Time Won't Tell
El-P Lyrics

The lyrics to El-P's song "Time Won't Tell" convey a sense of internal struggle and the difficulty of letting go. The opening lines state, "You want to end it now, and still you try not to. You try the only way how, the cost just doesn't matter." These words suggest a desire to escape or end a certain situation or feeling, but a reluctance to fully commit to it. The singer acknowledges that the path they have chosen may be regarded as a betrayal by others, and yet they still urge themselves to let go and release their hold on the present.

The chorus emphasizes the introspective nature of the song, stating, "I look back, die wondering. Caught up in spells stunning. Life changing, mind bridging. Illuminated, souls mutated." Here, the singer reflects on their past actions and their impact on their own life and consciousness. They refer to being caught up in spells, suggesting being entranced or mesmerized by their own thoughts and experiences. The repetition of "life changing, mind bridging" implies a transformative effect on one's perception and understanding. The line "illuminated, souls mutated" hints at a spiritual or metaphysical change brought about by these experiences.

The second verse continues the theme of struggle, with lyrics like "You know this hurts, still you can't stop scratching. You know it's disturbed, the razor keeps on cutting." Here, the singer acknowledges the pain and disturbance caused by their actions or choices, yet they are unable to resist the urge to continue engaging in self-destructive behavior. The repetition of the call to "release your hold, give up this day" reinforces the idea of letting go.

Overall, "Time Won't Tell" speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the difficulty of breaking free from harmful patterns. It explores themes of self-reflection, transformation, and the internal battles we face when trying to escape from something that is holding us back.