This Time
Ô¼º²´«ÆæJohn Legend Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ran into you yesterday
Memories rushed through my brain
Its starting to hit me
Now you're not with me
I realize I made a mistake
I thought that I needed some space
But I just let love go to waste
Its so crystal clear now

That I need you here now
I gotta get you back today

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
Showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time its all of me

I hit the bar every night
Looking to score a good time
Its not like I planned it
Left empty handed
Cause Im still alone in my mind
Now what will it take to feel right
Can I come see you tonight
Is there someone new now
What can I do now
Cause I need you back by my side

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
Showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time Ill take the chance
This time Ill be your man
I can be all you need
This time its all of me

Last time I wasnt sure.
This time I will give you more
I'm more mature
Ill show you
Last time I didn't know
I messed up let her let you go
I need you, don't say no

Laying alone in this room
All that is missing is you
Pick up the phone
Wont you come home

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I' m showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time Ill take the chance
This time Ill be your man
I can be all you need

This time its all of me
All of me

Overall Meaning

In John Legend's song "This Time," he expresses regret over losing his loved one and recognizes the mistakes he made in their relationship. The opening lines of the song immediately set the tone of the song, with Legend running into his ex-lover and the memories rushing through his mind. He realizes that he made a mistake by thinking he needed some space and he let love go to waste. Now, with clarity, he understands that he needs her back in his life.

Legend expresses his desire to be with his loved one wholeheartedly and give his all to the relationship. He speaks of going to bars every night to look for a good time but ends up empty-handed because he cannot get her out of his mind. He pleads with her to give him another chance and promises to be more mature and give her all that she needs.

The lyrics of "This Time" tell a relatable story of regret, love, and second chances. It represents the universal feeling of making mistakes in relationships and the desire to rectify them. By acknowledging his mistakes and expressing his desire to make things better, Legend shows the importance of communication and taking accountability in a relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Ran into you yesterday
I unexpectedly met you yesterday

Memories rushed through my brain
My mind filled with memories of us

Its starting to hit me
I'm beginning to understand

Now you're not with me
Now that you have left me

I realize I made a mistake
I now know that I made an error

I thought that I needed some space
I believed that I required some distance

But I just let love go to waste
I carelessly neglected our love

Its so crystal clear now
It's now very evident to me

That I need you here now
That I require your presence now

I gotta get you back today
I have to bring you back today

This time I want it all
This time I want everything

Showing you all the cards
Being completely transparent with you

Giving you all my heart
Giving you my entire heart

This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll take the risk

This time I'll be your man
This time I'll be the man you need

I can be all you need
I can be everything you require

This time its all of me
This time it's my whole self

I hit the bar every night
I go to the bar every night

Looking to score a good time
Hoping to have a good time

Its not like I planned it
It's not something I intentionally planned

Left empty handed
I came away with nothing

Cause Im still alone in my mind
Because I'm still lonely in my thoughts

Now what will it take to feel right
What do I need to do to feel okay?

Can I come see you tonight
Can I visit you tonight?

Is there someone new now
Have you moved on to a new person?

What can I do now
What actions can I take now?

Cause I need you back by my side
Because I need you to be by my side once again

Last time I wasn't sure.
I wasn't certain the last time

This time I will give you more
This time I will offer you more

I'm more mature
I have grown up

Ill show you
I will demonstrate to you

Last time I didn't know
The previous time I was unaware

I messed up let her let you go
I ruined our relationship and lost you

I need you, don't say no
I require you, please don't refuse me

Laying alone in this room
I am lying alone in this room

All that is missing is you
You are what is absent here

Pick up the phone
Answer your phone

Wont you come home
Will you please come back?

All of me
I am offering my whole self to you

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVE TOZER, JOHN STEPHENS, KAWAN PRATHER, WRITER UNKNOWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

LF Jansen

9y↑129

Ran into you yesterday
Memories rushed through my brain
it started to hit me
now you're not with me
I realized I made a mistake
I thought I needed some space
But I just let love go to waste
It's so crystal clear now
that I need your here now
I gotta get you back today

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
Showing you all the cards
giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me.

I hit the bar everynight
Looking to score a good time
It's not like I planned it
I'm left empty handed
'Cause im still alone in my mind
Now what will it take to feel right
Can I come see you tonight?
Is there someone new now?
What can I do now?
'Cause I need you back by my side.

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
Showing you all the cards
giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all in me.

Last time I wasn't sure
This time I will give you more
I'm more mature
I'll show you
Last time I didn't know
I messed up and let you go
I need you
don't say no.

Lying alone in this room
All that is missing is you
pick up the phone
Won't you come home?

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
Showing you all the cards
giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me.

Haro 73

6y↑2

Ran into you yesterday
Memories rushed through my brain
It's starting to hit me
Now you're not with me
I realized I made a mistake
I thought that I needed some space
But I just let love go to waste
It's so crystal clear now
That I need you here now
I gotta get you back today

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I'm Showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me.

I hit the bar every night
Looking to score a good time
It's not like I planned it
I'm left empty handed
'Cause I'm still alone in my mind
Now what will it take to feel right
Can I come see you tonight?
Is there someone new now?
What can I do now?
'Cause I need you back by my side.

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I'm showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me.

Last time I wasn't sure
This time I will give you more
I'm more mature
I'll show you
Last time I didn't know
I messed up and let you go
I need you
Don't say no.

Lying alone in this room
All that is missing is you
Pick up the phone
Won't you come home?

This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I'm showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take the chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me.

All of me yeah

All comments from YouTube:

joevs21001

11y↑25

Beautiful song. I would dare say John Legend's best song so far. Incredible musician.

Doris Sanders

13y↑2

Most beautiful song ever sung he is an excellent singer and performer and its all from his heart. I love his music to death this song really touches home when you miss someone special in your life especially when they are gone.

Norma Hegg

12y↑11

John Legend - A REAL MAN who's not ashamed to express his LOVE & heart felt feelings for his Lady! I LOVE THIS SONG.

Jack Benson

Hello..🤗👋👋

DensterNY

12y↑1

John Legend's music is a gift. Thank you.

Sp 300

9y↑37

This man is so talented..His voice, words, and music overall taps into every emotion, feelings insecurity ...Expose every human vice and virtue all at once...

14th Ivy

4y↑23

Found this song from The Game YEARS ago and it resonated so much. Years later still listening and feeling the same way. 🖤

André

12y↑5

This song keeps hitting me every time ..over and over again. Amazingly beautiful.

Brandi Jones

12y↑15

This song brings tears to my eyes. I ❤ it

Jack Benson

Hello...👋👋👋👋

Taneesha Brodie

3y↑2

One of the most slept on r&b God's of all time

Norma Hegg

12y↑3

Such a beautiful song. John Legend really knows how to express himself through his lyrics.

skw19898

12y↑4

This song goes out to my cousin/brother who has lost his mother & father before the age 16, I love you josh hang in there brotha! Stay strong I'm always going to be here for you

StanTheManQ

12y↑4

LOVE this song. Legend is an amazing artist.

Lerato Moshodi

4y↑9

It's a few days before 2020 and this song still pulls at my heart strings!

Bryan Lam

13y↑4

He really lives up to his name. John's a true Legend.

Andréa da Silva Guedes

10y↑5

Love this song!! It touch me deeply!!!

mrpalindrome1

11y↑4

This was performed at some assembly in my high school years ago..every time I hear this song I think of that performance. The dancers truly killed it as did John Legend. I'd like to say that I grew after hearing this for that first time

Alex Omana

11y↑4

Wow! The most heartfelt honest song I've heard in a long long time! John Legend's voice is truly legendary!

Martina Černa

Nádherná!!!😍😘😍

Blacc Phoenix

10y↑60

No one should be able to thumbs down this amazing song

summercraft77

Thumbs down are for those going through it. This song has the power to make all those feelings come rushing back like a daggers to the heart. time will heal all.😉

Latisha Hunt

13y↑6

He should've made a video for this song...... John Legend is such extraordinary singer, his voice is so strong. His live performances are on point.... This song hits home all the time!!

Cheryl caardillo

1y↑1

####coming soon###God willing

Erica Belcher

I know your comment is very old, but this is sooo true!! Smh ❤️

Jack Benson

Hello 👋👋

FoxyNJ4444

12y↑1

Such a powerful song with such deep meaning....we need more songs like this to be played on the radio. We need more artist like John Legend to be valued more than they are now.

Jamal008

10y↑36

I'm honestly not too crazy about John Legend, but I must say when I first heard this song (on the game & on here) I cried like a baby. John Legend is really winning me over.

SupremeLogic1000

10y↑9

all four of his albums are GREAT..u better catch up

Ja'Nahn Cyres

10y

Like this sone

Madam

4y↑46

One of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard

Shamfa S. Grey

3y↑1

Its really beautiful but makes a person thoughtful.😶

Jack Benson

Hello 👋👋🤗

Timothy De Mesa Højgaard

11y

this incident actually happened to me a month ago. i felt EXACTLY the same feelings as John Legend sings it. and when i found this song i was brought to tears. i showed it to my girlfriend and now we are back together again. This have inspired me to show the feelings that i was holding back due the time i wasnt with my girl, so i am in the progress of making a choreography to this song, but its just not any chore, for the FIRST time, my feelings are synchronized to the song. Thank you John!

Bridget Hill

5y↑6

I first heard this song on “The Game”. I was so moved by the lyrics and melody. What a beautiful and expressive song. I turned to my daughters and asked them “what is the name of this song and the singer?”. My daughter sent me the song. It brings me close to tears each time I listen to the song. I’m 53 years old and this young man clearly demonstrated that music can reach all generations. Absolutely heartfelt.

Jack Benson

Hello...👋👋

Brandon Bryant

I’m 31. I was a kid when this came out & I’ve always listened to it but I first Heard it on the game & it is his best most beautiful song. So expressive & filled with emotion. I love it got him.

C Smooth

11y↑1

I am a fan of John Legend..but, I have never heard of this song until Burnell slammed it last week on Idol. Man, I enjoyed the hand actions and hearing the Louisiana accent from this fellow that most definitely should be the next American Idol. Other than Burnell singing this song, I am hearing some deep words in this cut. He is realizing his mistakes, and is willing to make it right "this time".

LF Jansen

9y↑129

Sharon Hall

5y↑4

Been listening to this song repeatedly, thinking

Tommie Kempenaar

Trudy Triad

You're a gem

2 More Replies...

Aryan Ra

2y↑9

Who else besides me relates himself/herself to this song? It takes me through most of things I have been through in life.......

Cheryl caardillo

1y↑1

#self introspection##layers# peeling an onion

booosea N

From me to me

MsCam1984

11y↑2

This song and how well put the instruments are playing well together omg brings me chills luv it

melissa gomes

Amo demais.

Kilung Haihing

9y↑74

6years later I'm still listening the song on repeat mode.

Saayth

8y↑3

too

DjZay Topic

6y↑2

Kilung Haihing Try 10 years later

Stephgonzal1

11y↑1

i love this song its on repeat right now :)!!

goldktgal

11y↑2

An amazing song by John Legend! I can't quit listening to this. So much emotion.

Dean Foote

11y

This song is beautiful. It is timeless. The lyrics touch your heart in a manner that good music was meant to do. All smiles. My boss sent me an email and told me to stop singing:) So I am lip syncing now.

Marcos Santos

6y↑1

Só descobri essa música hoje através do filme e fiquei encantada

Positive Thoughts

12y

Yes I cried so hard today listening to this song and the Game just magnified how beautiful this song is. Thank you John Legend

Pats Ballin Out This Year

8y↑13

This album was damn near flawless.

Harriet

12y↑2

It's these kind of songs which make you stop and think about life, and every little detail that happens in it. He has such an amazing voice! Much love for youuuuuuu! <3 <3

Robin D

11y

Burnell singing this song on Idol last night made me track this song down! I just LOVE it! It's an amazing song and Burnell Taylor did a fantastic job with it!!!! I was in the dark, didnt even know who John Legend was, but thanks to Burnell, I have been enlightened! LOL It was a good thing Randy said who sang the song when he said he loved John Legend.

Adam garmendez

11y↑2

This song is deep and it makes me realize how much I love the person next to me and how mistakes can ruin what otherwise is meant to be forever

SIPS SHEMBE

12y↑2

I just can't stop listing to this song... it is so emotional and relevant to me. This time I will fight for her more, this time I will give my heart to her.

9jah4lyf

12y↑3

Wow. I just came across this song again. It's been over a year since I last heard it. I was trying to heal the heart break I had caused for my ex (@ the time) and this song was exactly how I felt. A year later, he is back and we are engaged. Love still conquers all :-) but don't fold your hands and think you don't have to do any work. Let your feelings show in your actions.

Jack Benson

Hello there?

Isaiah Alford

4y↑12

This song is so beautiful. Makes me think about life and what I really want in life. #2020

Jose Alberto Balapá Silveira

3y↑1

I'm very happy , the first time when I hear this song😃

Mireya Carrasco

Super, simplemente una maravilla el escucharle, un placer .

Doris J F

13y

this is one of the best songs ever, and his voice kills it. ah, as if he went tho it so much emotion

Ling Tran

10y

This is just simply a beautiful piece of music that touches your heart so deep inside

catricks

11y↑3

I'm not here because I'm suffering, I'm not here because I'm crying, I'm not here because I took bad relationship decisions. I'm here because his voice makes me get goose skin and because this song is one of his best ever. Underrated, under appreciated and less popular than he should be. Love his music.

Cheryl caardillo

1y↑1

Yes yes& yes

Erica Belcher

💯💯💯💯💯💯

mslishlish

12y

I love this song I'll never forget the first time i heard this on the game i cried. Its such a beautiful son and john legend is truly under rated. I love melanie and derwin together and I home they don't break them up in the 2012 season.

Nondumiso Ngema

10y↑3

been playing this song on repeat...mmmh this guy's voice is just amazing <3

Rosalie Rutten

11y

His voice is so beautiful!

NaSarGR

11y

Artists like John should get a lot of credit for their work and their quality.It's bad that nowadays people have role models like minaj,bieber and all these wack artists that promote money,bitches and cars.We need more like this.

Marcelo Pereira Silva

6y↑1

Música linda! Bons tempos 👐👐👐

Kay Kay Cosmetics

This song was sent to me this evening from the Man that I will potentially spend the rest of my life with!!!! This was my first time hearing this... now I can’t get enough of the voice or the lyrics... it’s been on repeat...😻

zariah ashley

11y

This song bring back memories.. i remember i had to choose between on who i want and i chose the right one... gotta say i love this song... One of my favorite songs by john legend....

WaYnE

9y↑11

I love this song so much! It means a lot to me .. my wife and i are now back together but during our time apart this song said everything i felt at that time we were apart! So i sang this song at a local bar to my wife! If you want to take a look check out my cover "wayne jones this time"

Jameik

11y

This song is sooooo touching!! I love it!!! :-)

Frank Sisco De Antoni

He’s a LEGEND of MUSIC!!!!!
🔝 🔝 🔝
❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Stacey Browne

11y↑1

This song takes me away...makes me cry everytime. When he sang it live I cried even more....best song ever!

Adonighel

11y

Beautiful song, I listen to it whenever I can

Haro 73

6y↑2

Niels Donszelmann

9y↑6

Even though it's old, it's definately my favourite song ever... I love it even more than "all of me" i mean, how's that even possible?!

Susan Jackson

3y↑1

The music!!!!! OMG the music is soooo soothing!!!!☺

Yo'z Naturali

12y

This song been playing in my head all day today... Very well sung I must say!

Paul Berglund

9 years later. Every once in a while I think of this song and come here. For the rest of the day and sometimes in to the next it replays over and over in my head.

Jenny Rivenbark

11y

I wouldn't say his best song, but an Incredible song.

juks jun

10y↑2

His best album yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Been listening to all the songs everyday for over a month and still can't get enough. Toooo goooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wheresmynurse

12y

Singing and saying. . what love really is and so many never really find it. See it, give it, be it. Its not impossible. . . but if you throw it away, it likely wont come back. Legend A++++

Leo M

10y↑11

Such a beautiful song ....Can' t believe It took me so long to discover it

Allanakgurl1

11y

i heard him sing this live last night!! perfection

luckyrajasona

12y

This song is beautiful. I can listen to it and it can remind me of a few situations. The words are so heart felt, pure and raw. I loved this song since the first day I heard it

LilyMoonbeam1111

11y

Never thought anyone else could do this song justice.....I was wrong.....Burnell, you can sing this all day long :)

Rauneisha Larkins

10y

Absolutely love this song!!!!

Kaylya P

This song gets me all up in my feelings.Awesome artist

Amanda Geller

8y↑8

This is one of the most beautiful song's I have ever heard! <3

Truly Fave

11y

I love this song so much, and I love John Legend!! 

BuzzNg

Classic! John Legend is legendary

Laura Dell'Arciprete

What a wonderful Song!!!💙

Ashley Lucas

12y↑2

It's been a long time since I have heard this song and it still reminds me of the tears that filled my eyes when he told me he was marrying someone else. I'll always love him and this song I suppose.

Jack Benson

Hello 👋👋🤗

Yvette Adams

5y↑9

This song gets me every time !😢 Damn you John Legend

MrAveryBrown

12y↑1

This is one of my favorite songs from John Legend!

Zaria

11y

Burnell really sang this good. And he looks so different I didn't even notice him. I loved the way he moved when he sang. Very original like the judges said.

Karen Austin

9y↑1

Love this song, the piano is so romantic!

Thelastofm3

50w↑1

My favorite John Legend song💙

sildaven1

11y

What a moving song. Thanks Burnell and John Legend.

Brewer Family Vlogs

8y↑81

Song makes me cry everytime I hear it. Beautiful song.

Erica Belcher

7y↑4

Positive Vibes omggg I can't listen to this without crying! Things never seem to workout for me smh!

miracle hill

12y

I LOVE THIS SONG THIS SONG IS MY TRAVELING SONG! WAY TO GO JOHN LEGEND!

Sed

13y

I remember the promise,then this song has been embedded in my heart

Splitsterrr

12y↑1

It's super crazy how good this song is but you really don't understand it until you're going through something. Then the lyrics really start to mean something to ya'. <3

Mobile Home Dude

12y

touching song, I can relate, thanks John great music

Crystal

11y

I wish Burnell Taylor would do a recording of his version of this song so that i could add it to my ipod and listen to it everyday. It was Amazing. He is such a great singer and he has a lot of talent. Of course i like this version but Burnell touched my heart singing this song. ♥

Poke Paul

7y↑3

legit one of my best songs ever! I hardly relate to it but still. 🔥

Tay Boone

12y

This song has got to one of john legends best.! I love him soo much.. This song gives me hope for what I going through

Chiquita Moorehead

Love this whole album

Cilla1985

11y

In love with this song ❤️

Eneesa Hudson

10y

This song played at my aunt and uncle's wedding and I was crying but with happy tears.

icerwjans

11y

he is a legend!!!!!!!!! his songs are awsome

Sandra Jackson

8y↑181

I love this song its makes me remember my husband before he died

joseph moore

8y↑2

thts just beautiful

Yukl27

6y↑2

I can't even imagine the loss....take care!! 💚

Amine bestof

Beautiful commitment

andrea48103

4y↑5

Sandra Jackson I’m so sorry for your loss.. I hope you have beautiful memories

Ashley Williams

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

2 More Replies...

Mani Davis

11y

I love this song...... you did good on this one John

J D

11y

I love John Legend <3 Perfect song

jnoplay

12y

My Most Favorite Song.. <3 The Lyrics Are So Meaningful.. Touches My Heart Everytime.. : )

Nitta Bell

2y↑2

This makes me cry. I've never cried before! The beauty of it all.

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