Time Has Come Again
The Last Shadow Puppets
Nostalgia and Regret in 'Time Has Come Again'
The Last Shadow Puppets' song 'Time Has Come Again' delves into themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person revisiting a place filled with memories, specifically tied to a significant relationship that never fully blossomed. The repeated line, 'The time has come again,' suggests a cyclical return to these memories, indicating that the protagonist is caught in a loop of reflection and longing for what could have been.
The imagery of 'slowly walking down the steps' and 'waiting patiently' evokes a sense of melancholy and a longing for the past. The mention of being 'seventeen' highlights the youthful innocence and potential that was present at that age, which contrasts sharply with the current state of the protagonist. The 'fraying seam' metaphorically represents the unraveling of both the relationship and the protagonist's emotional state. The act of 'hiding from himself as well as everybody else' suggests a deep internal struggle and a sense of isolation.
The song also touches on the theme of unexpressed emotions and missed opportunities. The protagonist's face becoming wet and his belief that he had 'learnt how to not get upset' indicate a facade of emotional control that ultimately crumbles. The folded notes in envelopes and the plea to 'meet me beneath the Moon, don't go too soon' symbolize unfulfilled promises and the fleeting nature of time. The repetition of 'she went too soon' underscores the regret and sorrow of losing someone before their time, leaving the protagonist to grapple with these unresolved feelings.
Overall, 'Time Has Come Again' is a poignant exploration of the bittersweet nature of memories, the pain of lost opportunities, and the enduring impact of past relationships on the present.