Time

Tom Waits' song 'Time' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the passage of time and its impact on human lives. The lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and metaphors that paint a picture of a world filled with sorrow, nostalgia, and fleeting moments. The song opens with a scene that feels almost cinematic, with references to Harlow, East St. Louis, and the moon in the street, setting a melancholic tone. The 'shadow boys' breaking laws and the wind making speeches evoke a sense of chaos and disorder, while the rain sounding like applause adds a layer of irony to the scene.

The character of Napoleon weeping in a carnival saloon, with his invisible fiancée in the mirror, symbolizes lost dreams and unfulfilled promises. The line 'It's raining hammers, it's raining nails' suggests a harsh, unforgiving reality. The recurring refrain 'And it's time, time, time that you love' serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless march of time and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The song's characters, from the orphans with fading memories to Matilda asking sailors about dreams and prayers, all seem to be grappling with their own sense of loss and longing.

The imagery of a calendar girl with boys diving off cars and a razor in her boot adds a gritty, almost surreal quality to the song. The final verses, with a candle in the window and a kiss upon the lips, evoke a sense of longing and hope amidst the rain and weeds. The song's melancholic tone and rich, poetic lyrics capture the essence of time's passage and its impact on our lives, making 'Time' a deeply moving and thought-provoking piece.