For the past few days I have been haunted as to what Gordon's song "To Many Clues In This Room" is really about. I know it is definitely allegorical and has various elements of social commentary, but I still feel as though I am overlooking the key that will open the meanng for me. Any and all interpretations humbly requested. Thanks.

For the past few days I have been haunted as to what Gordon's song "To Many Clues In This Room" is really about. I know it is definitely allegorical and has various elements of social commentary, but I still feel as though I am overlooking the key that will open the meanng for me. Any and all interpretations humbly requested. Thanks.

Texas T-Dirt, I think he is trying to say that many powerful factions overlook the obvious when it is right in front of them.

Texas T-Dirt, I think he is trying to say that many powerful factions overlook the obvious when it is right in front of them.

Well, I am not going to try to answer this one because this is one song that defies certain interpretation. Try some of these possibilities:

1. The overwhelming nature of technology and its effect on the enrivonment
2. The Vietnam War
3. Watergate

All of those theories have been advanced and argued persuasively by devoted GL fans. I have some old messages from the alt.music.lightfoot newsgroup with just those theories (messages from 8/97 and 12/97, by the way - telling you how long I've been hanging out on GL newsgroups).

Also try to evaluate the song in the context of the entire album (except for Wreck, which was added late), the times, and the poem as well. Lots of food for thought. Would make a fine thesis ...

Have fun! You might try posting your question at the newsgroup today, as some of the folks who posted 2 1/2 years ago are still out there. "Old" GL fans never die.

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Valerie Magee

Visit my GL web site at gordonlightfoot.com