"The Crooked Line" is a song by Elvis Costello from his 1989 album "Spike." The lyrics depict the singer's contemplation of life, love, and relationships, expressing his resistance to conforming to societal expectations and his search for a true companion. The song opens with the lines "Life isn't a game, won or tied, lost by either side," suggesting that life is not as simple as a competition with clear winners or losers. Costello rejects the idea of following the straight and narrow path that some people consider to be the right way to live. He acknowledges that this traditional notion of a predictable and conventional life doesn't appeal to him. Costello then turns his attention to love, stating that it is not a trial of strength and weakness. He contrasts light and darkness, emphasizing that love can bring illumination to even the darkest times. He challenges the notion that a worthwhile relationship can only start with a strong initial spark, suggesting that the slow burn of a connection can be just as meaningful. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "If you were my life's companion, as it seems you may turn out to be." Here, Costello expresses his hope of finding a true companion who shares his unconventional outlook on life and love. He contemplates the idea of this person waiting for him at the very end of this "crooked line," which represents the unpredictable and often challenging journey of life. Overall, "The Crooked Line" is a reflection on the complexities and uncertainties of life and love. It portrays Costello's desire to find someone who understands and embraces his unique perspective, someone who will be there for him at the end of life's unpredictable and non-linear path.
