Time Will Tell

Gregory Alan Isakov's 'Time Will Tell' is a poetic exploration of the passage of time and its inevitable impact on our lives. The song opens with the imagery of 'turning in the grain again' and 'bells begin to chime,' setting a contemplative tone. These lines suggest a cyclical nature of life, where certain events and feelings repeat, much like the seasons. The mention of 'time' as a guiding force underscores the inevitability of moving forward, with no possibility of turning back. The advice to 'keep your eyes on the tracks' and 'through the fields, somewhere there's blue' implies that despite the challenges, there is always hope and a path forward.

The second verse delves deeper into the theme of time as both a thief and a healer. The 'howling out the windy hills' and 'all the time we took' evoke a sense of loss and the relentless march of time. Yet, the directive to 'keep your hand on the wheel' suggests maintaining control and perseverance. The recurring reassurance that 'time will tell, she'll see us through' serves as a comforting reminder that time has a way of resolving uncertainties and guiding us through life's tumultuous moments.

In the final verse, Isakov touches on the destructive forces that can upend our lives, symbolized by 'fire and flames' taking 'all we trust.' Despite these upheavals, the imagery of 'kicking up dust' and 'stations fade just like they do' conveys a sense of resilience and acceptance. The repeated refrain, 'time will tell, we always knew,' reinforces the idea that deep down, we understand that time is the ultimate arbiter of our experiences and emotions. Isakov's gentle, folk-inspired musical style complements the introspective lyrics, creating a soothing yet profound meditation on the passage of time and the wisdom it imparts.