Time Consumer

Coheed and Cambria's 'Time Consumer' delves into the intricate themes of time, memory, and forgiveness. The song opens with a reflection on 'young stale memories,' suggesting a sense of nostalgia and the struggle to reconcile with past actions. The mention of a 'librarian' and 'pole' introduces a metaphorical search for knowledge or truth, perhaps hinting at the desire to understand one's past mistakes. The lyrics also touch on the loss of innocence and the internal conflict of grappling with personal flaws, as seen in the lines 'Debate to understand that we all have a flaw / Then fail to represent your life as you know it.' This suggests a universal struggle to accept and learn from one's imperfections.

The chorus introduces characters like 'Matthew' and 'Maria,' who could symbolize different aspects of the narrator's life or psyche. The repeated phrase 'You know by law when you'll be forgiven' implies a quest for redemption and the hope that time will eventually heal all wounds. The song's narrative suggests that forgiveness is not just a personal journey but also a legal or moral one, governed by some higher law or divine intervention. This duality of personal and universal forgiveness adds depth to the song's exploration of time and memory.

The latter part of the song shifts focus to the impact of external forces on one's self-esteem and confidence. The lines 'So they pulled your confidence down with those verbal discrepancies' highlight the damaging effects of criticism and the struggle to regain lost confidence. The phrase 'Pain is only a pulse if you just stop feeling it' suggests a coping mechanism, urging the listener to rise above their pain and use it as a source of strength. The repeated plea 'Wait, now, here, please hear me out' underscores the urgency and desperation for understanding and forgiveness. The final lines, 'Time consumer, time consuming, consume me,' encapsulate the song's central theme: the relentless passage of time and its consuming nature, which ultimately shapes our experiences and identities.