The song "She Was No Good" by Elvis Costello tells a tragic and true tale set on Mississippi riverboats. The lyrics describe a woman who is not a good person, causing trouble and demanding things from those around her. The first verse introduces the story on the "Magnolia" riverboat where tensions rise and the woman's behavior becomes increasingly difficult. In the second verse, the scene shifts to the "E. W. Stephens" riverboat on the Cumberland river. More chaos ensues as conflicts escalate and weapons are drawn. The narrator experiences a physical blow that leaves a mark on his cheek. The lyrics then delve into a commentary on the All-American Tour, expressing that this journey has not been a highlight. The narrator describes the tour as teetering on the edge of war and criticizes the imitation Europeans performing in Northern prosceniums (the arched stage area in a theater). The song also alludes to the history of slavery and the violence that has stained the cotton fields and slave plantations along the river. Overall, "She Was No Good" paints a picture of tumultuous events and the negative impact of one person's actions on a riverboat journey. It highlights themes of conflict, deception, and the dark history of the United States.
