Killing Time

City And Colour's 'Killing Time' delves into the introspective and often haunting journey of self-reflection and existential questioning. The song's lyrics, penned by Dallas Green, explore the unsettling feeling of being unprepared for life's challenges and the internal struggle of facing one's own demons. The opening lines, 'What if you're here when I'm not ready? What if I'm not willing to listen?' set the tone for a narrative steeped in uncertainty and self-doubt. The mention of 'devils' symbolizes the personal battles and negative influences that the narrator continues to grapple with, suggesting a sense of entrapment in a cycle of self-destructive behavior.

The recurring phrase 'killing time' serves as a powerful metaphor for the narrator's current state of existence. It conveys a sense of aimlessness and the feeling of merely passing time without purpose or direction. The imagery of 'running from the shadow of my former shadow's life' evokes a deep sense of disconnection from one's past self, highlighting the struggle to reconcile with previous identities and experiences. This line suggests a layered complexity, where the narrator feels distanced not just from their past, but from the very essence of who they once were.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the physical and emotional changes that come with it. The lines 'There are lines forming on my hands and face / Before today I have never seen' poignantly capture the inevitable aging process and the accompanying realization of one's mortality. This contemplation leads to a broader existential inquiry about identity and purpose, encapsulated in the repeated questioning of whether the narrator was 'ever really there.' The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate deeply, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the human experience.