Meaning of "Couldn't Call It Unexpected No. 4" by Elvis Costello

The lyrics of "Couldn't Call It Unexpected No. 4" by Elvis Costello delve into themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The girl's fixation on her deceased father, clinging to the remnants of his life, symbolizes a yearning for permanence and security in an uncertain world. The narrator's musings on love and mortality highlight the transience of life and relationships, as well as the universal fear of the unknown and our inability to explain it. The imagery of things fading, such as eyes closing and the evening ending, further emphasizes the inevitability of change and the passing of all things. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of disillusionment and questioning of belief, as the narrator struggles to find meaning in a world filled with loss and uncertainty.