I don't think Costello is unsympathetic to their dilemma. First line: "Is it worth it?" They're talking among themselves. They're well aware of the implications. How many employees of, say, General Electric or Raytheon possess the same consciousness?
Costello generously allowed Robert Wyatt to record this song first, when it was more topical. It became one of Wyatt's best-known performances. Not that Wyatt needed help. His critical reputation has always been impeccable, and he made the best LP of his career (Rock Bottom) while recovering from the accident which made him a paraplegic & hence no longer able to play drums.
I don't think Costello is unsympathetic to their dilemma. First line: "Is it worth it?" They're talking among themselves. They're well aware of the implications. How many employees of, say, General Electric or Raytheon possess the same consciousness?
Costello generously allowed Robert Wyatt to record this song first, when it was more topical. It became one of Wyatt's best-known performances. Not that Wyatt needed help. His critical reputation has always been impeccable, and he made the best LP of his career (Rock Bottom) while recovering from the accident which made him a paraplegic & hence no longer able to play drums.