and the emptiness left behind by their separation. Despite his despair, there is a moment where the man picks himself up from a sawdust floor, referring to a bar or tavern. He clicks his fingers to the swinging door, seemingly looking for escape or distraction. He calls out for more, possibly indicating a desire for more alcohol to numb his pain. The man realizes that he has become twice as foolish as he was before, suggesting that his love and its subsequent loss have made him even more vulnerable. The lyrics also mention bubbles escaping from his glass of wine, symbolizing the temporary relief he finds in alcohol. Memories of his lost love appear in his mind like a beautiful ship sailing, but as the ship sinks, it represents the sinking feeling of despair he experiences. He drowns his sorrows in alcohol, which fill his nights and seemingly offer no hope for a better tomorrow. The man speaks of invisible things that he hardly believes in, suggesting that he may be grappling with his faith or struggling to find meaning in his life. Overall, "Down Among The Wine And Spirits" portrays a man who has lost love and has turned to alcohol as a way to cope with his pain and loneliness.
