Pink Floyd pose for photographers at a press conference on March 4, 1967 in London, England.

About the song

In the realm of rock music, few bands have achieved the enduring legacy and cultural impact of Pink Floyd. Their music, a mesmerizing blend of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and space rock, has captivated audiences for decades, transcending the boundaries of genre and time. Among their extensive discography, the 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon stands as a pinnacle of their artistry, a sonic exploration of human existence that has resonated with listeners worldwide. One of the album’s most poignant and thought-provoking tracks is “Time”, a song that delves into the complexities of time’s relentless passage and its profound impact on our lives.

“Time” opens with a cascade of ticking clocks, their rhythmic precision setting an ominous tone. The lyrics, penned by Pink Floyd’s bassist and vocalist Roger Waters, paint a vivid picture of time’s relentless march, its steady beat echoing the inevitability of aging and the fleeting nature of life. The song’s narrator, caught in the relentless flow of time, laments the passage of years, the missed opportunities, and the unfulfilled dreams that lie in its wake.

“Time” is not merely a lament for time’s passage; it is also a stark reminder of the preciousness of each moment. The lyrics implore the listener to seize the present, to cherish the fleeting moments of joy and connection that life offers, before they are swept away by the relentless current of time.

The song’s instrumentation mirrors the lyrical themes, building gradually from a gentle acoustic strumming to a crescendo of electric guitars and soaring vocals. The iconic ticking clock motif reappears throughout, punctuating the verses and adding a sense of urgency to the song’s message. David Gilmour’s guitar solo, a masterpiece of emotive expression, perfectly captures the song’s bittersweet blend of melancholy and hope.

“Time” concludes with a reprise of the ticking clock motif, leaving the listener with a profound sense of reflection. The song’s message is both stark and thought-provoking, a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. It is a song that has resonated with countless listeners, its themes of time, mortality, and the human condition as relevant today as they were when the song was first released in 1973.

“Time” is more than just a song; it is an experience, a sonic meditation on the passage of time and the fragility of human existence. It is a testament to Pink Floyd’s enduring artistry, their ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. “Time” is a song that will continue to touch and inspire listeners for generations to come, its poignant message echoing through the corridors of time.

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Lyrics

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull dayYou fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand wayKicking around on a piece of ground in your home townWaiting for someone or something to show you the way
Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rainAnd you are young and life is long, and there is time to kill todayAnd then one day you find ten years have got behind youNo one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun
And you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinkingRacing around to come up behind you againSun is the same, in a relative way, but you’re olderShorter of breath and one day closer to death
Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the timePlans that either come to naught, or half a page of scribbled linesHanging on in quiet desperation is the English wayThe time is gone, the song is over, thought I’d something more to say