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Timebomb
Chumbawamba Lyrics


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Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound

Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound

I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb
I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb

Unattended on the railway station
In the litter at the dancehall
Sitting pretty near the fastfood-counter
In the backseat of a Vauxhall

I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb
I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb

Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound

I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb
I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb

Hear the ticking of your heartbeat beating
Hear the breaking of their promises
Hear the smashing of your expectations
Hear the shattering of half-rhymes

I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb
I am a timebomb
A ticking ticking ticking timebomb

Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound

You know
Time tells you
Ah-ah-ah-ah

And all the timebombs
They're all dancing to the same song
In a world full of no ones
I am a someone
Timebomb
Timebomb
Timebomb
Timebomb

Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop now
What's that sound
London Bridge is falling down

Overall Meaning

The song "Timebomb" by Chumbawamba serves as a call to action for individuals to pause and pay attention to the events happening around them. The repeated refrain, "Stop now, what's that sound, everybody look what's going down," highlights the urgency for people to take notice and consider their actions. The lyrics repeatedly refer to the singer as a ticking time bomb, suggesting that their actions and reactions are unpredictable and could potentially lead to an explosive outcome if not addressed.


The song also references various locations where the ticking time bomb could be found, including a railway station, dancehall, fast-food counter, and the backseat of a Vauxhall. These various locations suggest that the ticking time bomb could be anyone, anywhere, and highlights the importance of being vigilant and aware of one's surroundings.


Additionally, the lyrics reference the shattering of half-rhymes, possibly alluding to the breakdown of communication and understanding between individuals. The song's overall message is one of urgency and a desire for people to stop and take notice of what is happening around them, in order to potentially prevent explosive situations from occurring.


Line by Line Meaning

Stop now
Pause and pay attention


What's that sound
What is happening that we should be aware of


Everybody look what's going down
Everyone needs to take action


I am a timebomb
I am a danger waiting to happen


A ticking ticking ticking timebomb
I am getting closer and closer to exploding


Unattended on the railway station
I have been left unnoticed in a public place


In the litter at the dancehall
I am hidden and ignored among the garbage


Sitting pretty near the fastfood-counter
I am sitting casually waiting for the right moment


In the backseat of a Vauxhall
I am hidden out of sight, but ready to cause destruction


Hear the ticking of your heartbeat beating
Feel the stress and pressure building up inside you


Hear the breaking of their promises
Witness the failure of those in power to keep their word


Hear the smashing of your expectations
Experience the disappointment of unmet hopes and dreams


Hear the shattering of half-rhymes
The rhythm and order of life is breaking down


You know Time tells you
Time warns us of impending danger


And all the timebombs They're all dancing to the same song
All those who will cause destruction are working together


In a world full of no ones I am a someone Timebomb Timebomb Timebomb Timebomb
In a world of chaos, I am a dangerous force


Stop now What's that sound Everybody look what's going down London Bridge is falling down
The world is falling apart and we must take action




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JUDITH ABBOTT, DUNCAN BRUCE, PAUL GRECO, DARREN HAMER, NIGEL HUNTER, ALICE NUTTER, STEPHEN A STILLS, LOUISE WATTS, ALLAN WHALLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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