Turning Time Around

Lou Reed's song 'Turning Time Around' delves into the complex and often elusive nature of love. The lyrics open with a conversation where the question 'What do you call love?' is posed. Reed's response is both playful and profound, initially deflecting with humor before diving into a deeper exploration. He dismisses conventional associations of love with family, lust, or marriage, suggesting instead that love is fundamentally about trust and, intriguingly, time.

Reed's perspective on love as 'turning time around' is a powerful metaphor. He suggests that when one is in love, the usual constraints of time—past, present, and future—become irrelevant. Love creates a timeless state where moments are cherished, and the urgency to hold onto these moments becomes paramount. This idea is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase 'turning time around,' emphasizing the transformative power of love to alter our perception of time.

The song also touches on the ineffable quality of love, comparing it to time itself—something that cannot be seen or held, yet is deeply felt and profoundly impactful. Reed's lyrics convey a sense of longing and necessity, as he repeatedly asserts the need to 'have it.' This underscores the human desire to capture and preserve the fleeting, precious moments that love brings. Through 'Turning Time Around,' Lou Reed offers a poetic and introspective look at love, portraying it as a force that transcends the ordinary flow of time and enriches our lives in immeasurable ways.