Pump It Up

Elvis Costello's 'Pump It Up' is a high-energy critique of the excesses and superficiality of modern life. The song's driving beat and relentless rhythm mirror the frenetic pace of contemporary society, where people are constantly bombarded with stimuli and pressured to keep up. The lyrics paint a picture of someone caught in a whirlwind of distractions, from muzak to fashion shows, and struggling to find meaning amidst the noise. The repeated refrain, 'Pump it up until you can feel it,' suggests a desperate attempt to fill a void, to feel something real in a world that often feels artificial and hollow.

The song also delves into the darker side of desire and addiction. The lines 'She's like a chemical. Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic' evoke the idea of being hooked on something or someone that is ultimately destructive. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for various forms of addiction, whether to substances, consumerism, or even toxic relationships. The imagery of 'putting up your temperature' and 'fall into submission' further emphasizes the loss of control and the overwhelming nature of these compulsions.

Costello's sharp, almost cynical tone throughout the song underscores the sense of disillusionment with the superficial aspects of modern culture. The references to 'propaganda' and 'slander' highlight the pervasive influence of media and the often manipulative nature of the information we consume. In this context, 'Pump It Up' can be seen as a call to wake up and recognize the emptiness of these pursuits, urging listeners to seek out more meaningful and authentic experiences.