The song "Red Cotton" by Elvis Costello explores the dark history of the African slave trade and its lasting impact on society. The lyrics depict the destructive nature of slavery and the consequences it had on both African nations and European homes. The song begins with the narrator cutting up a pure white dress and dyeing it red, symbolizing the violence and bloodshed that occurred during the slave trade. The scraps of the dress are then placed in cheap lockets, representing the trivialization and disregard for the lives and memories of those who suffered. The lyrics mention the "Blessing," a slave ship that sailed from Liverpool, highlighting the involvement of the Royal Navy in the slave trade. The ship sets out to plunder the Kingdom of Benin, where the narrator describes the ending of a certain history and the beginning of shame. The next verse describes the Dahomey traders who traded African prisoners for goods such as gunpowder and ammunition. These prisoners were then tightly packed into slave ships and transported to the "brand new world" where they faced the cruelty of auction blocks and whips. The chorus reiterates the cutting of the white dress and sending the scraps to European homes, suggesting that the consequences of the slave trade cannot be escaped or forgotten. The following verses depict the hypocrisy of the European merchants who profit from the slave trade. The white sheets on their beds are stained with blood, alluding to the suffering endured by enslaved Africans. The merchants gather at St. George's Hall, where a slave sculpture is unveiled, highlighting the exploitation and objectification of enslaved individuals. The song continues to describe the loading of iron shackles and locks at the docks, portraying the dehumanization and commodification of slaves. The nameless faces of those being sold are mentioned, emphasizing the loss of identity and autonomy experienced by the enslaved. The lyrics then shift to the American Museum, where the narrator portrays a bizarre display of God's creations, including a blue whale in the basement and an elephant on the second floor. This spectacle reflects the absurdity and distraction from the harsh realities of slavery. However, the song concludes with a call for accountability and justice. The Lord is depicted as the ultimate judge who will bring fire and thunder upon those responsible. The narrator questions the value of money and numbers when compared to the recognition and equality of all humans as brothers and sisters. Overall, "Red Cotton" explores the horrors of the African slave trade, condemning the dehumanization, cruelty, and lasting consequences of this dark period in history.
