The song "My Lovely Jezebel" by Elvis Costello tells the story of a mysterious woman who captivates the narrator's attention and brings chaos into his life. The lyrics suggest that she is surrounded by dark rumors and has a tendency to manipulate and deceive others. The phrase "Travels in blue and other humours" paints a picture of the woman being associated with melancholy or emotional instability. Despite her enigmatic nature, she has a powerful allure and impact on those around her. The line "Each time she walks in the room, brings in much more than you'd assume" implies that her presence brings unexpected consequences, both positive and negative. The narrator confesses falling under her spell, describing how he looked into her eyes and felt entranced. The reference to falling out through a window suggests a sense of being overwhelmed or losing oneself in her presence. The term "Jezebel" is often associated with a seductive and manipulative woman, which aligns with the character portrayed in the song. The title "My Lovely Jezebel" could imply a mix of fascination and frustration that the narrator feels towards her. The lyrics also hint at her ability to manipulate situations, as she suspects and questions the narrator's true intentions. Despite any doubt or contradictions, she manages to deceive him without being noticed. The song also touches on the theme of human nature, with the mention of man being a "miserable ape" and a "sad pile of sticks." This suggests that humans are prone to making mistakes and falling for deceit, and the woman in question takes advantage of this vulnerability. Overall, "My Lovely Jezebel" portrays a story of a woman who is captivating, dangerous, and capable of wreaking havoc on the narrator's life. The lyrics capture the narrator's fascination with her, his vulnerability to her manipulations, and the consequences of being involved with someone so unpredictable.
