Almost Time to Go
Jason Webley Lyrics


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Guess you never really stuck around
All that long anywhere
I guess I should have known that you'd skip town
You always did catch me unawares

Looking now at your debris
These trails of paper strewn across the floor
Towards an open door

Look at all you've gathered, all you own
Hold it in your hand, does it weigh more than a single feather?
If the things you feel outsmart the things you know
It's almost time, it's almost time to go

I don't know if you struggled at the end
I know at times you fought like hell
I know that sleep was never quite your friend
I hope that now you're resting well

Old band names and alma maters
A patchwork quilt of people you have been
Tattooed on your skin

Look at all you've gathered, all you own
Hold it in your hand, does it weigh more than a single feather?
If the things you feel outsmart the things you know
It's almost time, it's almost time to go

Think of people, places you have known
Sculpted out of sand, the tide's coming in and we're going nowhere
If your feet are still in shoes that they've outgrown
It's almost time, it's almost time

Think of seed you've scattered and you've sown
All out of your hands, lost in the wind like a little feather
And the things you feel outsmart the things you know
It's almost time, it's almost time





It's almost time, it's almost time
It's almost time, it's almost time to go

Overall Meaning

The song Almost Time to Go, by the American singer-songwriter and accordion player Jason Webley, is a poignant reflection on the passing of time and the impermanence of life. The first verse seems to address a person who left without giving advance notice or saying goodbye, and the hurt caused by this sudden departure. There's a sense of resignation, though, as the singer admits to having been caught unaware by this person's behavior in the past.


The second verse shifts focus to the debris left behind by this person, paper trails that lead to an open door. The randomness and insignificance of these objects are contrasted with their weight in memory and emotion, as if suggesting that what truly matters is the intangible connection between people. The bridge of the song broadens the scope even further and invites the listener to consider their own mortality and the legacy they will leave behind: the people and places they've known, the seeds they've sown, and the transient nature of all material things.


The refrain "It's almost time, it's almost time to go" echoes throughout the song, imparting a sense of inevitability and urgency to these reflections. While the song could be interpreted as a meditation on death, it also offers a gentle reminder to live in the present and appreciate the people and moments that make life worth living.


Line by Line Meaning

Guess you never really stuck around
It appears that you never really stayed anywhere for too long


All that long anywhere
Long-term commitment wasn't really a thing for you


I guess I should have known that you'd skip town
In hindsight, it was predictable that you'd leave abruptly


You always did catch me unawares
Even though your leaving wasn't a surprise, I was still caught off guard


Looking now at your debris
Examining the mess you left behind


These trails of paper strewn across the floor
The scattered papers on the floor


Towards an open door
Leading to the exit


Look at all you've gathered, all you own
Take a moment to observe everything you possess


Hold it in your hand, does it weigh more than a single feather?
Consider if all your possessions have any true value


If the things you feel outsmart the things you know
If your instincts override your knowledge


It's almost time, it's almost time to go
It's nearly time for you to depart


I don't know if you struggled at the end
I am not certain if things were difficult for you towards the end


I know at times you fought like hell
I'm aware that you battled extremely hard at times


I know that sleep was never quite your friend
I remember that sleep was always elusive for you


I hope that now you're resting well
I wish that you have finally found some much-needed rest


Old band names and alma maters
Memories of past bands and academic institutions


A patchwork quilt of people you have been
A diverse array of individuals you have encountered


Tattooed on your skin
Ingrained deeply permanently within you


Think of people, places you have known
Recall the people and places from your past


Sculpted out of sand, the tide's coming in and we're going nowhere
We exist temporarily like sand sculptures and we're making no real progress, just being carried away by the tide


If your feet are still in shoes that they've outgrown
If you're still using shoes that no longer fit


Think of seed you've scattered and you've sown
Contemplate the seeds you've planted and cultivated


All out of your hands, lost in the wind like a little feather
What happens to those seeds is beyond your control, they're like little feathers getting carried away by the wind


It's almost time, it's almost time
The time to leave is drawing near


It's almost time, it's almost time to go
The right time to depart is quickly approaching




Contributed by Adam Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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