"Georgie And Her Rival" is a song by Elvis Costello from his album titled "Punch the Clock" released in 1983. The song tells the story of a woman named Georgie who dislikes her own name, associating it with someone insignificant. She receives sporadic calls from a man who says he will call whenever he can, but the frequency is inconsistent. Georgie feels a mix of emotions when the phone rings while she's half-asleep. The caller's voice drags her down with its suggestions, which might imply that he is manipulative or controlling. Despite feeling cheated, Georgie never considers herself cheap, suggesting she has a strong sense of self-worth. The chorus speaks of a mysterious feeling that fills the heart and makes one feel alive, which is impossible to tear apart. This could refer to the intense emotions Georgie experiences because of the phone calls or her rivalry with the mysterious caller. As time passes and the man does not call since New Year's Day, Georgie's mother frequently calls and talks at length, but Georgie struggles to be attentive. In the back of her mind, she worries that her mysterious rival is lurking, possibly envious of her relationship with the caller. Georgie's rival typically contacts the man in the late hours, and he is usually desperate and intoxicated. She enjoys hurting him to prove his devotion to her, but there is another person in the picture, someone who requires less persuasion. Georgie's rival takes advantage of the man's vulnerability, knowing he will love her regardless of how she treats him, just so he can be with her. Georgie wants to test his loyalty to determine which type of love he prefers. The man sits with his address book, contemplating his mood and scrolling past Georgie's name in search of someone easier to please. He fails to recognize Georgie's true intentions and doesn't leave her abruptly like he promised on her answering machine, causing her to almost feel embarrassed. In the end, Georgie plays the man's recorded promise over the speaker-phone whenever she has company. This action might be her way of exposing the fickle nature of their relationship to others. The song explores themes of insecurity, manipulative relationships, and the search for true affection. It showcases how Georgie navigates her rivalry with another woman for the attention and affection of a man who appears to be unreliable. The lyrics leave room for interpretation, allowing listeners to connect the story to their own experiences of love, jealousy, and self-doubt.
