“Something Up Your Sleeve” is a poem that explores the subtle signs of infidelity, capturing the emotional turbulence that arises in a relationship shadowed by suspicion. It opens by observing changes in the partner’s behavior—heightened attention to appearance, avoidance, and extended absences. As the poem unfolds, the tone shifts to reflect growing indifference, frequent arguments, and accusations of infidelity directed at the speaker. The relationship’s deterioration brings feelings of estrangement and fading affection to the forefront. Throughout, the speaker wrestles with the unsettling prospect of betrayal, ultimately seeking clarity by urging the partner to confront and confess any disloyalty. The poem poignantly captures the haunting uncertainty of love compromised by deceit.
When it came to creating the music video, I initially struggled to choose a single track from the three available. To gauge interest, I posted sample soundclips of each track on Instagram. The responses varied, so I invited my Instagram friends and community to participate by voting in a poll. Almost unanimously, the community selected Track 1 (Reimagined version), which ultimately became the version featured in the official music video.
For the original album release, Volume One (I Left You Before You Could Leave Me), I scoured hundreds of stock images for inspiration for the single’s cover. One image stood out: a woman with her eyes obscured by a red scarf, leaving only her bright red lips visible. It was perfect—the covered eyes symbolizing secrecy, hinting that she is hiding something, while still conveying a strong sense of allure and mystery.
When designing the cover for the revamped single, I discovered three striking images. Rather than choosing one, I shared all three on Instagram, each corresponding to a track. The image associated with Track 1 – the Reimagined version – became the main album cover for the 3-track single.
In the music video, I carried forward the motif of the woman in the red scarf. She appears in many frames wearing a flowing red strapless dress, symbolizing grace and elegance, with a thin, sheer red veil covering her face. The see-through veil represents her partial transparency—she conceals much, yet some of her actions remain visible to the male protagonist, who can perceive the subtle truths behind her lies and deceptions.
Scenes depict the male character dining alone or finishing his wine while hers remains untouched, symbolizing his futile attempts to wait for her attention. In the video’s closing moments, he waits at home for her return, only for her to walk past him silently, disregarding his presence. Throughout, she is seen avoiding meaningful interaction—engaging more with her phone, walking away when he approaches, or instigating arguments that he attempts to defuse.
To add an air of luxury and sophistication, the video’s setting is an oceanfront property, with interiors inspired by timeless European design from the 18th and 19th centuries. Elegant wood moldings and wainscoting throughout the home underscore this sense of refined, classic luxury.
The video concludes with a brief exchange inside a silver 1960 Porsche 356B Convertible.After their brief conversation, she returns to the house while the car drives away—a quiet, mutual decision that marks the couple’s breakup… or perhaps just another temporary separation. The viewers can decide the outcome.
I hope this behind-the-scenes look offers a deeper understanding of the concepts and imagery behind the “Something Up Your Sleeve” music video. For more music, poems, and insights into upcoming projects, follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, subscribe to my YouTube channel, or visit christopherlouiebooks.com for regular updates.
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