Time Will Tell
Bob Marley & The Wailers(Kaya (1978)) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah would never give the power to a bald head
Run come crucify the Dread
Time alone, oh, time will tell
Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell
Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell
Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell
You think you are in heaven, but you living in hell
Back them up, oh, not the brothers
But the ones who set them up
Time alone, oh, time will tell
Think you're in heaven, but you're living in hell
Think you're in heaven, but you're living in hell
Think you're in heaven, but you're living in hell
Time alone, oh, time will tell
You think you're in heaven, but you're living in hell
Mm-mm, mm-mm
Oh, ma
Oh, ma
Oh, ma children are cryin'
Oh, children, weep no more
Oh, ma sycamore tree, saw the freedom tree
All you have spoke
Oh, children, weep no more
Weep no more, children, weep no more
Jah would never give the power to a baldhead
Run come crucify the Dread
Time alone, oh, time will tell
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
Time alone, oh, time will tell
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
The lyrics of "Time Will Tell" talk about the concept of justice and the idea that even if someone is powerful in this world, in the end, only time will tell if they deserve that power. The song begins with a statement that Jah (God) would never give power to a bald head, meaning someone who is arrogant and corrupt. The phrase "bald head" is often used in Rastafarian culture to describe people who are seen as false or pretentious. The song then goes on to emphasize that time is the ultimate judge of someone's actions, and it will reveal whether they belong in heaven or hell.
Bob Marley's use of repetition in the lyrics emphasizes the contrast between how people perceive themselves and how they truly are. The line "Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell" is repeated several times, creating a sense of urgency and emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's actions and their consequences. The chorus "Time alone, oh, time will tell" serves as a warning that people will be held accountable for their actions in the end, and even if you have power now, that power will eventually fade away.
In the latter part of the song, Marley talks about the freedom tree, a symbol of hope and justice. The sycamore tree is said to be where African slaves used to gather to sing and pray in secret, and it represents the strength of the human spirit in times of oppression. The children crying represent the suffering and pain caused by injustice, and the repetition of "weep no more" represents the hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh
The song begins with a simple exclamation, suggesting that something important is about to be said.
Jah would never give the power to a bald head
The Rastafarian belief is that God (Jah) would never allow someone without dreadlocks (a bald head) to hold power.
Run come crucify the Dread
Those who hold power and do not have dreadlocks despise and want to harm those who do.
Time alone, oh, time will tell
Only time will reveal the true outcome or consequences of a situation.
Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell
One may believe their situation is good or ideal, but in reality, it is unpleasant or even harmful.
Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell
The repeated line drives home the idea that one can be deceived about their circumstances and that this can lead to suffering.
Think you're in heaven, but you living in hell
Continuing to emphasize the previous point that someone can easily mistake a bad situation for a good one.
Time alone, oh, time will tell
Repeating that the truth of a situation will eventually become clear with the passing of time.
You think you are in heaven, but you living in hell
A restatement of the major theme of the song, that people can be deceived in their understanding of their life situation.
Back them up, oh, not the brothers
A call to support and defend those being oppressed, not the oppressors.
But the ones who set them up
Instead support those who have been made victims by those in power.
Oh, ma children are cryin'
A metaphor for the suffering and anguish felt by the people who have been mistreated by these powers.
Oh, children, weep no more
A message of hope that the suffering will eventually end, and that the people can overcome their oppression.
Oh, ma sycamore tree, saw the freedom tree
The sycamore tree, which is seen as symbolic of freedom, has witnessed history or events that show the struggle for liberation.
All you have spoke
The tree bears witness to the people's voices and struggles for liberation.
Oh, children, weep no more
Repeating the message of hope for those suffering and oppressed, the pain and hardship will eventually end.
Weep no more, children, weep no more
An emotional plea to end the suffering and pain of those who are oppressed and downtrodden.
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
Reemphasizing the central message of the song, that people are often deceived about their situation in life.
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
Again, driving home the point that people can be mistaken about how good or bad their situation truly is.
Think you're in heaven, but ya living in hell
Continuing with the repetition, to reinforce the major theme of the song.
Time alone, oh, time will tell
The song concludes by repeating that only time will reveal the truth of one's life situation.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind