Elvis Costello named OBE: It confirms my suspicion nobody really listens to the words

Elvis Costello has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music, which he, at first, decided not to accept, but then, after a conversation with his mother, changed his mind and accepted it, Spin reports. Costello's music has often been critical of British imperialism and politics - "it is hard to receive anything named for the 'British Empire', and all that term embodies, without a pause for reflection", he says in his letter and adds - "I’m pretty tickled to receive this acknowledgement for my 'Services To Music', as it confirms my long held suspicion nobody really listens to the words in songs or the outcome might have been somewhat different." In the end, though, he says he's "happy to accept this very surprising honour".