While ARS would never reach the commercial success of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Marshall Tucker Band, the group had a strong following in the south and charted a number of hits such as "Imaginary Lover," "I'm Not Going to Let it Bother Me Tonight," "Champagne Jam," "So Into You," and a remake of a Classics IV hit, "Spooky."
The band also influenced a number of rock and country artists, notably Travis Tritt, who recorded a cover of the ARS songs, "Back Up Against the Wall" and "Homesick." The group Shudder to Think covered "So Into You."
While Time Is Left
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shakin' but the leaves on the trees.
Left it all to find my soul, I just had to find myself some relief.
Gettin' back to the thrill of it all, and if people are bored
Reachin' out
Gettin' back in touch with myself
And takin' my time
Takin' my time, while time is left
Pay more attention to the clock on the wall
Gentle breezes blowin' free
Rollin' river rhythm rockin' me
Flyin' high above the fools down below, livin' slow
Reachin' out livin' free and keepin' alive
I'm keein' alive, I'm keepin' alive
And takin' my time while there's still time
(Instrumental break)
What's your pleasure, name your poison
They got it all here on the planet earth
I'm gonna take advantage of,
'Til they place my bones beneath that artificial turf
Flyin' high above the fools down below, livin' slow, livin' slow
Reachin' out livin' free and keepin' alive,
I'm keepin' alive, keepin' alive, keepin' alive
While time is left
While time is left
While time is left
I'm takin' my time, yes I am
While there's still time.
The lyrics of Atlanta Rhythm Section's "While Time Is Left" describe the singer's pursuit of a simpler, more fulfilling life away from the hustle and bustle of modern society. The lyrics speak of the desire to find oneself and find relief from the stress and chaos of the world. The song invites listeners to slow down, take their time and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The first verse describes the singer walking down a country road where nothing is shaking but the leaves on trees. The second verse talks about the singer's desire to pay more attention to the clock on the wall and take advantage of everything the world has to offer until death.
The chorus emphasizes taking one's time, doing what one enjoys while there is still time left. It encourages listeners to keep themselves alive, living free, and reaching out for new experiences. The song highlights that life is finite; hence, one must enjoy it to the fullest while it lasts.
One can interpret the tone of the song as reflective and understanding of the brevity of life while at the same time encouraging people to live every moment to its fullest potential. The lyrics touch on the singer's personal experience of living life in the slow lane and enjoying the simple things.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' down a country road nothin'
Walking down a quiet, peaceful road with nothing to disturb the silence.
Shakin' but the leaves on the trees.
Feeling a slight trembling caused by the movement of the leaves in the trees.
Left it all to find my soul, I just had to find myself some relief.
Giving up everything to search for inner peace and relief from stress.
Gettin' back to the thrill of it all, and if people are bored
Rediscovering the excitement of life, regardless of others' boredom or disinterest.
Reachin' out
Reaching out to connect with others and the world around oneself.
Gettin' back in touch with myself
Reconnecting with one's own thoughts, emotions, and inner self.
And takin' my time
Moving at a deliberate pace and savoring every moment.
Takin' my time, while time is left
Making the most of the remaining time and not rushing through life.
While time is left I'm goin' to do it all,
Planning to experience all that life has to offer while there is still time.
Pay more attention to the clock on the wall
Being more aware of the passing of time and making every second count.
Gentle breezes blowin' free
Feeling the caress of gentle wind blowing without restraint.
Rollin' river rhythm rockin' me
Being carried away by the upbeat, lively rhythm of a flowing river.
Flyin' high above the fools down below, livin' slow
Rising above petty concerns and living life at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Reachin' out livin' free and keepin' alive
Reaching out to others, living without constraints, and cherishing every moment.
I'm keein' alive, I'm keepin' alive
Staying vibrant and lively, enjoying life to the fullest and not wasting a moment.
And takin' my time while there's still time
Making the most of the time left and not rushing through life's journey.
What's your pleasure, name your poison
Asking what one desires, regardless of any potential negative consequences.
They got it all here on the planet earth
Reminding that everything one might need or crave can be found on Earth.
I'm gonna take advantage of,
Planning to make the most of all the opportunities and resources available.
'Til they place my bones beneath that artificial turf
Continuing to enjoy life until one's last breath, no matter where one ends up being buried.
While time is left
Making the most of each moment, as time is fleeting.
I'm takin' my time, yes I am
Moving at a deliberate pace and enjoying life to the fullest.
While there's still time.
Living each moment to the fullest, as no one knows what tomorrow brings.
Writer(s): Buie, Bailey, Nix, Daughtry
Contributed by Lily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joe Blo
on Indigo Passion
I think the 4th line should read: "And all of the HUES in between."
love.