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If You Need to Keep Time on Me
Fleet Foxes Lyrics


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How could it all fall in one day?
Were we too sure of the sun?

If you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me

Who knows what state is in store?
If they all turn, will you run?

If you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me

When I need to, I'll keep time on you

Wide oceans roar
A frightened fool stokes heatless fire

But if you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me

How could it all fall in one day?
Were we too sure of the sun?

If you need to, keep time on me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "If You Need to Keep Time on Me" by Fleet Foxes explores themes of trust, dependency, and mortality. The opening lines, "How could it all fall in one day? / Were we too sure of the sun?" suggest that the singer is reflecting on a sudden loss or a traumatic event that they did not see coming. The question of whether humanity is too confident in its power and ability to control fate is hinted at here.


In the chorus, the singer addresses someone directly, inviting them to depend on him ("If you need to, keep time on me / If they all turn, will you run?") This can be interpreted as a plea to remain loyal and committed even in the face of difficult or uncertain circumstances. The final verse, "wide oceans roar / a frightened fool stokes heatless fire" hints at the inevitability of greater cosmic forces at work, and human tendencies to feel small and lost in the grand scheme of things. However, the singer is still holding out hope for a shared sense of security and comfort ("but if you need to, keep time on me").


Overall, "If You Need to Keep Time on Me" is a subtly powerful reflection on life's fragile nature and the importance of trust, both in oneself and in others.


Line by Line Meaning

How could it all fall in one day?
How could everything go wrong so quickly and unexpectedly?


Were we too sure of the sun?
Were we too confident of things that seemed certain, like the sun rising every day?


If you need to, keep time on me
If you're struggling to keep up or stay on track, I'm here to support you and help you stay in rhythm.


If you need to, keep time on me
Again, I'm here for you, willing to help you stay grounded and focused.


Who knows what state is in store?
Who can predict what the future holds or what changes may occur?


If they all turn, will you run?
If things take a turn for the worse or everyone else backs out, will you stay or abandon the situation?


When I need to, I'll keep time on you
I'm also willing to support and help you stay focused when you need it.


Wide oceans roar
There is chaos and turmoil in the vast expanse of the ocean.


A frightened fool stokes heatless fire
Someone who is scared and unsure attempts to ignite something without success or passion.


But if you need to, keep time on me
Despite the chaos and fear, I'm still here for you and willing to help you stay steady.


If you need to, keep time on me
Once again, I offer my support and willingness to help you stay on track.


How could it all fall in one day?
The uncertainty and unpredictability of life can sometimes lead to everything falling apart in a single day.


Were we too sure of the sun?
Were we overconfident and blind to the potential for things to change or go wrong?




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Robin Pecknold

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@meriyudini

How could it all fall in one day?
Were we too sure of the sun?

If you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me

Who knows what state is in store?
If they all turn, will you run?

If you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me

When I need to, I'll keep time on you

Wide oceans roar
A frightened fool stokes heatless fire

But if you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me

How could it all fall in one day?
Were we too sure of the sun?

If you need to, keep time on me



All comments from YouTube:

@pizzatheface

I built a cabin to the first two Fleet Foxes albums. This will be my "relaxing at the cabin" album.

@SocialGore

build me a cabin now pls

@leeeeuwtje

Russ Wood can I come live in your cabin?

@pizzatheface

Guess what, it's in your back yard!

@pizzatheface

Yeah, doy!

@SocialGore

+Russ Wood Gee thanks, mister!

18 More Replies...

@mirgnesie8642

New song, old memories.

@brosephgraves

John V. Eisengrim could not have said it better.

@headbandproductions2

it's killing me

@meadowsanddawn7464

You expressed how Fleet Foxes' songs feel like perfectly

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