Howard Jones - No One Is To Blame - Lyrics Meaning

"No One Is To Blame" is a single from British new wave artist Howard Jones. The song was originally released in 1985 on Jones' "Dream Into Action" album, however, it didn't become a hit until Jones reworked the original recording into a slicker, more radio-friendly, recording with Phil Collins producing and handling background vocals. This was Howard Jones' biggest hit in the United States, where it peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 single charts. The song also charted high in both Australia and the U.K.

The lyrics describe the frustration that accompanies the temptation of infidelity within a relationship. Jones doesn't speak of an actual relationship, another person, or any physicality at all, but instead cleverly uses metaphors that describe wanting and yearning. Such metaphors include:

"You can look at the menu but you just can't eat" - This verse is basically another way of saying you can look but you cannot touch.

"You can dip your foot in the pool but you can't have a swim" - This suggests that things have been taken to a certain level but haven't gone "all the way."

"You can feel the punishment but you can't commit the sin" - A possible acknowledgment of feeling guilt for craving the touch of another although these feelings haven't been acted out.

"And you want her, and she wants you, no one is to blame" - Physical attraction can just happen through no fault of either party.

Some have also interpreted the song as a depiction of someone's emotional baggage or character flaws, such as shyness, preventing them from accomplishing certain things or being with the person that they desire.