Ain't Got Time
Garrison Keillor Lyrics
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On the cover of a magazine
You'll never know that I always try to do things right
Well it ain't no sweat if I always forget to get
Caught up in the small town scene
'Cause life's too short and I'm gonna get it straight tonight
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
Well the man always preaches that I ain't got Jesus
And my soul's got a stain to clean
But there ain't no way to pay to get sanctified
But it's no big deal and you know I
That feel it's real and it can't be seen
'Cause time slips away and that's one thing you can't buy
Well I ain't got time, ain't got time
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
Well it don't matter if I get my picture
On the cover of a magazine
You'll never know that I always try to do things right
Well it ain't no sweat if I always forget to get
Caught up in the small town scene
'Cause life's too short and I'm gonna get it straight tonight
Well I ain't got time, ain't got time
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
Well I ain't got time, ain't got time
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
Garrison Keillor's song "Ain't Got Time" is a reflection on the brevity of life and the need to prioritize what truly matters. The lyrics suggest that the singer is uninterested in fame or religious redemption, but instead chooses to focus on living life to the fullest and making the most of the time they have. The repetition of the phrase "I ain't got time" emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of this message.
The first stanza suggests the singer's lack of interest in external validation or success. Even if they were to achieve fame or recognition, it wouldn't necessarily reflect the quality of the life they lived. The second stanza addresses the idea of spiritual redemption, and rejects the notion that it can be bought. The acknowledgement of sin and imperfection is balanced by a sense of acceptance and peace with one's flaws.
The chorus repeats the line "I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die," underscoring the idea that life is fleeting and time is precious. The final verse echoes the sentiment of the first, with a renewed focus on the present moment and the desire to make the most of it.
Overall, "Ain't Got Time" is a reminder to prioritize what is most important and to live life without regrets.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it don't matter if I get my picture
On the cover of a magazine
You'll never know that I always try to do things right
Regardless of whether I become famous, I want to live my life right and do the right things.
Well it ain't no sweat if I always forget to get
Caught up in the small town scene
'Cause life's too short and I'm gonna get it straight tonight
It's not a big deal if I don't get involved in small town drama, because life is too short to waste time on trivial things. I need to focus on living my life to the fullest.
Well I ain't got time, ain't got time
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
I have so much living to do that I don't have time to die. I need to make the most of every moment and live life to the fullest.
Well the man always preaches that I ain't got Jesus
And my soul's got a stain to clean
But there ain't no way to pay to get sanctified
People may judge me and say I need to find religion to clean my soul, but there's no shortcut to being a good person or a spiritual awakening.
But it's no big deal and you know I
That feel it's real and it can't be seen
'Cause time slips away and that's one thing you can't buy
It doesn't matter if others can't see or understand how I feel, because time is precious and I need to focus on living my life rather than worrying about others' opinions.
Well I ain't got time, ain't got time
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
I have to prioritize living my life over worrying about death or what other people think of me.
Well it don't matter if I get my picture
On the cover of a magazine
You'll never know that I always try to do things right
No matter how famous or successful I become, what's most important is that I always try to do the right thing.
Well it ain't no sweat if I always forget to get
Caught up in the small town scene
'Cause life's too short and I'm gonna get it straight tonight
It's not a big deal if I'm not involved in small town gossip or drama, because life is short and I need to focus on living my life to the fullest.
Well I ain't got time, ain't got time
I've got to go on living 'cause I ain't got time to die
My focus needs to be on living my life and making the most of every moment, rather than worrying about death or what others think of me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER SCRUGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind