10K Hours
James Tw Lyrics


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Every now and then I wonder why I spend time following the crowd
They say time is valuable so we spend it in school cause they tell us that's how
You build your career like we're the ones who steer but I'm wasting my days
I'd rather get a head start and listen to my heart but I'm afraid of change

I know I'm not the only one feels like they're not where they belong
Waiting to make the world my stage but I can't because of my age
It's time to put the books away

I don't wanna stay in school cause I'd be better off
Putting in 10, 000 Hours doing what I love
No, I don't wanna stay in school cause I'd be better off
Putting in 10, 000 Hours doing what I love

Oh and if I stay what difference will it make?
It's a shame degrees don't take a couple days
All the time I've lost, tying myself in knots
Sitting wondering what's the opportunity cost?
If I left, what if I fall off track?
People telling me make sure you've got a fallback
It's a risk that I'm willing to take
It could be the best mistake that I ever made

I know I'm not the only one feels like they're not where they belong
Waiting to make the world my stage but I can't because of my age
It's time to put the books away

I don't wanna stay in school cause I'd be better off
Putting in 10, 000 Hours doing what I love




No, I don't wanna stay in school cause I'd be better off
Putting in 10, 000 Hours doing what I love

Overall Meaning

James Tw's song "10K Hours" is about the internal struggle of pursuing one's passion versus conforming to societal standards of success. The song opens with the singer questioning the value of following the crowd and spending time in school, which society dictates is necessary to build a successful career. He acknowledges that he is wasting his days and would rather listen to his heart and pursue his passion, but he is afraid of change.


The chorus reveals the inner turmoil the singer experiences in deciding whether to stay in school or pursue his passion. He knows he is not the only one who feels like they do not belong in school and are waiting to make the world their stage, but societal expectations and fear of failure hold him back. Despite this, he decides that he does not want to stay in school because he would be better off putting in 10,000 hours doing what he loves.


The bridge of the song further highlights the risks and uncertainties involved in pursuing one's passion. The singer questions the opportunity cost of tying himself in knots and wonders if he will fall off track. He acknowledges the possibility of failure, but remains resolute in his decision to take the risk and make the best mistake of his life.


Overall, "10K Hours" explores the tension between conforming to societal expectations and pursuing one's passion, and recognizes the risks and uncertainties involved in taking the road less traveled.


Line by Line Meaning

Every now and then I wonder why I spend time following the crowd
Occasionally, I question why I waste my time conforming to societal norms and trends.


They say time is valuable so we spend it in school cause they tell us that's how
People claim time is precious so we invest it in schooling because it's believed to be the key to success.


You build your career like we're the ones who steer but I'm wasting my days
We're advised to construct our own careers, but I feel like I'm wasting my time by following this tradition.


I'd rather get a head start and listen to my heart but I'm afraid of change
I'd prefer to begin my journey early and pursue my passions, yet I'm frightened of change and its consequences.


I know I'm not the only one feels like they're not where they belong
I'm aware that many people feel alienated and unhappy with their current circumstances.


Waiting to make the world my stage but I can't because of my age
I yearn for the opportunity to showcase my skills and talents to the world, but my age has become a barrier to achieving this dream.


It's time to put the books away
I feel that it's time for me to cease my academic pursuits and look for other opportunities.


I don't wanna stay in school cause I'd be better off Putting in 10, 000 Hours doing what I love
Staying in school isn't the best option for me, as I would rather spend that time honing my craft and accumulating the 10,000 hours needed to become an expert in my field of interest.


Oh and if I stay what difference will it make? It's a shame degrees don't take a couple days
I'm questioning the value of continuing my studies and realizing that my degree wonโ€™t arrive quickly, even after years of hard work.


All the time I've lost, tying myself in knots Sitting wondering what's the opportunity cost?
I'm reflecting on the time I've spent overwhelmed and anxious rather than taking action towards my aspirations and wondering how much I've sacrificed to reach this point.


If I left, what if I fall off track? People telling me make sure you've got a fallback It's a risk that I'm willing to take It could be the best mistake that I ever made
I'm aware that leaving school could lead to failure and disappointment, but Iโ€™m willing to take the risk because it could potentially lead to great opportunities and personal growth.




Writer(s): James Taylor-Watts

Contributed by Alexander W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Theyluvkad

i heard this in a store and i loved itโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

Nah bro

Dude you deserve so much more recognition ๐Ÿ‘

Eat, Sleep, And Think Hair

They play this song on my job and when he sings the hook I feel like quitting my job ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ putting in 10k hrs. Doing what I love I think how much I hate my job

Rita issa

he deserves so much more attention

Aman Alymkanov

He is really awesome! James sounds a lot like Ed Sheeran, yet his voice has a bit more of bass! Love it! I think more people should know his amazing album!!!

Emma h

Love it! So happy there's a recorded version!! Amazing job James!

Yem G

I swear he won't be our little secret for long. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ’™

Ai_Dan 50cal

Want to take that back?

Yasmine

You're AMAZING ! I'm very proud to be one of your fan.
kisses from Parid

Laura Jimรฉnez

You were amazing in Madrid! You are such an amazing musician and singer, and your beatboxing tho.... Although I arrived a bit late I loved your performanceโ™ก

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