Shadow Of Time

In 'Shadow Of Time,' Nightnoise crafts a hauntingly beautiful narrative that delves into the abstract concept of time. The song opens with the imagery of a 'strange man running silently,' a metaphor for time itself. This man, who 'never looks behind him' and 'has no time to see,' embodies the relentless and unidirectional flow of time. The lyrics suggest that time is an ever-present force that moves forward without pause, indifferent to the world around it. The man’s lack of voice and the fact that he doesn’t feel the ground further emphasize the intangible and elusive nature of time.

The chorus, 'Run on, run on, shadow of time,' reinforces the idea of time as a shadow—something that is always there but cannot be grasped. The repetition of this line serves to underline the perpetual motion of time, a force that is both omnipresent and unstoppable. The use of the word 'shadow' suggests that time is a constant companion, always lurking in the background, influencing our lives in ways we may not fully comprehend.

In the second verse, the lyrics describe time with paradoxical qualities: 'Fast and small, he's slow and tall.' This duality captures the subjective experience of time, which can feel fleeting in moments of joy and endless in times of sorrow. The lines 'His first name is today, his last name is tomorrow' personify time, giving it a sense of identity and continuity. The narrator's claim to know where time is going because they 'know him the best' hints at a deeper understanding or acceptance of time's inevitable passage. Nightnoise's ethereal musical style, characterized by a blend of Celtic and New Age influences, complements the song's introspective and contemplative themes, making 'Shadow Of Time' a poignant reflection on the nature of existence and the passage of time.