Meaning of "The Other End (Of The Telescope)" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

"The Other End (Of The Telescope)" delves into the theme of unrequited love or one-sided relationships, where one person is willing to go to great lengths to make the other person happy, but their efforts are not reciprocated. The narrator expresses a willingness to change their life, make sacrifices, and endure emotional turmoil for the sake of the other person, yet they feel unseen and unappreciated. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration, longing, and resignation to the fact that the other person may never fully understand or acknowledge the depth of their emotions. There is a sense of powerlessness and insignificance that comes across in the imagery of being at the "other end of the telescope," symbolizing the emotional distance and disconnect between the two individuals. The narrator's feelings of being small and unimportant in comparison to the other person highlight the imbalance and lack of mutual understanding in the relationship. Overall, the song captures the complex emotions that arise from loving someone who may never reciprocate those feelings or truly see the depth of one's devotion.