The song "Someone Took The Words Away" by Elvis Costello explores the struggles of communication and expression. The lyrics depict the narrator's frustration and inability to articulate their thoughts and emotions. The song suggests that someone or something has taken away their ability to speak and share their feelings. The lyrics allude to a sense of powerlessness, as the narrator confesses that they can hardly move their lips for speaking. They express a desire to explain something they cannot fully understand themselves, blaming the unplaceable emotions for this difficulty. The line "Perhaps they're written on my face" suggests that their inner turmoil is visible to others, even if they cannot fully verbalize it. The chorus emphasizes the narrator's struggle to communicate effectively. They question why the other person doesn't speak up and say what they truly mean, as if urging them to break the silence and help bridge the communication gap. The narrator acknowledges their ability to converse with themselves, but their confidence wavers when the other person is present, causing them to decline any invitation to communicate. The lyrics convey a feeling of being "tongue-tied," as the narrator experiences a change that renders them unable to express what they know and feel. They fear that attempting to speak will only result in their voice breaking, further hindering their ability to convey their thoughts. The repetition of "Someone took the words away" throughout the song emphasizes the narrator's frustration and longing for the return of their ability to communicate effectively. Overall, "Someone Took The Words Away" portrays the challenges faced when communication becomes difficult or blocked, highlighting the importance of open and effective expression in meaningful connections.
