Meaning of "Miss Macbeth" by Elvis Costello

"Miss Macbeth" by Elvis Costello delves into the idea of how people are often judged and misunderstood based on appearances and rumors rather than reality. The character of Miss Macbeth is seen as evil by the children in the neighborhood, who paint her as a villain in their tales, sprinkling "deadly nightshade" and constantly tormenting her. The song suggests that Miss Macbeth may simply be a scapegoat for the villagers to project their negativity onto, as even a scapegoat needs someone to hate. Despite her supposed wickedness, the lyrics hint at a vulnerability within Miss Macbeth, as she lives out tearful love songs and questions how she can miss something she has never possessed. The song ultimately challenges listeners to consider the harm caused by snap judgments and the complexities of human nature that go beyond surface appearances.