Delays have long been British rock’s best kept secret. A heady concoction of angelic harmonies, beat-group hauteur and groove-based hedonism, they belong to British pop’s most regal bloodline: (early) Floyd, The Smiths, The Stone Roses. Hitch a lift with them to North America, however, and you’ll see their euphoric ballroom blitz send fans into a frenzy. Head south of the border and it’s a full on teenage rampage.
Having signed to Rough Trade in 2004, they released their debut album Faded Seaside Glamour the same year. A riot of page-boy haircuts, nifty riffs and celestial harmonies, it boasted top Twenty hits ‘Long Time Coming’ and ‘Nearer Than Heaven’ and prompted the Guardian to describe them as "First band in a decade to lay serious claim to the Stone Roses Throne"- Follow up You See Colours (2006) saw their psych-pop blueprint delivered with added BPM. A brooding mix of “Voulez Vous’ and ‘The La’s’, it spawned alpha-pop hits ‘Valentine’ "Best comeback single of 2006"-NME and ‘Hideaway’. 2008 saw the release of the third album ' Everything's The Rush' - Epic, skyscraping - Indie-pop has never been so glorious and sweeping "-The Mirror..
Delays returned in 2010 with their eagerly-anticipated 4th album 'Star Tiger Star Ariel'
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Given Time
Delays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slow, slow me down,
Given time I'd make amends,
For what I have become since I've been away,
Grown a map about my eyes,
You never let me down, read between the lines,
You speak slowly, I can only shake,
Slow, slow me down,
Given time I'd find a place,
To wash away the dirt; soak it up all day,
This port town could fit the bill,
But you have got the keys; you have got the pills,
I've been drifting, almost sleeping deep,
Slow, slow me down,
Slow, slow me down,
She said cherish me, before the winter blows through me,
There really is no mystery,
We got this hour so why not use it…
Slow, slow me down,
Slow, slow me down.
Delays' "Given Time" is a heartfelt plea for slow, gentle guidance and a chance for redemption. The song opens with the chorus of "Slow, slow me down," which serves as a soothing melody that pervades the entire piece. The opening lines "Given time I'd make amends/For what I have become since I've been away" suggests that the singer has gone through a transformation of some kind, and they want to make things right. They see themselves as having grown a map around their eyes, suggesting a loss of warmth and humanity.
The song's repeated reference to slowing down shows an acknowledgement that change cannot happen overnight. The singer wants a chance to soak up the new lessons they have learned, but they know they cannot do that alone. The line "But you have got the keys, you have got the pills" suggests that someone they trust holds the support they need to heal. It almost sounds like a drug reference, but it's more about having someone who has the power to unlock the necessary tools for growth.
The line "She said cherish me, before the winter blows through me" is particularly poignant. It speaks to the need for a sense of urgency in this moment, to make the most of the time we have. The song gives a sense of a character ready to take action, owning up to their failings, and pleading for someone to help guide and advise their next steps toward redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow, slow me down
The singer wants to be slowed down, either physically or mentally.
Slow, slow me down
The singer repeats their desire to be slowed down, emphasizing it further.
Given time I'd make amends
If the singer had more time, they would try to fix the mistakes they have made.
For what I have become since I've been away
The artist has changed since they were last present, and they want to make up for it.
Grown a map about my eyes
The artist has experienced a lot and it shows in their eyes.
You never let me down, read between the lines
The person they are speaking to has been there for them and can understand their emotions without needing explicit communication.
You speak slowly, I can only shake
The other person speaks calmly, while the singer is too emotional to respond properly.
Given time I'd find a place
If the artist had more time, they would be able to find somewhere to relax.
To wash away the dirt; soak it up all day
They need to cleanse themselves of emotional burdens and would like to spend an entire day doing so.
This port town could fit the bill
The artist thinks that a port town may be suitable for their needs.
But you have got the keys; you have got the pills
The other person has the ability to help the singer relax, possibly through providing medication or access to a relaxing location.
I've been drifting, almost sleeping deep
The artist feels like they've been aimlessly moving through life, almost in a dream-like state.
She said cherish me, before the winter blows through me
The other person has asked the singer to appreciate their time together, as the other person potentially feels like they will become more distant in the future.
There really is no mystery
The other person's desires or intentions are simple and straightforward.
We got this hour so why not use it
The singer thinks that they should make the most of the time they have together.
Slow, slow me down
The artist repeats their desire to be slowed down once again.
Slow, slow me down
The artist emphasizes their previous statements and wants to be slowed down even more.
Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.