My Mood Swings
Elvis Costello; The Brodsky Quartet Lyrics

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She was smitten from the first
By a curious fellow
She said I love the way you talk
And with a flounce she then announces
I love the way that you pronounce it: "Marshmallow"

So she liked to sing along
To her favourite song

From the year that she was born
She had mysterious affairs
Until she woke up in the '80's

So speak to me
Just like you should
And then you can say those wicked things
And if you want
We'll make it good
Before my mood swings

Well he looked like one of those
Who would take off his clothes
Like he would peel a tangerine
No-one's been known to decline this
Until I've found out what your sign is

So speak to me
Just like you should
And then you can say those wicked things
And if you want
We'll make it good
Before my mood swings

So speak to me
Just like you should
And then you can say those wicked things
And if you want

We'll make it good
Before my mood swings

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "My Mood Swings" by Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet are marked with a sense of whimsy and ambiguity, which is not uncommon in Costello's work. The opening lines convey the character's love-struck feelings towards a man who has caught her attention. She admires the way he talks and even finds joy in the way he pronounces the word "marshmallow." However, as the song progresses, it becomes unclear what their relationship is or where they stand.

The second verse shifts the focus to the male character, who is described as someone who has a willingness to be vulnerable and "take off his clothes." Despite this, his motive is not clear either. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the unpredictability of the characters' situation and the need to act before emotions change drastically.

Overall, the song creates a sense of playfulness and lightness, but beneath the surface, there's a sense of uncertainty and a fear of missed chances. It's hard to discern what the mood swings allude to, as the characters' motivation seems to be obscured deliberately.

Line by Line Meaning

She was smitten from the first
She was immediately infatuated with him.

By a curious fellow
He was an intriguing and unusual man.

She said I love the way you talk
She was enamored with his manner of speaking.

And with a flounce she then announces
She made a dramatic declaration.

I love the way that you pronounce it: "Marshmallow"
She appreciated his unique pronunciation of words.

So she liked to sing along
She enjoyed singing with her favorite song.

To her favourite song
Her preferred song to sing along with.

From the year that she was born
The song was from the same year she was born.

She had mysterious affairs
She was secretive and had romantic relationships.

Until she woke up in the '80's
She found herself in a new decade.

Well he looked like one of those
He appeared to be like others of a certain type.