"My Mood Swings" is a song by Elvis Costello from his 1998 album "Painted from Memory." The song tells a story about a woman who becomes infatuated with a man due to his unique way of speaking and pronunciation. She is drawn to him and expresses her love for the way he says "marshmallow." As the story unfolds, the woman enjoys singing along to her favorite song from the year she was born. She also boasts about her ability to decipher complicated affairs and quickly calculate her age. This suggests she is confident and self-assured. The chorus emphasizes the importance of communication. The woman asks the man to speak to her properly with the intention of wanting to hear him say enticing things. She desires to engage in a satisfying relationship before her mood shifts. The second verse introduces another character, a man who appears to be reckless or unconventional. The lyrics describe him as someone who would have no qualms about exposing his vulnerability or stripping himself metaphorically, just like peeling a tangerine. The line "Don't ****** know what truly blind is, once you have found out what your sign is" is somewhat ambiguous, but it suggests that once someone discovers their true nature or identity, they can no longer feign ignorance. Overall, "My Mood Swings" is a lyrical exploration of attraction, communication, and the search for genuine connections in relationships. It reflects Costello's knack for incorporating clever wordplay and storytelling into his songs.
