"National Ransom" is a song by Elvis Costello from his album of the same name, released in 2010. The lyrics of the song touch upon various themes and paint a vivid picture of societal and political turmoil. The song begins with the lines "Running pell-mell and harum-scarum, running as hot as they do or dare." These lines suggest a sense of chaos and recklessness. The mention of "Cut-Throat Cuthbert And Millicent St. Cyr" refers to dubious characters, highlighting the presence of corruption and deceit. The second verse mentions "the real old Macau" and "the new False Americas," representing contrasting places with different values and ideologies. The phrase "liberated territories" signifies a struggle for freedom and the challenges faced in achieving it. The following lines describe a mother picking bones for breakfast, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the difficulty of survival and making ends meet. The mention of a wolf at the window symbolizes the constant threat and danger looming over people's lives. The lyrics then pose questions about lying and cheating, suggesting a cynical view of the elite and the pursuit of wealth and power. The phrase "exact, perfect object" may refer to an object of desire or success that remains elusive. The chorus emphasizes the contrast between the running wild and childish tantrums of those in power versus the everyday struggles of the working class. The line "paying off the National Ransom" implies that ordinary people are constantly burdened by the consequences of political and economic decisions. The lines about hocus-pocus and running us ragged suggest a lack of transparency and the systematic exploitation of society. The reference to Wall St. and the contempt it elicits highlights the disconnect between those in power and the common people. Towards the end, the lyrics mention letters pealing slowly from speech, possibly alluding to communication breakdown and the struggle to convey meaning. The wailing outside indicates the distress and hardships faced by individuals. Overall, "National Ransom" tells a story of social and political unrest, capturing the frustrations and struggles of ordinary people at the hands of those in power. The song criticizes the elite, explores themes of inequality and corruption, and highlights the endurance and resilience of the common man in the face of adversity.
