Elvis Costello's song "I Dreamed Of My Old Lover Last Night" is a reflective and introspective piece about longing for a past love and the feelings it evokes. The lyrics suggest a sense of nostalgia and curiosity as the narrator dreams about their old lover. The song begins with the narrator wondering if they spoke out loud while dreaming and if their lover overheard. This implies a desire for their old lover to still be present in their life. However, they acknowledge that their lover has moved on and put the narrator's face back in the crowd, suggesting that they have become forgotten or lost in the lover's memory. The lyrics then describe the old lover's eyes as clear and gentle, reminiscing a time when they brought comfort and kissed away troubles. The narrator longs to fall asleep again to experience this dream once more and wonders how their old lover would look now, possibly alluding to their physical appearance or the changes they may have undergone. The song then shifts focus to the narrator's speculation about the potential future of their relationship and their hypothetical children. They ponder whether their kids would grow sullen or strong, indicating the uncertainties and concerns about the impact of their past love on future generations. The mention of "limbs bronze in solitude and sun" suggests the possibility of their children being shaped by resilience and independence. The lyrics convey a sense of isolation and secrecy as the narrator admits to rarely dreaming of anyone and keeping their fantasies to themselves. They keep their lipstick twisted tight, suggesting a metaphorical restraint or suppression of their desires and emotions. The song concludes with the repeated desire to fall asleep again and dream of the old lover. This emphasizes the longing and yearning present throughout the song, as the past memories and emotions associated with the old lover continue to occupy the narrator's thoughts. Overall, "I Dreamed Of My Old Lover Last Night" encapsulates the bittersweet emotions and nostalgia surrounding a lost love while contemplating the possibilities of the future and the longing for connection.
