Running Out of Time
Climax Blues Band Lyrics


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Ride across the country
I can hear the people call
Some folks, they got everything
And I got nothin' at all

I don't want revolution
I just want a little something
While I sit and do my thing
The revolution's coming

Lookin' for a silver lining
Searchin' for a sign
If we're gonna make it, make it quick
Because we're runnin' out of time

Can't do things I want to
'Cause that's what money's for
I do things I don't want
Gonna cost me even more

Tomorrow is tomorrow
And a million years away
But I serve up every morning
To the mem' of yesterday

Lookin' for a silver lining
Searchin' for a sign
If we're gonna make it, make it quick
Because we're runnin' out of time, yeah

Money's makin' money
It's just the way it always is
People are makin' people
Who've got no way to pay

Lookin' for a silver lining
Searchin' for a sign
If we're gonna make it, make it quick
Because we're runnin' out of time




Because we're runnin' out of time
Because we're runnin' out of time

Overall Meaning

The Climax Blues Band's song "Running Out of Time" is a commentary on the struggle of everyday life, particularly the difficulty of carving out a meaningful existence when the structures of society are against you. The song begins with the singer expressing his desire to "ride across the country," but he quickly realizes that he has "nothin' at all" and that "some folks, they got everything." This line establishes the theme of economic inequality that runs through the song.


The singer then expresses his desire for "a little something" but rejects the idea of revolution. He recognizes that change is needed but doesn't want to take extreme measures to achieve it. This is an interesting twist on traditional protest songs, which often advocate for revolutionary action. The singer suggests that the revolution will come on its own, without his intervention.


The next verse of the song focuses on the singer's struggles with the passage of time. He is constantly "lookin' for a silver lining" and "searchin' for a sign" that things will get better. But he recognizes that time is running out, and that he needs to act quickly if he wants to make a difference. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase "Because we're runnin' out of time," emphasizing the urgency of the situation.


Overall, "Running Out of Time" is a powerful commentary on the struggle for economic and social justice. The song combines a catchy melody with insightful lyrics, making it a classic protest song that still resonates today.


Line by Line Meaning

Ride across the country
Traveling across the country on a ride.


I can hear the people call
Hearing people call out and express themselves.


Some folks, they got everything
Some people are fortunate and have everything they want.


And I got nothin' at all
Not having anything at all.


I don't want revolution
Not wanting a major change or uprising.


I just want a little something
Desiring just a little something of value.


While I sit and do my thing
Continuing with one's own activities.


The revolution's coming
A change or uprising is imminent.


Lookin' for a silver lining
Searching for a positive aspect or hope in a difficult situation.


Searchin' for a sign
Looking for a signal or indication of something.


If we're gonna make it, make it quick
If we are going to succeed, we must act quickly.


Because we're runnin' out of time
Because time is running out.


Can't do things I want to
Being unable to do what one desires due to lack of resources.


'Cause that's what money's for
Money is necessary to do things one wants.


I do things I don't want
Doing things one does not want to do.


Gonna cost me even more
Having to pay more for doing things one does not want to do.


Tomorrow is tomorrow
The future is yet to come.


And a million years away
The future seems very far away.


But I serve up every morning
Continuing with daily activities each morning.


To the mem' of yesterday
Focusing on memories of the past.


Money's makin' money
Money is generating more money on its own.


It's just the way it always is
This is simply how things typically happen.


People are makin' people
People are creating more people.


Who've got no way to pay
These people do not have money to pay for their needs or desires.


Because we're runnin' out of time
Time is running out.


Because we're runnin' out of time
Time is running out.


Because we're runnin' out of time
Time is running out.




Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Corey Cooper

What a kick ass song on a superb album. So glad they played this on WNEW-FM in the 70's. Thanks Elena, good job!

johnny zell

Ride across the country
I can hear the people call
Some folks, they got everything
And I got nothin' at all

I don't want revolution
I just want a little something
While I sit and do my thing
The revolution's coming

Lookin' for a silver lining
Searchin' for a sign
If we're gonna make it, make it quick
Because we're runnin' out of time

Can't do things I want to
'Cause that's what money's for
I do things I don't want
Gonna cost me even more

Tomorrow is tomorrow
And a million years away
But I serve up every morning
To the mem' of yesterday

Lookin' for a silver lining
Searchin' for a sign
If we're gonna make it, make it quick
Because we're runnin' out of time, yeah

Money's makin' money
It's just the way it always is
People are makin' people
Who've got no way to pay

Lookin' for a silver lining
Searchin' for a sign
If we're gonna make it, make it quick
Because we're runnin' out of time
Because we're runnin' out of time
Because we're runnin' out of time

dumena

Pete Haycock!

Chrisann turk

Need the name of the song getting rich quick by a really cleaver trick

Frank Viering

Mole on the Dole from their Rich Man album.

Fatboy Russ

Mole on the dole.

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