Time :: Fate :: Karma :: God

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Time :: Fate :: Karma :: God' delves into the existential struggle of human life, exploring themes of control, inevitability, and surrender. The lyrics reflect a sense of helplessness against the larger forces that govern our existence. The opening lines, 'You can call it what you want / It doesn't really matter,' set the tone for a narrative that questions the significance of labels when faced with the overwhelming power of fate and destiny. The storm gathering despite the protagonist's control over the sky symbolizes the unpredictable nature of life and the futility of human efforts against it.

The chorus, 'Oh, is this what you want? / I've, I've been your plaything for so long,' captures the essence of surrender and submission. The protagonist feels like a pawn in a game played by higher powers, be it time, fate, karma, or God. This sense of being manipulated and controlled is further emphasized by the plea, 'Do what you want with me / Just tell me when you're done,' highlighting a desperate need for closure or understanding. The song's bridge lists various forces—'Time, fate, karma, God / Death, sex, data, luck / Money, ego, fame'—that shape human existence, suggesting that these elements are inescapable and come for everyone eventually.

The song also touches on the duality of these forces, questioning whether they are meant to save or destroy. Lines like 'Am I supposed to play a fool? / Or are you trying to save me?' reflect the confusion and ambiguity surrounding the intentions of these higher powers. The protagonist's loss and subsequent blame on these forces—'You made me lose my baby'—further illustrate the human tendency to seek external reasons for personal misfortunes. Ultimately, 'Time :: Fate :: Karma :: God' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, grappling with the inevitability of life's uncontrollable elements and the search for meaning within them.