The song "It Tears Me Up" was not actually performed by Elvis Costello, but it was originally recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966. However, if you'd like an interpretation of the lyrics, here it is: "It Tears Me Up" conveys the emotional turmoil and heartbreak that the singer is going through, as they witness their former love being happy with someone else. The lyrics describe how they observe their ex-partner walking and talking with their new love interest, kissing and touching them, which deeply upsets the singer. They express their pain through tears and the inability to stop crying. The singer acknowledges that they are still in love with their ex-partner, despite the hurt they feel when seeing them with someone else. The world is depicted as lacking loyalty, as the ex is seen with the singer's best friend. The singer describes how their ex sometimes looks sorry when they pass each other on the street, but then smiles at their new love interest, which makes the singer feel worse. The chorus emphasizes the singer's longing for their past love and their inability to have what they desire. They describe their hunger for something they can't have, which tears them up inside. Overall, the song captures the anguish and sadness of unrequited love, as the singer is forced to witness their former love being happy with someone else, leaving them longing for a love that is no longer attainable.
