Bad Timing
Bombay Bicycle Club Lyrics


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Can I have your wayward stare?
Never mind him calling you, just keep them there
Why do you keep me back?
With all your powers I am pushing at
No never can it be
These are the words that you once said to me

Why do you keep me back?
With all your powers I am pushing at
No I'm not home enough
Then I get back and you have taken off




No never can it be,
I guess I'd like to think it was bad timing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bombay Bicycle Club's song "Bad Timing" seem to be about a relationship that has come to an end due to various reasons, including distance and lack of time. The singer is trying to understand why the relationship ended and is questioning the reasons behind their partner's decision to leave. He asks if he can have his partner's attention and if she can give him a moment to explain himself. He doesn't want her to be distracted by anyone else calling her, he wants her full attention.


He then asks why his partner is holding him back despite his efforts to push forward. He acknowledges that his partner has certain powers over him that he can't deny, but he still feels like he's being held back. He also reveals that he's not at home enough, and by the time he gets back, his partner has already left. And while he wants to believe that it was just bad timing that led to their breakup, he knows deep down that it might be due to other reasons that he might not be able to change.


Overall, the song is a reflection on a lost love, and the lyrics seem to express the singer's frustration and sadness about the situation. It's a common theme in many songs, but the way Bombay Bicycle Club delivers the message is unique and heartfelt, making it a memorable track.


Line by Line Meaning

Can I have your wayward stare?
May I gaze into your wandering eyes?


Never mind him calling you, just keep them there
Don't pay attention to his phone calls, just focus on me


Why do you keep me back?
What's holding you back from being with me?


With all your powers I am pushing at
I'm trying my best to break through your barriers


No never can it be
We can't be together


These are the words that you once said to me
You've told me this before


No I'm not home enough
I'm not around as much as I should be


Then I get back and you have taken off
But when I come back, you've already left


I guess I'd like to think it was bad timing
I want to believe that the reason we can't be together is just bad timing, not something more permanent




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JACK WILLIAM THOMAS STEADMAN

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

@lilyhope432

(copy-pasted from Genius)
[Verse 1]
Can I have your wayward stare?
Never mind him calling you, just keep them there

[Chorus]
Why do you keep me back?
With all your powers I am pushing at

[Verse 2]
No never can it be
These are the words that you once said to me

[Chorus]
Why do you keep me back?
With all your powers I am pushing at

[Outro]
No I'm not home enough
Then I get back and you have taken off
No never can it be
I guess I'd like to think it was bad timing
Timing, timing, timing



All comments from YouTube:

@CharismaStrategies

Honestly, I think this is one of the best indie/alternative rock songs I've ever heard. I can't explain it. It's just so brilliant. Musically and instrumentally amazing, as well having deep and interesting lyrics. Not to mention the dark and eerie vocals. Fantastic.

@goudronsale8079

THE TUNE MAN OUTCHHHH

@treytison1444

Definitely one of their underrated ones

@rhaengelos3453

I am so glad I've found this group again after so long (3 or 4 years). This was part of my introduction to indie music.

@Chaziltasm

I Miss when this band was more experimental. This song is quite unusual, in terms of it's structure, and it has that classic indie sound we all love. There is a lot of layering going on here too, it sounds so epic by the end.

@nelsano3

These guys are great players. The rhythm section is amazing.. At loud volume this track is mind blowingly good!

@AirQuotes

God damn I just love this song. It's beautiful and sad. One of their best

@TheBiglips88

Honestly, these guys are just brilliant. Why this tune does not have more views is just bizarre. But I like it that way, keep it between us and the select few who know and appreciate the real music these guys create.

@jetonbalidemaj

WHY DOESNT THIS HAVE MORE VIEWS ? WHAT A BANGER

@AirQuotes

Because it isn't a banger. You can't play this in a club. I think it's a fantastic song. It's one of my favourites, but I can't see it being a huge hit. Would gladly be proven wrong, though

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