Meaning of "After The Fall" by Elvis Costello

The lyrics of "After The Fall" present a bleak and disillusioned depiction of a failing relationship. The imagery of anonymous rendezvous, burning candles, and fake country settings in the bedroom suggests a superficial attempt at rekindling a passion that has long died. The woman's detachment, the man's sense of resignation, and their mutual dishonesty highlight the futility of trying to salvage what was once a passionate connection. The final lines about feeling like shattered mannequins thrown through a window in a riot reveal a sense of loss, brokenness, and despair. The song captures the raw emotions of disappointment, emptiness, and resignation that can come from holding onto something that has already fallen apart. It reflects on the ways in which people try to recreate a love that has faded, only to realize that some things are irreparable and some changes are irreversible.