Where'd All The Time Go?

Dr. Dog's song "Where'd All The Time Go?" is a contemplative piece that delves into the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweet feelings that come with it. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time, as seen in the opening lines where the hands of the clock are personified, waving goodbye. This imagery suggests a poignant farewell to moments that have passed and can never be reclaimed.

The song continues to explore themes of memory and loss. The line "Now she's walking backwards through a parade" could symbolize someone trying to recapture the past, moving in opposition to the forward march of time. The shadow and shade imagery may represent the darker aspects of reminiscence, where some memories can overshadow current experiences. The mess that cannot be swept up is likely a metaphor for the complicated emotions and situations that arise from our interactions with time and memory.

The chorus introduces a character who seems to be in a state of limbo, dressed up like a pillow, suggesting a life spent in stasis, perhaps due to illness or depression. The references to hospitals and funeral homes indicate encounters with sickness and death, which are ultimate reminders of time's relentless progression. The song's mood is one of reflection, acknowledging the beauty and sadness of life's impermanence. The closing lines, with the rising tide and the blink of an eye, reinforce the theme that life is transient and can change or end suddenly, emphasizing the importance of cherishing each moment.