Only Time Will Tell
Etta James Lyrics


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I just needed someone, somebody to hold
When the bottle was empty
And the nights grew cold
In my hour of darkness
In my time of need
You were my angel of mercy
And helped me to believe
You touched my soul
When I was lonely
You held me up
When I couldn't fly
There's no words could explain
How I feel inside

And this I tell you
In a world full of anger
In times gone strange
You held me close
You held me close to you
Lay my head on your shoulder

I finally let it all out
It felt good for a moment
Not living in a shadow of doubt
But everybody needs a little something
To pull them through
I gave one for the other
And God knows that the other was you

Now only time will tell
Only time will tell
If our love is scratched in sand
Or if it's etched in stone

Only time will tell
Only time will tell
If our love will stand
Or walk the road alone

My angel of mercy
Pulled me through somehow
I just hope you know
I need you now

You're the one
That touched my very soul
The one who held on tight
God knows you never let go

Now only time will tell
Only time will tell
If our love is scratched in sand
Or if it's etched in stone

Only time will tell
Only time will tell
If our love will stand
Or walk the road alone

Only time will
Only time will
(Can you bring my hands to yours)
Only time will tell
(Can you teach my soul to fly)
Only time will
Only time will
(Can you save me)
Only time will tell

Angel of mercy
It's time we closed the door
Put out the lights
And burn the fire
Burn the fire inside

Angel of mercy
You pulled me through




And this I tell to you
Lord know I'd tell it to you

Overall Meaning

The song "Only Time Will Tell" by Etta James talks about a person who relied on another when they were at their lowest. The singer states that they needed someone to hold them when they were alone and the nights were cold, and that person was their angel of mercy who helped them believe when they needed it most. The lyrics suggest that this person who helped them through the tough times had touched their soul and held them up when they couldn't fly. The singer expresses their gratitude towards this person and how they hope their love will stand the test of time.


The lyrics create a sense of vulnerability and the need for emotional support during difficult times. The singer expresses that everybody needs someone to pull them through, and that at the moment of despair, it felt good to not live in the shadow of doubt. The feeling of being held close to someone and being able to let everything out is strengthened by the lines "Lay my head on your shoulder, I finally let it all out." The lyrics express a deep emotional connection between the two people and their hope that their love will stand the test of time, and their doubts about its strength.


Line by Line Meaning

I just needed someone, somebody to hold
I was feeling lonely and needed someone to be with me


When the bottle was empty
I turned to alcohol to try and fill the void


And the nights grew cold
I was feeling lost and alone during dark times


In my hour of darkness
During the lowest point in my life


In my time of need
When I was in a difficult situation


You were my angel of mercy
You were the one who helped me in my time of need


And helped me to believe
You gave me hope and helped me see the light


You touched my soul
You reached me on a deep emotional level


When I was lonely
During a time of isolation and sadness


You held me up
You were a support system and gave me strength


When I couldn't fly
During a time of feeling stuck or stagnant


There's no words could explain
It's hard to put into words


How I feel inside
The emotions are too intense to describe


And this I tell you
I want to express something important to you


In a world full of anger
There is so much negativity surrounding us


In times gone strange
During a time of uncertainty and confusion


You held me close
You provided comfort and closeness


You held me close to you
You offered physical and emotional closeness


Lay my head on your shoulder
Resting my head on you felt comforting and safe


I finally let it all out
I was able to express everything that had been bottled up


It felt good for a moment
I experienced temporary relief and release


Not living in a shadow of doubt
No longer living in a state of uncertainty and confusion


But everybody needs a little something
Everyone needs help from time to time


To pull them through
To help them during a difficult time


I gave one for the other
I gave you love in return for your support


And God knows that the other was you
I am grateful for the support you gave me


Now only time will tell
Only the future can reveal what will happen


If our love is scratched in sand
If our love is fragile and easily lost


Or if it's etched in stone
If our love is strong and lasting


If our love will stand
If our love can survive challenges


Or walk the road alone
Or whether we will have to face difficulties alone


Can you bring my hands to yours
Can we connect and be close


Can you teach my soul to fly
Can you help me find freedom and happiness


Can you save me
Can you help me during a difficult time


Angel of mercy
A caring and compassionate presence


It's time we closed the door
It's time to move on from the past


Put out the lights
Put an end to the difficult times


And burn the fire
Let go of the pain and struggle


You pulled me through
You helped me overcome difficulties


And this I tell to you
I want to express my gratitude to you


Lord know I'd tell it to you
I want you to know how much you mean to me




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MAURICE MCALISTER, TERRY VAIL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Erik brodland


on I Just Want to Make Love to You

Love this song so much, it makes me think of my son's Beautiful mommy jasmin and her amazing.voice.

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