Killing Time
Garage Inc. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The sound of gunfire comes through the night
Killing and hatred, it's a terrible sight
Reports come in of a heavy attack
Message received, we're moving back

Preparations are made for the journey back
It's a survival, supplies are packed
No more nights in this eternal hell
Destination is simple, we move out

(Killing time) Move up to the line
(Killing time) Your turn to kill
(Killing time) What do you say?
(Killing time) I'm killing time

And he knew what was needed to keep us alive
No time for cowardice, it's kill and survive
Like a killer kid with a switchblade knife
Nasty word, he'll take your life

The silence is over, the attack's began
Killing and hatred drive you insane
Reports come in of a heavy attack
Message received, we're moving back

(Killing time) Move up to the line
(Killing time) Your turn to kill
(Killing time) What do you say?
(Killing time) I'm killing time

The sound of gunfire comes through the night
Killing and hatred, it's a terrible sight
Reports come in of a heavy attack
Message received, we're moving back

And he knew what was needed to keep us alive
No time for cowardice, it's kill and survive
Like a killer kid with a switchblade knife
Nasty word, he'll take your life

(Killing time) Move up to the line
(Killing time) Your turn to kill




(Killing time) What do you say?
(Killing time) I'm killing time

Overall Meaning

"Killing Time" by Garage Inc. is a song that speaks about a soldier's experience in war. The lyrics describe the sounds of gunfire and violence, which have become a constant part of their reality. Reports come in of a heavy attack, and the message to move back is received. The preparations for the journey back are made, and supplies are packed for survival. The destination is simple as they move out, away from this eternal hell. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Killing time," with each line asking a different question about the act of killing. The song portrays the idea that in war, one must compromise one's morals and resort to violence to survive. The lines "No time for cowardice, it's kill and survive/Like a killer kid with a switchblade knife/Nasty word, he'll take your life" emphasize the need for ruthlessness in such situations.


The song's structure follows a repetitive pattern with the chorus coming three times, interspersed with verses. The description of violence in the verses contrasts with the subtle, repetitive melody of the chorus, creating an eerie atmosphere. The song's slow tempo and heavy use of distorted guitars add to the feeling of unease it evokes.


Line by Line Meaning

The sound of gunfire comes through the night
Amidst the darkness, the chilling sound of gunfire invades our ears


Killing and hatred, it's a terrible sight
The violence and malice on display is a horrific spectacle


Reports come in of a heavy attack
News arrives that we are under intense assault


Message received, we're moving back
We must retreat to ensure our survival


Preparations are made for the journey back
We make arrangements and gather necessary supplies to begin our retreat


It's a survival, supplies are packed
We are preparing for a fight to stay alive, so we pack what we need


No more nights in this eternal hell
We can no longer endure these endless tragedies


Destination is simple, we move out
Our goal is clear - we must leave this place to survive


(Killing time) Move up to the line
We are instructed to move forward and engage in combat


(Killing time) Your turn to kill
It is now our duty to take the lives of our enemies


(Killing time) What do you say?
We are questioned whether we are ready to participate in this violent act


(Killing time) I'm killing time
We are carrying out these killings as a means of passing the time


And he knew what was needed to keep us alive
Our leader understood what was necessary for us to survive


No time for cowardice, it's kill and survive
We must act bravely and take down our enemies in order to stay alive


Like a killer kid with a switchblade knife
We are ruthless in our approach to killing, like a murderous child with a deadly weapon


Nasty word, he'll take your life
Even a spiteful word can lead to a fatal attack from our violent counterparts


The silence is over, the attack's began
Quietness is shattered by the onslaught of an enemy attack




Contributed by Isabella V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions