Time Is On My Side
Irma Thomas Lyrics


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Time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is

Now you always say
That you want to be free
But you'll come running back (said you would baby)
You'll come running back (I said so many times before)
You'll come running back to me

Oh, time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is

You're searching for good times
But just wait and see
You'll come running back (I won't have to worry no more)
You'll come running back (spend the rest of my life with you, baby)
You'll come running back to me

Go ahead, go ahead and light up the town
And baby, do everything your heart desires
Remember, I'll always be around
And I know, I know
Like I told you so many times before
You're gonna come back, baby
'Cause I know
You're gonna come back knocking
Yeah, knocking right on my door
Yes, yes!

Well, time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is

'Cause I got the real love
The kind that you need
You'll come running back (said you would, baby)
You'll come running back (I always said you would)
You'll come running back, to me
Yes time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Oh, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I said, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is




Oh, time, time, time is on my side
Yeah, time, time, time is on my side

Overall Meaning

In Irma Thomas's song "Time Is On My Side," she addresses a partner who repeatedly claims to want to be free and search for better times, but ultimately always comes running back to her. Thomas boldly asserts that time is on her side, confidently predicting that her partner will inevitably return to her loving arms. The chorus repeats this declaration, emphasizing the power of time as a force that works in her favor.


The verses play out like a conversation, with the partner making promises of freedom and independence that Thomas responds to with reassurances of her own enduring love. She acknowledges that her partner may need to explore other options, but remains steadfast in her belief that they will return to her eventually. The overall tone is one of self-assuredness, as Thomas affirms her own worth and predicts the inevitability of her partner's return.


The song has been interpreted in various ways over the years, with some seeing it as a statement on the dynamics of relationships and others seeing it as a celebration of Thomas's own power and agency. Regardless of the interpretation, the catchy chorus and upbeat tempo have made it a classic that has been covered by numerous artists and included in various soundtracks and commercials.


Line by Line Meaning

Time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Now you always say
You keep telling me


That you want to be free
You want your independence


But you'll come running back (said you would baby)
You'll come back to me after realizing what you had


You'll come running back (I said so many times before)
Just like I predicted before


You'll come running back to me
You'll come back to me


Oh, time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


You're searching for good times
You're looking for happiness


But just wait and see
But give it some time


You'll come running back (I won't have to worry no more)
You'll come back to me and I won't have to worry anymore


You'll come running back (spend the rest of my life with you, baby)
We'll be together for the rest of our lives


You'll come running back to me
You'll come back to me


Go ahead, go ahead and light up the town
Go have fun and enjoy yourself


And baby, do everything your heart desires
Do whatever you want to do


Remember, I'll always be around
Remember that I'll always be here for you


And I know, I know
And I'm sure


Like I told you so many times before
Just like I've said before


You're gonna come back, baby
You're going to return to me


'Cause I know
Because I'm certain


You're gonna come back knocking
You're going to come and knock on my door


Yeah, knocking right on my door
You'll be knocking on my door


Yes, yes!
Absolutely!


Well, time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


'Cause I got the real love
Because I have genuine love for you


The kind that you need
The love that you require


You'll come running back (said you would, baby)
You'll come back to me as you promised


You'll come running back (I always said you would)
I always knew you would come back


You'll come running back, to me
You'll come back to me


Yes time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Oh, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


I said, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I have all the time in the world and I know it


Oh, time, time, time is on my side
I have all the time in the world on my side


Yeah, time, time, time is on my side
I have all the time in the world on my side




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jerry Ragovoy, Norman Meade

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@moviereviews541

Am I wrong for thinking this version is better than the Rolling Stones version? Man! This is AMAZING! Love Rolling Stones version too but this one is just WOWSER!

@bulentozgur4840

I dont know if there are any other versions? But any version is better than Rolling Stones for me. Because I hate Mick

@dallaskenn

This is the original.

@geraldjohnson4013

@dallaskenn there's another version from 1963 featuring jazz trombonist Kai Winding Cissy Houston, Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick on vocals.

@meowwoem6372

@Bülent Özgür take solice in the fact my old man knocked jagger out in in a music club in Windsor back in the 60's. jagger gobshited at my dad, my ol' man being a biker, the clubs bouncer and part time barman, knocked out in on punch.

@meowwoem6372

@Gerald Johnson that would be the original version.

123 More Replies...

@LisaMango0

This is the original and best version of the two. Period. Her voice, her singers, her emotion , you can feel it. !!❤

@michaelwoodard726

Rolling who this is the real.

@jeffrutt6331

It's not the original. Jerry Ragovoy wrote the song, and Many performers did this version.

@johnfulton4061

@Jeff Rutt I know that many artists have recorded this song but who recorded this before Irma Thomas I always thought she did the original?

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