This Time
Buddy Jewell Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

She told me goodbye
At least a dozen times
And each time, I'd say
"No Please Don't Leave"
Though I was sure
She was out the door
She said "What would be different, This Time?"
Do you remember when
I went on a binge
Rolled my truck
Into that ditch
You thought I was dead
And I said
I would get some help that time

But That time was all for show
I didn't really want to go
I wouldn't admit
I couldn't quit
Without some help that time

Then last year
We go into a fight
I didn't really mean
To hurt you that night
They took me away
Locked me up for a day
And sent me for help that time

But that time was all for show
I didn't really want to go
I wouldn't admit
I couldn't quit
Without some help that time

I'm down on my knees
No please don't leave
She opened a book
I took a look
Said for three days
I'd been dry
They all cheered
I begin to cry
Everyone that knew
Including you
I would really try this time

This time it's not for show
This time I want to go
This time it's real
I'm gonna heal
With god's help
This time

This time it's real
I'm gonna heal




With god's help
This Time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Buddy Jewell's song "This Time" depict the story of a man who has struggled with addiction and repeatedly lied to his partner about getting help. He recalls various instances when he promised to change; when he crashed his truck, when he was arrested after a fight, and more. Each time he claimed he would get help, but he didn't follow through. The woman he loves is tired of hearing the same old story and has threatened to leave him many times. Despite his pleas, she asks him what would be different "This Time."


In the chorus, he paints a picture of his determination to change. He tells her he's been sober for three days and adds that this time it's not for show. He convinces her that he wants to change for real, with the help of God, and his love for her. As the song progresses, he gains confidence in his abilities to change, and he's hopeful for a future with his partner. The lyrics are powerful in delivering the message of redemption and hope for a better tomorrow.


Overall, "This Time" is a well-crafted song that speaks about addiction, love, and the struggles people face in life. The lyrics are relatable, and the melody is catchy, making it a popular song among country music fans. The song's power lies in its message, and for anyone who has ever struggled or knows someone battling addiction, it's a song they can relate to and find comfort in.


Line by Line Meaning

She told me goodbye
My girlfriend broke up with me


At least a dozen times
This has happened many times before


And each time, I'd say
Every time she leaves, I beg her to stay


"No Please Don't Leave"
I always plead with her to stay


Though I was sure
I knew deep down


She was out the door
She had already made up her mind to leave


She said "What would be different, This Time?"
My girlfriend questioned whether things would be different if we got back together


Do you remember when
Do you recall that time


I went on a binge
I had too much to drink


Rolled my truck
I crashed my vehicle


Into that ditch
I went off the road and ended up in a ditch


You thought I was dead
You believed that I had died in the crash


And I said
I promised


I would get some help that time
I said I would seek help


But That time was all for show
I was only pretending to want help


I didn't really want to go
I wasn't serious about getting help


I wouldn't admit
I refused to acknowledge


I couldn't quit
I couldn't stop drinking


Without some help that time
I needed assistance to overcome my addiction


Then last year
Later on


We go into a fight
We had an argument


I didn't really mean
I didn't intend


To hurt you that night
To cause you pain during that particular argument


They took me away
I was arrested


Locked me up for a day
I was put in jail overnight


And sent me for help that time
I was referred for addiction treatment


I'm down on my knees
I am on the ground, begging


No please don't leave
I am begging her not to leave me


She opened a book
She showed me a book


I took a look
I glanced at it


Said for three days
It had been three days


I'd been dry
I had not consumed alcohol for three days


They all cheered
Everyone was happy


I begin to cry
I started to cry


Everyone that knew
Everybody who was aware


Including you
You as well


I would really try this time
I would genuinely make an effort this attempt


This time it's not for show
This time I am serious


This time I want to go
I am committed to seeking help


This time it's real
My determination is genuine


I'm gonna heal
I am going to recover


With god's help
With divine assistance


This Time
This time around




Contributed by Levi T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@sxybtrflyjen

This song came out the day before my 10 month old daughter passed away. I called the radio station and they let me play it at her funeral. This song touches my soul. Thankyou soo much Buddy for singing this song. In Memory of Trinity Lynn

@jamesbrantley5224

Wow I am so sorry for loss.

@philiptamer8995

I'm sorry for your loss , I worked with terminal kids for 30 years

@jenniesmith2473

@James Brantley Thank you, sorry I don’t pay attention to YouTube very much. She is dancing with Jesus always in my mind and heart🙏

@jenniesmith2473

@Philip Tamer Thank you so much 🙏

@philiptamer8995

@Jennie Smith YOU are MOST WELCOME ! AFTER 30 YEARS I WAS USED UP ,NOTHING LEFT TO GIVE . SOME of the kids STILL HAUNT ME .

4 More Replies...

@Bearthedancingman

First time I heard this I was driving down a back road and when he mentioned "See Jesus face to face" I started crying so hard I had to pull over. I was so moved. Why can't more music make us feel this way?

@davidalexander828

I know exactly what you were experiencing at that time. Because when I heard this song the first time I was in Louisiana on I-12. I too had to pull over because I couldn't keep driving that that truck. It took all I had just to bring that 80,000 lb truck to a stop

@janetgatesthrivinlife

Music that makes us feel.... You said it perfectly

@hb9614

listen to "Chasing Butterflies"

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