The song "Miss Macbeth" by Elvis Costello tells the story of a woman named Miss Macbeth who is portrayed as mysterious and potentially evil. The lyrics depict her physical appearance, with references to her black eyes and pale complexion. She is described as sweating india ink and writing poison-pen letters, suggesting a malicious nature. The song also introduces a hanging tree outside the narrator's bedroom window, which symbolizes impending danger. Miss Macbeth is portrayed as disruptive, beating a broom on the ceiling and causing disturbances. The lyrics raise the question of whether she is truly evil or simply playing a role, like a pantomime character. The chorus suggests that Miss Macbeth lives out a love song every day, filled with sadness and regret. The lyrics ponder how one can miss something they have never possessed, implying that Miss Macbeth yearns for a love that has eluded her. The song continues by describing how the children in the neighborhood taunt and torment Miss Macbeth, portraying her as a scapegoat. The lyrics hint at her rising to the bait and developing a hatred towards someone. The second chorus reinforces Miss Macbeth's longing for a love she has never had, expressing the sentiment that someone else is enjoying love while she remains deprived. The song then delves into the idea that some people are exactly as they appear, lacking any possibility of redemption. It suggests that despite our efforts to present ourselves as upright and moral, we may not truly understand ourselves. The song concludes with a disturbing image of Miss Macbeth possessing a gollywog, a racially offensive doll, which she treats tenderly before impaling it on a pin. This is followed by a mysterious incident involving a boy in the neighborhood who experiences pain and distress after encountering Miss Macbeth. Overall, "Miss Macbeth" explores themes of unrequited love, the perception of evil, and the complexities of human nature.
