Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Out of Time
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many people down
Everything turning the wrong way 'round
And I don't know what life would be
If we stop dreaming now
Lord knows we'd never clear the clouds
And you've been so busy lately
To open up your mind
And watch the world spinning
Gently out of time
Feel the sunshine on your face
It's in a computer now
Gone to the future, way out in space
And you've been so busy lately
That you haven't found the time
To open up your mind
And watch the world spinning
Gently out of time
And you've been so busy lately
That you haven't found the time
To open up your mind
And watch the world spinning
Gently out of time
Tell me I'm not dreaming
But are we out of time?
We're out of time
Out of time
Out of time
Out of time
Out of time
The opening lines of Blur's "Out of Time" concern the "love song" that sets people free, and the need for such an expression in a time when "everything [is] turning the wrong way 'round." The song seems to be a call for a renewal of optimism or perhaps just an act of resistance, as if the band is saying "don't give up on love." The lines "Too many people down / Everything turning the wrong way 'round" suggest a time when none of the old values and promises seem to hold up, and the listener might ask, "where is the love song?" Only by continuing to dream and imagine a better world can one clear the clouds, the song suggests.
The subsequent verses are about the busy-ness and modernization of contemporary life, and the importance of making time to "open up your mind / And watch the world spinning / Gently out of time." The harmony here is surprisingly complex and beautiful, evoking a sense of peacefulness and positivity. The world might be chaotic and overwhelming, but one can still pause to observe it and enjoy its beauties. The chorus lyrics repeat this idea, asserting that the listener has not yet missed the chance to experience the world, to feel the sun on their face, and to appreciate the physical world before it becomes lost behind computer screens and space exploration. These closing lines, repeating "we're out of time," suggest a bittersweet quality to the song. It is as if the band knows these experiences and moments will soon be lost or eclipsed, but they continue to sing about them all the same.
Line by Line Meaning
Where's the love song to set us free?
Expressing a desire for a song that inspires us with love and sets us free from negativity.
Too many people down
Noticing that too many people are feeling discouraged, depressed or upset.
Everything turning the wrong way 'round
Feeling that everything is going wrong and not according to plan.
And I don't know what life would be
Wondering about the purpose and meaning of life.
If we stop dreaming now
Recognizing that dreaming is crucial to keep hope alive and achieve greater things.
Lord knows we'd never clear the clouds
Acknowledging that overcoming obstacles is challenging and requires faith and determination.
And you've been so busy lately
Addressing someone who has been preoccupied with other matters and unable to appreciate life.
That you haven't found the time
Highlighting the importance of taking time to reflect and enjoy life's pleasures.
To open up your mind
Encouraging the person to be more receptive to new ideas, experiences and perspectives.
And watch the world spinning
Inviting the person to observe and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world.
Gently out of time
Emphasizing the passing of time and the need to savor each moment in a calm and peaceful way.
Feel the sunshine on your face
Encouraging the person to enjoy the warmth and light of the sun, which represents life and vitality.
It's in a computer now
Noting the changing nature of technology and how it influences our perception of reality.
Gone to the future, way out in space
Reflecting on the possibilities and uncertainties of the future, which is vast and mysterious like space.
Tell me I'm not dreaming
Expressing disbelief or confusion about whether something is real or not.
But are we out of time?
Asking a question about the availability or scarcity of time to achieve a certain goal or aspiration.
We're out of time
Reiterating the idea that time is running out and action needs to be taken urgently.
Out of time
Echoing the title of the song and its message that time is finite and precious.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Rowntree, Damon Albarn, Steven Alexander James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind