But without plausible characters, speaking recognizable language and experiencing real events and feelings — without, in short, a decent story — themes mean nothing.
St Mirren have been playing well, but it is becoming a recurring theme that decent performances are thwarted by opponents who take their chances.
To be sure, the show's writing is sharp, the vaudeville voices are decent and the themes timely (steroids, carbs, food allergies, quack psychologists).
But these Yes albums showcased really fine musicianship, pretty decent sci-fi themes, and the best fantasy rock covers of the era, you know, if we count that last point.
It had all come about when a drunken John Taylor had approached Bond film producer Cubby Broccoli at a party and asked him when he was going to get "someone decent" to record the theme song.
I had no idea how much I had craved a decent film with a lesbian theme until I heard of this one.
SUNDAY'S PUZZLE — The title of today's puzzle should give you a decent tip-off about the theme, but it'll become apparent soon after you start solving.
And it doesn't diminish the staggeringness of the achievement to note that you could now assemble a decent booklet of Only Connect-themed puzzles (from, among others, the Telegraph's Enigmatic Variations, the Guardian, the Listener, the Spectator and the Magpie).
Restaurants and bars often have weekly specials and theme nights that offer decent prices and interesting cuisines.
Economic development and access to fair and decent work has been an overarching theme at this year's CSW.
