Meaning of "Too Many Clues In This Room" by Gordon Lightfoot

The song "Too Many Clues In This Room" by Gordon Lightfoot seems to convey a sense of confusion, chaos, and mystery in the world. The imagery of various clues in a room, representing different elements and historical figures, suggests that there are too many complexities and unknowns to fully understand the world we live in. The continuous search for answers, represented by the repeated references to searching from dusk until dawn, implies a quest for meaning and clarity in a world that is filled with lies, turmoil, and struggles. The allusions to soldiers, old sea captains, and the power struggles they face may reflect the constant battles and challenges humans encounter in their lives. The presence of too many clues in the room serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming nature of life and the difficulty of finding true understanding amidst the chaos and confusion.