I think the answer above has nailed some of the meaning behind this song but there are some parts I would like to offer as a different interpretation. \n\nAs for the title Columbo I think it is a reference to the detective show of the same name and is hinted in the lyrics "Trying to find out the reasons why" and "We don\'t know". \n\nWe believe that fame is the answer to our existential problems and, especially in our youth, we lack the experience and wisdom to anticipate the different pitfalls and struggles faced by those caught up in the exploitative entertainment industry. \n\nTo me the first two verses are posed as a question to a person who finds themselves in such a position. Crying is an emotional response to their rational problem. A problem that is so needlessly complicated that the rational mind cannot find a solution so they have reached emotional overwhelm. "Like it\'s the only thing to do". \n\nThe myths of the culture are drilled into us so much that it doesn\'t occur to many to just walk away from it - their instincts guiding them and signaling that this isn\'t what is right or good for them. "Your instincts all that\'s guiding you" \n\n"Baby don\'t believe it when they say it, love is just a feeling that you give" This, to me, alludes to the lie that love is conditional and has to be earned through works or deeds. In direct contrast to the last line "Love\'s like oxygen" which could either mean that the person needs the admiration of fans to give their lives meaning or that love is free and abundant and can be found everywhere. \n\nThe Thames is obviously the famous river in England. Water takes the course of least resistance when it travels. Rivers wind their way around obstacles unless it is obstructed. It doesn\'t seek a straight path, it like life, is full of winds, turns and falls.
I think the answer above has nailed some of the meaning behind this song but there are some parts I would like to offer as a different interpretation. \n\nAs for the title Columbo I think it is a reference to the detective show of the same name and is hinted in the lyrics "Trying to find out the reasons why" and "We don\'t know". \n\nWe believe that fame is the answer to our existential problems and, especially in our youth, we lack the experience and wisdom to anticipate the different pitfalls and struggles faced by those caught up in the exploitative entertainment industry. \n\nTo me the first two verses are posed as a question to a person who finds themselves in such a position. Crying is an emotional response to their rational problem. A problem that is so needlessly complicated that the rational mind cannot find a solution so they have reached emotional overwhelm. "Like it\'s the only thing to do". \n\nThe myths of the culture are drilled into us so much that it doesn\'t occur to many to just walk away from it - their instincts guiding them and signaling that this isn\'t what is right or good for them. "Your instincts all that\'s guiding you" \n\n"Baby don\'t believe it when they say it, love is just a feeling that you give" This, to me, alludes to the lie that love is conditional and has to be earned through works or deeds. In direct contrast to the last line "Love\'s like oxygen" which could either mean that the person needs the admiration of fans to give their lives meaning or that love is free and abundant and can be found everywhere. \n\nThe Thames is obviously the famous river in England. Water takes the course of least resistance when it travels. Rivers wind their way around obstacles unless it is obstructed. It doesn\'t seek a straight path, it like life, is full of winds, turns and falls.