They released three albums during the '90s, with their debut Electronic selling over a million copies worldwide. However, the follow-up Raise the Pressure, despite debuting in the UK Top 10, was a commercial flop by comparison. The group's highest charting singles is 1992's Disappointed, which reached #6 in the UK. The band's biggest American hit was 1989's Getting Away With It which reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Twisted Tenderness was released in 1999 and again hit the UK Top 10. This third and final studio album was co-produced by influential New York club DJ and dance producer Arthur Baker, with whom Sumner had previously worked on New Order's 1983 hit Confusion, amongst other songs. Marr and Sumner remained the only official members of the band, but were joined by Doves Jimi Goodwin on bass and Black Grape drummer Ged Lynch.
In September 2006 the duo's work was compiled on the album Get The Message - The Best Of Electronic.
Time Can Tell
Electronic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get off the phone
Come and see me
These times are hard enough
To be alone
I want you with me
And much to my regret
Tears on your shoulder
Don't go too far
Surrender me unharmed
Then come with me
Will we still be together
In a year from now
Or do we hate each other
We're gonna get through somehow
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Will it be farewell
Only time can tell
Will we still be together
In a year from now
Or do we hate each other
We're gonna get through somehow
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Will it be farewell
Only time can tell
You'd make the angels wait
And stop the sun if I let you
What good is two
When it's reduced by one
How do you value your love
You'd better save your breath
Give us both a rest
Until tomorrow
The second you want me
You know I'll come
You are the one
Will we still be together
In a year from now
Or do we hate each other
We're gonna get through somehow
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Will it be farewell
Only time can tell
Will we still be together
In a year from now
Or do we hate each other
We're gonna get through somehow
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Will it be farewell
Only time can tell
Will we still be together
In a year from now
Or do we hate each other
We're gonna get through somehow
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Will it be farewell
Only time can tell
The lyrics of Electronic's song "Time Can Tell" speak of the uncertainty and fear that comes with the potential end of a relationship. The opening lines speak to the frustration of a long-distance communication breakdown, as the singer pleads for their loved one to come and be with them during a difficult time. The lyrics continue with a sense of regret and sadness as the singer admits that they cannot forget their lover, even as they fear that their relationship may come to an end.
The chorus poses the central question of the song: "Will we still be together in a year from now?" The singer expresses doubt and worry about the future of the relationship, wondering if the difficulties they face have turned their world into a nightmare. Despite the uncertainty, however, the singer remains hopeful, insisting that they will get through it somehow.
Overall, "Time Can Tell" is a poignant and emotionally charged song about the complexities and challenges of relationships. The lyrics capture the mix of pain, longing, and hope that can accompany deep affection, and the song's memorable melody and driving beat make it a classic of alternative electronic music.
Line by Line Meaning
Your voice is breaking up
I'm having a hard time hearing you on the phone
Get off the phone
Hang up and come see me in person
Come and see me
I want to be together during these difficult times
These times are hard enough
Being alone is making it even harder
To be alone
I don't want to be by myself
I want you with me
I want us to be together
And much to my regret
Unfortunately
It's you I can't forget
I can't stop thinking about you
Tears on your shoulder
Crying on your shoulder
Don't go too far
Don't shy away or leave me
Surrender me unharmed
Accept me without any harm or resistance
Then come with me
Let's be together
Will we still be together
I hope we will still be together
In a year from now
One year into the future
Or do we hate each other
Or will we have animosity towards each other?
We're gonna get through somehow
We'll find a way to get through any difficulties
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Has this situation made life unbearable?
Will it be farewell
Will we have to say goodbye?
Only time can tell
We will have to wait and see
You'd make the angels wait
You're worth waiting forever for
And stop the sun if I let you
You could have any power over me
What good is two
What's the point of having two?
When it's reduced by one
If one of us leaves or is gone, it's not the same
How do you value your love
How much do you value our relationship?
You'd better save your breath
You should stop talking
Give us both a rest
Let's take a break from this conversation
Until tomorrow
Let's talk about this tomorrow
The second you want me
I'll be there for you whenever you need me
You know I'll come
I'll always be here for you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, JOHNNY MARR, KARL BARTOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chris K
Around 1996, I bought a Roland synth module - the Dance one...and the intro drum loop + the main drum loop -> these were both on that unit!
I would never have used that loop....I don't like loops as a rule...if they are made by other people....
Also - there was a vocal sample - an "Aaahh" using some - in Benedict Cumberbatch's words - "coloured" backing singers - which appeared all over the charts!
All the "coloured" acts were using these samples to augment their productions!
LMAO - If he would have said - "Black actors" instead of "coloured actors" - would he have been "okay"?
It's political correctness gone mad!
He should not have apologized for that! He was not being racist....some of his best friends are "coloured"....lol
It's only the speech marks that make it racist!
Madam Zajj
Super beautiful song, wistful and true.
Bel Ceballos
BEST SONG EVER MADE!!!! VERY MEANINGFUL... NO BS HERE! :D
Southern Man
Humm..you are so cute..A comment posted 7 yrs ago..Hope you are fine..Those times all of us were happy..and we dont know it...
Rebelscum501
Love this song! :D
ソトヤママリアテレサ
this song is eternally relevant for who are in a relationship, Thanks for uploading it.
Angelina Robert
1 year later. Are we still. good. i'm waiting for you. ❤️🖖🎵
Angelina Robert
そうです。あんたは大丈夫ですか？マリアちゃん。愛してるよ。病院はどうですか？本当にあんたについて心配してるそ。🦏🐲🐉
Angelina Robert
This came out in the mid to late 1990's. it reminds me of every relationship i've ever been in. "will we still be together in a year from now? or do we hate each other? Gotta get through somehow. Has it turned the world into a nightmare？ Will it be farewell? Only time will tell.🎶"-Electronic
Southern Man
Another gem that hasnt sheet music. But, im sure i could find a way to play it...At last these horrific times gives me more "ears"..btw, an unforgettable tune
Roosevelt Coopling
Will we still be together in a year from now
Or do we hate each other, we're gonna get through somehow
Has it turned the world into a nightmare
Will it be farewell, only time can tell