---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's what's on the record not what labels…"
description: "\"It's what's on the record not what labels on it. You know, that's like getting a box of cornflakes and eating the cardboard.\" — Elvis Costello"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/709/elvis-costello-1931_boxes_it-s-what-s-on-the-record-not-what-label_1433200.jpg"
---

#  It's what's on the record not what labels on it. You know…

![“It's what's on the record not what labels on it. You know, that's like getting a box of cornflakes and eating the cardboard.” quote by Elvis Costello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/709/elvis-costello-1931_boxes_it-s-what-s-on-the-record-not-what-label_1433200.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/709/elvis-costello-1931_boxes_it-s-what-s-on-the-record-not-what-label_1433200.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/709/elvis-costello-1931_boxes_it-s-what-s-on-the-record-not-what-label_1433200.jpg)

> “It's what's on the record not what labels on it. You know, that's like getting a box of cornflakes and eating the cardboard.”

[Elvis Costello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elvis-costello/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The statement uses a metaphor to stress that substance matters more than superficial labels.

**In simple terms:** Substance matters more than labels.

Key Takeaway

Focus on the content, not the packaging.

Themes

substance authenticity perception

Mood

contemplative insightful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- product reviews
- branding
- consumer decisions

Key Concepts

metaphor critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do we cling to labels?
- How can we look beyond packaging?

A Different Perspective

Labels can still influence perception despite substance.

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[Cardboard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cardboard/) [Eating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eating/) [Labels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labels/) [Record labels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/record-labels/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/)

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