The Imposter
Elvis Costello Lyrics


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Trying to be too bad
Trying to talk too tough
Trying to jack the lad
You'd think he'd had enough

But he's not the man you'd think that he can be
I just don't know why you can't see
That he is only the imposter
That he is only the imposter

You've never been this far
You've always been too smart
And you know all our boys
Are really girls at heart

But he's not...

When I said that I was lying I might have been lying
Never let me hear you say you're not trying

This is your big decision
Hope you're not disappointed
He's got double vision
When you want him double jointed

And he's not...

He'll only bring you souvenirs




It's only gonna end in tears
And he is only the imposter

Overall Meaning

The song The Imposter by Elvis Costello is about a man, who seems to be trying too hard to be something he is not. The lyrics mention how he is trying to be bad and talk tough, but the ultimate feeling is that he is not genuine. The singer urges the listener not to be fooled by this man, who is simply an imposter, and not the person he portrays himself to be. The chorus repeats this message several times, emphasizing how the man is not what he seems.


As the song progresses, the lyrics take a turn and the singer addresses someone who has not been this far before, who has always been smart and knows that some boys are actually girls at heart. The lyrics suggest that this person is about to make a big decision and warns them not to be disappointed. The man they are interested in has double vision and is only going to bring them souvenirs, and the relationship will end in tears. Again, it is reiterated that he is only the imposter.


The song is a cautionary tale about not being fooled by people who pretend to be something they are not. The lyrics are straightforward and to the point, warning the listener to be careful and not get their hopes up about someone who is only playing a role. Overall, The Imposter has a catchy beat and interesting lyrics that make it a great listen.


Line by Line Meaning

Trying to be too bad
Attempting to be overly daring or tough


Trying to talk too tough
Attempting to speak with an excessively assertive or aggressive tone


Trying to jack the lad
Making attempts to seem like a bad boy or a rebel


You'd think he'd had enough
One would expect that he would be satisfied with his behavior by now


But he's not the man you'd think that he can be
He is not what he appears to be on the surface


I just don't know why you can't see
It is unclear why you are unable to perceive or recognize his true nature


That he is only the imposter
He is simply a fraud or a fake


You've never been this far
You have not previously been involved in such a situation


You've always been too smart
You have traditionally been intelligent enough to avoid such scenarios


And you know all our boys
You are aware that all of our male associates


Are really girls at heart
Are actually sensitive or emotional in nature, despite appearances to the contrary


When I said that I was lying I might have been lying
It is possible that I was not telling the truth when I claimed to be dishonest


Never let me hear you say you're not trying
Do not express a lack of effort in front of me


This is your big decision
This is a significant choice or commitment that you are making


Hope you're not disappointed
I hope that you are not dissatisfied or let down


He's got double vision
He is experiencing a visual impairment in which he sees two of everything


When you want him double jointed
When you need him to be extremely flexible


He'll only bring you souvenirs
He will only bring you mementos or keepsakes


It's only gonna end in tears
This situation will inevitably conclude with sadness or disappointment


And he is only the imposter
He is simply a fake or a pretender




Contributed by Leah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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