Songs About Time have a unique ability to resonate with our deepest emotions, capturing the essence of fleeting moments and life’s ever-changing nature.
These melodies often serve as soundtracks to our most cherished memories, reminding us of the value of every passing second.
From reflecting on the past to dreaming about the future, Songs About Time explore themes of love, loss, hope, and nostalgia.
Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat anthem, these timeless tracks help us pause and reflect on the moments that define our lives.
In this post, we’ll dive into a curated collection of Songs About Time that stand out for their powerful lyrics and unforgettable tunes.
1. “Got the Time” by Joe Jackson (1979) – Perfect Punk Rock Song About Time
About this song:
- Album: Look Sharp!
- Released: 1979
- Artist: Joe Jackson
- Genre: Punk rock, new wave
- Key Lyric: “Time, got the time tick-tick-tickin’ in my head.”
“Got the Time” by Joe Jackson captures the frenetic energy of modern life, making it a standout track from the 1979 album Look Sharp!
The song’s composer, Joe Jackson, reflects on the overwhelming pressures of time and deadlines in a punk-inspired style.
Its high-energy rhythm and repetitive lyrics create a sense of urgency, mirroring the chaos of balancing responsibilities.
Released during the rise of new wave and punk rock, it resonates with listeners navigating the fast pace of the late 20th century.
In this track, “time” is personified as a relentless force that invades thoughts and demands constant attention.
2. “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher (1989) – Best Pop Rock Song About Time
About this song:
- Album: Heart of Stone
- Released: 1989
- Artist: Cher
- Genre: Pop rock, soft rock
- Key Lyric: “If I could turn back time. If I could find a way. I’d take back those words that’ve hurt you and you’d stay.”
“If I Could Turn Back Time” is one of Cher’s most iconic ballads, released in 1989 on her album Heart of Stone.
The song, penned by Diane Warren, explores regret and longing for redemption after making mistakes in love.
The powerful lyrics and Cher’s emotive delivery made it a timeless anthem about second chances.
It was composed during a period when Cher sought to reinvent her career with a more mainstream rock sound.
Here, “time” symbolizes both the desire for change and the impossibility of undoing the past.
3. “Closing Time” by Semisonic (1998) – Recommended Alternative Rock Song About Time
About this song:
- Album: Feeling Strangely Fine
- Released: 1998
- Artist: Semisonic
- Genre: Alternative rock, Power pop
- Key Lyric: “Closing time. Open all the doors and let you out into the world.”
“Closing Time” by Semisonic, released in 1998, became a massive hit from their album Feeling Strangely Fine.
Dan Wilson, the band’s lead singer, wrote the song as both a literal reference to bar closing time and a metaphor for the birth of his child.
Its upbeat rhythm and reflective lyrics made it a beloved anthem for transitions and new beginnings.
The late 1990s was a time of introspective alternative rock, and this song fit perfectly into that cultural moment.
Through its repetitive line, “time” highlights the inevitable nature of endings and the opportunities they bring.
4. “Time Has Come Today” by Chambers Brothers (1966) – Awesome Soul Song
About this song:
- Album: The Time Has Come
- Released: 1966
- Artist: Chambers Brothers
- Genre: Psychedelic rock, soul
- Key Lyric: “Now the time has come (Time). There’s no place to run (Time).”
“Time Has Come Today” by the Chambers Brothers defined the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s with its release in 1966.
The song blends psychedelic rock with soul, creating a hypnotic effect that mirrors the social upheaval of its time.
Its extended instrumental breaks and lyrics reflect themes of change, freedom, and self-awareness.
Composed during the Civil Rights Movement, it became a rallying cry for those advocating for justice and equality.
“Time” in the song symbolizes the urgency of acting in pivotal historical moments and embracing transformation.
5. “Time Is on My Side” by The Rolling Stones (1964) – Remarkable Rock Song About Time
About this song:
- Album: 12 × 5
- Released: 1964
- Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Genre: Rock, Blues
- Key Lyric: “Oh, time is on my side, yes it is. Time is on my side, yes it is.”
“Time Is on My Side” was originally written by Jerry Ragovoy and made famous by The Rolling Stones in 1964.
The song reflects confidence in reconciliation, portraying time as an ally in healing and understanding.
Its simple but impactful lyrics made it a hit during the British Invasion of American music.
The Rolling Stones delivered the song with a mix of bluesy vocals and rock instrumentation, giving it enduring appeal.
Here, “time” is depicted as a patient force, offering the promise of eventual resolution and clarity.
6. “Too Much Time on My Hands” by Styx (1981) – Stunning Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Paradise Theatre
- Released: 1981
- Artist: Styx
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Yeah, I’m sitting on this barstool, talking like a damn fool. Got the twelve o’clock news blues.”
“Too Much Time on My Hands” by Styx is a lively track from their concept album Paradise Theatre, released in 1981.
Written by Tommy Shaw, the song captures a satirical take on idle time leading to self-reflection and frustration.
Its upbeat rock melody contrasts with the humorous yet existential theme of boredom.
The 1980s rock scene was known for blending catchy hooks with storytelling, and this song epitomizes that balance.
“Time” in this track underscores the paradox of having too much of it, leading to introspection about life’s direction.
7. “Time (Clock of the Heart)” by Culture Club (1983) – Excellent Pop Song About Time
About this song:
- Album: Kissing to Be Clever (US Version)
- Released: 1983
- Artist: Culture Club
- Genre: Reggae, Pop, Rock
- Key Lyric: “They’ve got nothing but time. And time won’t give me time. Won’t give me time.”
“Time (Clock of the Heart)” is a soulful hit by Culture Club, showcasing Boy George’s emotive vocals and poignant lyrics.
Released as a single in 1983, it became a global success, reflecting on love, regret, and the passage of time.
Its reggae-influenced melody sets a reflective tone, blending seamlessly with the themes of emotional depth.
The track highlights the band’s ability to use time as a metaphor for healing and understanding in relationships.
Here, “time” becomes a dual force, offering both solace and a reminder of moments lost.
8. “Time Is Running Out” by Muse (2003) – Wonderful Alternative Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Absolution
- Released: 2003
- Artist: Muse
- Genre: Alternative rock
- Key Lyric: “I think I’m drowning, asphyxiated. I wanna break this spell that you’ve created.”
“Time Is Running Out” by Muse delivers a haunting message about urgency and the pressure of fleeting opportunities.
The track, featured on their acclaimed 2003 album Absolution, balances alternative rock with dramatic undertones.
Matthew Bellamy’s powerful lyrics express the tension of losing control in a world defined by limited time.
Written during a period of political unrest, the song also metaphorically explores larger themes of power and resistance.
In this piece, “time” represents an inevitable force that drives both desperation and action.
9. “Time Warp” by Richard O’Brien (1975) – Ideal Glam Rock Song About Time
About this song:
- Album: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Released: 1975
- Artist: Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Charles Gray
- Genre: Glam rock, Rock and roll
- Key Lyric: “It’s astounding. Time is fleeting. Madness takes its toll. But listen closely.”
“Time Warp” is an iconic track from The Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack, blending theatricality with glam rock energy.
Written by Richard O’Brien, it became a cult classic for its playful take on bending and warping time.
The song’s infectious rhythm and interactive lyrics make it a mainstay at midnight movie showings and Halloween parties.
Released in 1975, it captures the experimental spirit of the era, with its lyrics challenging the linear perception of time.
Here, “time” becomes fluid and surreal, inviting listeners to embrace spontaneity and chaos.
10. “Time of the Season” by The Zombies (1968) – Amazing Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: Odessey and Oracle
- Released: 1968
- Artist: The Zombies
- Genre: Psychedelic rock, Blue-eyed soul, Rock, Folk
- Key Lyric: “It’s the time of the season. When the love runs high.”
“Time of the Season” by The Zombies is a quintessential 1960s track, encapsulating the optimism and freedom of the era.
Featured on their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle, it showcases lush harmonies and Colin Blunstone’s captivating vocals.
Rod Argent, the band’s keyboardist, wrote the song as an exploration of seasonal love and emotional awakening.
The psychedelic instrumentation aligns with the social and cultural transformation of the late 1960s.
“Time” in this song symbolizes renewal, passion, and the fleeting nature of life’s most profound experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Songs About Time have a unique way of connecting us to our past, present, and future.
They remind us of the fleeting nature of moments and inspire us to cherish every second.
Whether reflecting on memories or looking ahead with hope, these timeless tracks resonate deeply with listeners across generations.
Explore the world of Songs About Time and find the melodies that speak to your life’s journey.