How To Dance in Time
Blue October Lyrics


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The first time I felt rain
The first time I felt pain
You took that away
The first time you opened up
The first time you closed up
I feel that everyday

I'm sorry for the things I did to you
I'm sorry for the shit I put you through
Let's go back to when we both knew
How to dance in time

Maybe in another lifetime
I'll find the strength to say these words to you
I shoulda been a better man
But a shoulda, coulda, woulda
Isn't what a better man would do

Sarah, my sweet
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The first time I felt missed
The first time that we kissed
I want that back again
What I'm asking you is hard
'Cause I know I broke your heart
But if you'll please let me in

I'm sorry for the things I did to you
I'm sorry for the shit I put you through
Can we go back to when we both knew
How to dance in time

Maybe in another lifetime
I'll find the strength to say these words to you
I shoulda been a better man
But a shoulda, coulda, woulda
Isn't what a better man would do

Sarah, my sweet
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Sarah, my sweet
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Sarah, my sweet
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Sarah, my sweet




Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yeah, Sarah, my heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "How To Dance in Time" by Blue October delve into themes of regret, longing, and the desire to reconcile with a past lover. The songwriter reflects on the initial moments of love and the subsequent pain that followed, acknowledging that his actions caused harm and led to a breakdown in their relationship.


The lines "The first time I felt rain, The first time I felt pain, You took that away" convey the idea that the person he loved helped him heal from his past traumas. However, as the relationship progressed, they both experienced emotional turmoil as indicated by "The first time you opened up, The first time you closed up, I feel that everyday." Here, the songwriter expresses the ongoing impact of their emotional distance and the regret he feels for not being able to truly connect with his partner.


The chorus further emphasizes his remorse and desire for redemption. He apologizes for his past behavior, acknowledging the pain he caused and expressing the wish to return to a time when they were both happy and connected: "I'm sorry for the things I did to you, I'm sorry for the shit I put you through, Let's go back to when we both knew, How to dance in time." The metaphor of dancing in time represents a harmonious and synchronized relationship, contrasting with their current state of disconnection.


The second verse adds to the introspective tone, the writer expressing his longing for what was lost and his yearning to recapture their past moments of intimacy. He acknowledges that repairing their relationship won't be easy, as he broke her heart: "What I'm asking you is hard, 'Cause I know I broke your heart, But if you'll please let me in." Despite this, he still pleads for a second chance, hoping that they can find a way back to the love they once shared.


The song culminates in the repetition of Sarah's name, intensifying the emotional plea for her forgiveness and acceptance. The repeated declaration of "Sarah, my sweet, Sarah, my heart," signifies the depth of his love and devotion to her, emphasizing her importance in his life. Ultimately, the lyrics capture the regret and longing to make things right and rekindle their love, acknowledging the mistakes made and the desire for a fresh start.


Line by Line Meaning

The first time I felt rain
The initial experience of pain and hardship


The first time I felt pain
The initial experience of emotional suffering


You took that away
You provided solace and comfort


The first time you opened up
The first time you revealed your true self


The first time you closed up
The first time you withdrew and became distant


I feel that everyday
I experience those emotions on a daily basis


I'm sorry for the things I did to you
I apologize for my past actions towards you


I'm sorry for the shit I put you through
I apologize for the pain and difficulties I caused you


Let's go back to when we both knew
Let's return to a time when we were in sync


How to dance in time
How to navigate life's challenges together harmoniously


Maybe in another lifetime
Perhaps in a different existence


I'll find the strength to say these words to you
I will gather the courage to express this to you


I shoulda been a better man
I should have improved myself


But a shoulda, coulda, woulda
But dwelling on regrets and what-ifs


Isn't what a better man would do
Does not align with the actions of a better person


Sarah, my sweet
Sarah, my beloved


Yeah, Sarah, my heart
Yes, Sarah, the center of my emotions




Lyrics © DRIVE PUBLISHING
Written by: Justin Fustenfeld, Blue Miller

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

Alexandra Damian

Lyrics:
The first time I felt rain
The first time I felt pain
You took that away
The first time you opened up
The first time you closed up
I feel that everyday

I'm sorry for the things I did to you
I'm sorry for the shit I put you through
Let's go back to when we both knew
How to dance in time

Maybe in another lifetime
I'll find the strength to say these words to you
I should've been a better man
But a should've could've would've
Isn't what a better man would do

Sarah my sweet
Yeah, Sarah my heart
Yeah, Sarah my heart
Yeah, ah ah ah ah ah

The first time I felt mist
The first time that we kissed
I want that back again
What I'm asking you is hard
'Cause I know I broke your heart
But if you'll please let me in

I'm sorry for the things I did to you
I'm sorry for the shit I put you through
Can we go back to when we both knew
How to dance in time

Maybe in another lifetime
I'll find the strength to say these words to you
I should've been a better man
But a should've could've would've
Isn't what a better man would do

Sarah my sweet
Yeah, Sarah my heart
Yeah, Sarah my heart
Yeah, oh oh oh oh oh



All comments from YouTube:

sarahabae

My ex and I loved Blue October. It was his favorite band and I surprised him with concert tickets and meet and greet passes. It's been a year and a half since we split up, but I still hope he hears this song and thinks of me.

SpookyRedz

@Christian O. Holz hang in there bro , you never know what the future will bring you

Christian O. Holz

I recently found out that the girl I dated over 8 years ago got married. In my mind I expected it. In my heart I was still hoping that somehow I would be with her again. It made me cry.

"Maybe in another lifetime..." :(

SpookyRedz

Pain is real and very hard , the best advice I can give is to pray , it helped me find my new wife and a wonderful person , no lie , sincerely

SpookyRedz

He will think of you , music does that , sorry for your loss too

45 More Replies...

TexasPoonTappa

This song really hits it home for me. My wife is asleep behind me right now and all I can do is reflect on how I haven't been the best man that I know I could've been..I honestly don't deserve her I've dragged her through the dirt and I was aware of it.. but yet she clings to me like there's no tomorrow. In other words this song has opened up my eyes and now I know what I gotta do... thank you

TexasPoonTappa

@Nae Ru she's still around after seven years. I've seen the error in my ways. That's why she's still here. Planning on getting married in a couple of months infact.

Nae Ru

She won't be there forever.

Brenda Brooks

My husband should listen to this song, for what he has put me through.

TexasPoonTappa

@Alfredo Garcia ❤

35 More Replies...
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