No One Is to Blame
Howard Jones Lyrics
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You can feel the cushions, but you can't have a seat
You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim
You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can build a mansion, but you just can't live in it
You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win
Some break the rules, and let you count the cost
The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can see the summit but you can't reach it
It's the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit
Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
The song "No One is to Blame" by Howard Jones delves deep into the human condition, centering around the frustration that one feels when they can see what they want but can't seem to touch it. The lyrics create a series of images that reflect this sense of longing for something that always seems to be just out of reach. The song's verses describe scenarios in which one can see or feel something desirable, but can't fully experience it. The chorus emphasizes the universality of these feelings by stating that both the singer and the person he desires want what they can't have, and this yearning is shared by everyone: "We want everyone."
The song's refrain, "no one ever is to blame," suggests a certain sense of resignation, perhaps even acceptance, of the limitations of life. It is a recognition that although we may want something very badly, and even though it may feel unfair that we can't have it, ultimately nobody is responsible for this situation. It is simply part of the human experience to be frustrated and limited by factors beyond our control.
Overall, "No One is to Blame" is a poignant and emotionally rich song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the pang of unrequited desire or been frustrated by life's limitations.
Line by Line Meaning
You can look at the menu, but you just can't eat
You can see the options available to you, but you cannot have them.
You can feel the cushions, but you can't have a seat
You can touch and test things, but you cannot fully engage with them.
You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim
You can experience a small part of something, but you cannot fully participate in it.
You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin
You can experience the negative consequences of someone else's actions, but you cannot be responsible for their actions.
And you want her, and she wants you
There is mutual desire and attraction.
We want everyone
We want to be accepted and appreciated by everyone.
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
No one is responsible for the complex and unpredictable nature of life's challenges and missed opportunities.
You can build a mansion, but you just can't live in it
You can achieve material success, but you cannot find true happiness or fulfillment.
You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win
You can have skill and talent, but other factors outside of your control can prevent you from succeeding.
Some break the rules, and let you count the cost
Some people can act recklessly or selfishly without regard to the impact on others.
The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost
Feelings of fear, doubt, or inadequacy can persist despite external successes or achievements.
You can see the summit but you can't reach it
You can understand what is possible, but you are unable to attain it.
It's the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit
The final step to achieving a goal can be elusive or impossible to figure out.
Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain
You may be healed physically, but emotional pain or trauma can continue to linger.
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
You may have high hopes and dreams, but they can be dashed by reality.
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Howard Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ophanimswatchoverme
You can look at the menu, but you just can't eat
You can feel the cushions, but you can't have a seat
You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim
You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can build a mansion, but you just can't live in it
You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win
Some break the rules, and let you count the cost
The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can see the summit but you can't reach it
It's the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit
Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
Life at the Waterline
When this song hit the radio in '86 I was 20, living at Myrtle Beach, and somehow met this beautiful, smart redheaded Canadian girl from Peterboro who was down on vacation.
We hit it off like mad; an exciting, magic connection that even now, some 36 years later, I remember with a hitch in my breath.
But, back then - there were complications - none the least that we lived so far apart, and were so young.
In time, of necessity, we moved on.
No one was to blame.
Still though, and until the day I die, when I hear this song I'll briefly be 20 again, holding her, feeling that magic...
Thanks, Howard.
Chadwick Rider
I cannot hear this song without feeling complete and total nostalgia for my 80's childhood. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Crystal Ravenrose
Exactly!!! Me too!!
mcweirdstufff
I couldnβt agree more. It was a lot simpler time.
Jerome David
Imagine living your 20s in the 80s....it was one of the best decades in the twentieth century....been there done that including living in Europe for two of them magic years!
Ralph Jackson
Well,I must be lucky then because I was 15 - 25 in the 80s π.
Jerome David
@Ralph Jackson Being a teenager in the 70s rocked we were the last of the rebels and hippies!π€β
Jason Smith
I remember when this song came out. I was 10 years old and life was a bit simpler but still a struggle. All throughout my school years i was a loner....couldn't make friends to save my life. And thus....no one ever was to blame. Thanks to all who read this for letting me share this.
Carol Berger-Nugent
I was 15-16 no real friends then or now. No one is to blame.
josephskiles
I had just turned 7, remember it like it was yesterday
Christie Richardson
You're welcome π. I was 13. I've loved this song from day one. Hugs from one old soul to another old soul.