The Ticking Clock of Relevance in 'Out Of Time'

The Rolling Stones' 'Out Of Time' is a song that captures the essence of being left behind by the relentless march of time. The lyrics speak to someone who has been absent for a while and upon returning, finds that the world has moved on without them. The repeated line 'baby, baby, baby, you're out of time' serves as a stark reminder that time waits for no one, and clinging to the past is futile.

The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the changing social and cultural landscape. The person addressed in the song is described as 'out of touch' and 'discarded,' suggesting that they have failed to adapt to new norms and are now considered obsolete. This could be a metaphor for the way society often discards those who can't keep up with progress, whether it's in fashion, technology, or social status. The Stones seem to be telling a story of a person who once had it all but is now irrelevant because they couldn't evolve.

Moreover, the song touches on themes of betrayal and the end of a relationship. The lines 'My poor unfaithful baby' and 'It's no good you're thinking that you are still mine' imply a personal element to the song, where the person has not only fallen out of time with the world but also with the singer. The song's catchy, upbeat tempo contrasts with the somewhat harsh message of the lyrics, creating a juxtaposition that The Rolling Stones often employed in their music.

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  1. Under My Thumb
  2. Start Me Up
  3. Get Off Of My Cloud
  4. Paint It, Black
  5. Out Of Tears
  6. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
  7. Time Is On My Side
  8. Jumpin' Jack Flash
  9. Baby Break It Down
  10. Citadel
View all The Rolling Stones songs

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