Meaning of "Who Do You Think You Are?" by Elvis Costello

The lyrics of "Who Do You Think You Are?" delve into themes of identity, displacement, and unrequited love. The narrator observes someone putting on a facade, pretending to be someone they are not, as they navigate through social interactions with false charm and shallow wit. The imagery of the cigarette burning down to the ash and the unstained coffee cup symbolize the passage of time and a lack of emotional investment in the scene. The sense of longing and betrayal is further emphasized through references to punchlines unrewarded and sea-shell hearts getting trampled, highlighting the pain of unreciprocated feelings and broken promises. The repetition of the question "Who do you think you are?" serves as a reflection on the authenticity and sincerity of others, mirroring the narrator's struggle with acceptance and moving on from a past relationship that still haunts them. The closing lines convey a sense of resignation and longing, as the narrator tries to come to terms with the absence of someone they once cared deeply for, acknowledging the difficulty of letting go even when the bond has been severed.