Time To See
Needshes
A Cry for Acceptance and Understanding
“Time To See” by Needshes is a poignant exploration of inner turmoil, longing for acceptance, and the search for freedom from emotional pain. The song opens with the imagery of a heart with a hole, symbolizing deep emotional wounds and a sense of abandonment. The protagonist pleads for entry into someone's life, emphasizing that beneath their exterior lies a soul yearning for connection and understanding. This plea is further underscored by the mention of pills, hinting at a struggle with mental health and the use of medication as a means to cope.
The lyrics also touch on the protagonist's relationship with their mother, who believes in their potential to be kind and different from others. Despite this, the protagonist finds themselves on their knees, desperate for acceptance and relief from their pain. The repeated refrain, “Oh God it makes me free, World is not so ugly,” suggests that the protagonist finds solace and a sense of liberation through their coping mechanisms, whether it be medication or the hope of being understood.
The song also reflects on past hardships, symbolized by “hungry times under the stars,” which were bearable because of a significant other. The mention of missing someone's knees as the only place to shed tears highlights the deep emotional bond and the comfort found in that relationship. As the night symbolizes the end of a day and perhaps a metaphorical end to suffering, the protagonist asks not to be awakened, indicating a desire for peace. The song concludes with a call to open one's mind and see the world differently, suggesting that understanding and acceptance can lead to a more beautiful and less painful existence.