In Elvis Costello's song "Fallen," the lyrics depict the changing of seasons as represented by the leaves turning yellow, red, and brown before eventually falling down. This metaphor extends to reflect on personal experiences and emotions. The line "I never did what I was told, I trampled through the amber and the burnished gold" suggests a rebellious nature or refusal to conform to societal expectations. The speaker acknowledges how the young can be unkind or ruthless. The following lines, "You can convince yourself of anything, If you wish both hard and long, And I believed that life was wonderful, Right up to the moment when love went wrong," delve into the theme of self-deception. The speaker admits to building a positive image of life, only to have it shattered when faced with the disappointment of love. Looking up at the tree-tops and laughing may symbolize a sense of irony or a coping mechanism to mask pain. The plea for someone to "shake me loose" reveals a desire for liberation from these conflicting emotions and a longing for clarity about what happens next. In the final line "There I go, beginning to fall," the word "fall" could refer to a literal fall from the tree-tops or a metaphorical fall from grace or happiness. It suggests a loss of control and a need for assistance in navigating through life's uncertainties. Overall, "Fallen" explores themes of youth, disillusionment, self-deception, and the longing for clarity and support in times of emotional turbulence.
