1) Formed by guitarist Brick Williams, Hourglass is a Progressive Metal group from Utah, USA. The band's first effort was the hard-to-come-by "This Lonely Time and Place," followed up by the much more polished "The Journey Into" in 2002 and 2004's "Subconscious." The band released the double album "Oblivious to the Obvious" on February 19, 2009.
54 months is a long time to work on an album. But that is exactly how long it took Hourglass to finish their new double album "Oblivious to the Obvious." Four and a half years of writing, recording, mixing, mastering and the result is 139 minutes worth of music. Even though it is a lot of music, it is only 10 songs. Hourglass has never worried too much about the length of their songs, and epic songs have always been a part of what the band does. "Oblivious to the Obvious" is no exception. The album has a little of everything, from heavy metal riffs and screaming vocals, to laid back piano and acoustic passages, and some very tasteful groove sections. Vocal harmonies are scattered throughout the album as are many guitar, keyboard, and even bass solos. There is something for everyone on "Oblivious to the Obvious."
The band has gone through numerous personnel changes with Williams as the sole constant. Current drummer John Dunston replaced Zachary Taylor for "The Journey Into." Founding keyboardist Eric Robertson and current keyboardist Jerry Stenquist have traded seats twice, with Robertson playing on "This Lonely Time and Place" and "Subconscious," and Stenquist playing on "The Journey Into" and "Oblivious to the Obvious."
Bassist Jon Berrett played on the first two albums, then Clark Woolstenhulme played on "Subconscious," and the bass chair is currently held by one-time Hourglass vocalist Eric Blood for "Oblivious to the Obvious."
A different vocalist has performed on each album, with Jon Shumway on "This Lonely Time and Place," Chad Neth on "The Journey Into," Cody Walker on "Subconscious," and Michael Turner for "Oblivious to the Obvious."
Hourglass takes strong influences from Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Rush, and many other prog metal, prog rock, and classic rock outfits. The band enjoys a local following in the greater Salt Lake City area, and has significant fan bases in Europe and Scandinavia. All their albums have been independently released and financed by the band or individual band members.
2) 90's emo band. Their discography includes a seven inch on Immigrant Sun and a split with New Day Rising on Moo Cow .
3) Hip-Hop producer based out of Los Angeles, California.
Not My Time
Hourglass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And yet he can fly
He's too old to try
And too young to die
He's lost in fear's path
And he's far from home
He's found in times past
Now the price it seals his fate
Now his mind reels too late
In a moment his life has changed
All is lost if time can't wait
Don't hold me down
Don't break my mind
Don't shut the door
I've still got time
Don't lock me out
Don't cut my line
Don't take me now
It's not my time
The pain that he feels
Is born in his mind
The hand that he deals
Is dealt to the blind
He'll be spent inside
When his time is done
His last thought is gone
His last breath is drawn
Now his mind is torn in two
And there's nothing he can do
All his dreams have bled and died
His tears have long been cried
CHORUS
Now the price it seals his fate
Now his mind can't think straight
In a moment his life has changed
There he stands at heaven's gate
CHORUS
The song "Not My Time" by Hourglass is a powerful and emotional reflection on the fragility of human life and the importance of living in the present moment. In the verses, the songwriter describes a character who is trapped in a state of uncertainty and fear, struggling to find a sense of purpose and direction in life. Despite his challenges, he refuses to give up and continues to fight for his dreams and aspirations, even as the world around him seems to be closing in.
The lyrics highlight the power of time and the importance of seizing every moment, as the singer's fate is ultimately sealed by the ticking clock. The chorus repeats the refrain "Don't hold me down, don't break my mind, don't shut the door, I've still got time," as if reminding the listener of the need to keep moving forward and embracing life's challenges.
The imagery in the song is vivid and evocative, with powerful metaphors such as "his wings have been clipped and yet he can still fly," suggesting that even in the face of adversity, we all have the potential to soar. Ultimately, "Not My Time" is a song about perseverance, determination, and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
His wings have been clipped
Despite being limited in some way, he still possesses the ability to soar freely.
And yet he can fly
Despite the aforementioned limitations, he remains capable of achieving great things.
He's too old to try
He feels as though he has missed his opportunity to attempt something meaningful.
And too young to die
He still has much life to live and many things to experience before passing.
He's lost in fear's path
He is currently facing and struggling with his anxieties.
And he's far from home
He feels displaced or out of touch with his roots.
He's found in times past
He dwells on events or circumstances that have already occurred.
And he's all alone
He feels isolated and unsupported.
Now the price it seals his fate
A decision or event has occurred that will determine his future.
Now his mind reels too late
He is overwhelmed with regret or shock and unable to take action.
In a moment his life has changed
Rapidly and unexpectedly, his situation has altered beyond recognition.
All is lost if time can't wait
He knows that he is running out of opportunities and must act quickly.
Don't hold me down
He asks that others not hinder his progress.
Don't break my mind
He pleads that his thoughts and emotions not be manipulated or shattered.
Don't shut the door
He begs for continued access and communication with others.
I've still got time
He maintains that he still has the potential to achieve and grow.
Don't lock me out
He urges that he be granted access or allowed to participate.
Don't cut my line
He pleads that his ability to connect with others not be severed.
Don't take me now
He asks that he be spared from any sudden or premature endings.
It's not my time
He knows that he still has more to do and more to achieve before passing on.
The pain that he feels
Emotional or psychological suffering that he is experiencing.
Is born in his mind
The aforementioned pain is not physical, but rather a product of his thoughts.
The hand that he deals
The challenges he is currently facing or has faced in the past.
Is dealt to the blind
These challenges may not be immediately apparent or easy to recognize.
He'll be spent inside
He fears that he will use up all his emotional and psychological resources attempting to overcome his challenges.
When his time is done
At the end of his life, he expects to have exhausted all of his inner resources.
His last thought is gone
He fears that he will have no energy left to think or reflect in his final moments.
His last breath is drawn
He will eventually pass away and leave the mortal world behind.
Now his mind is torn in two
He is caught between two equally difficult choices or emotions.
And there's nothing he can do
He feels helpless or unable to alter his circumstances.
All his dreams have bled and died
He has lost a sense of hope and lost touch with his aspirations.
His tears have long been cried
He has been weeping or mourning for some time.
There he stands at heaven's gate
He is now facing his ultimate fate and preparing to enter the afterlife.
Contributed by Hudson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.