"The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes" is a song by Elvis Costello, released in 1977 as a part of his album "My Aim Is True." The song reflects Costello's personal experiences and emotions, presenting a story filled with frustration, heartbreak, and the consequences of seeking revenge. The lyrics begin by describing the transformation of the narrator's feelings. He used to be disgusted but now tries to find amusement in his life. However, he feels that the angels, metaphorically representing a higher power or fate, want to take away his happiness and wear his red shoes. The red shoes can symbolize the narrator's freedom, individuality, or confidence. They represent something special that he possesses, but others desire. The angels wanting to wear his red shoes reflects the idea that everyone seeks what others have, even if it means taking it away from them. The song continues with the narrator watching someone he once loved dancing with someone else, which had led to the fracture of their relationship. He expresses his pain, questioning why everyone wants to be close to the person who hurt him. The perspective changes in the following verse, where Costello introduces another character, a woman who is disgusted and abused. She grows tired of the superficial desires and lust surrounding her, but finds it hard to refuse. It appears that the narrator has been involved with this woman, and she feels used and mistreated. The lyrics then shift to a confrontational conversation between the narrator and the woman. He expresses his happiness, stating he could die from it, to which she responds with disdain, leaving him for another man. This rejection brings about a sense of regret for seeking vengeance, as the narrator is now stuck with the consequences of his actions. Overall, "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" delves into themes of desire, envy, emotional turmoil, and the repercussions of seeking revenge. It captures the complexities of relationships and the difficulties of finding contentment in a world where everyone constantly desires what others possess.
