Prior to his time as John and the Time Traveling Bicycle, Harmon spent from 1994 to 2007 writing for and performing in Central Kentucky based bands, including: Chiaroscuro (1994-2000), Attic Down (2000-2003), and Van Gogh Sky (2005-2007). After relocating to San Diego in 2008, Harmon recorded and released the 2009 studio project/electronic album, “Life in the Temporary,” under the moniker, Carriage House Saints.
After a few years away from live performances, Harmon took the stage as John and the Time Traveling Bicycle, for his first West Coast performance; a show in L.A. in June of 2011.
On JatTTB's, “Life as a Kite,” Harmon wrote and performed all parts. After playing with a full band in support of the debut, Harmon returned to solo shows in 2014, playing only select dates.
The second offering from JatTTB, “The Acquisition of Memories,” is due to be released in Spring 2015. Although Harmon again writer and performer on the recording, early reports are that he is making more use of the electric guitar on this sophomore offering.
Tied Up
John and the Time Traveling Bicycle Lyrics
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I don't mind waiting
I don't wait for everyone
This is a one-time situation
You say you need me
I believe you need
But you're fooling no one
This is a one-time situation
What does it matter
Who's been taken in
Ah, what does it matter
When you've got two hearts
Aching to begin
Here's the opportunity
Come and take it to the nth degree
Don't be nervous, I don't have to be
Tied up in promises
Ooh, tied up in words that cut too deep
Tied up in promises we could never keep
I don't want to let you down
Don't make me let you down
I get a feeling
A head-to-toe feeling
There's something special going on
This is a one-time situation
Take my affection
Give me love or rejection
Honey, do what must be done
This is a one-time situation
What does it matter
Who's been taken in
Ah, what does it matter
When you've got two hearts
Aching to begin
Here's the opportunity
Come and take it to the nth degree
Don't be nervous, I don't have to be
Tied up in promises
Ooh, tied up in words that cut too deep
Tied up in promises we could never keep
I don't want to let you down
Don't make me let you down
This is a one-time situation
This is a one-time situation
Don't get me tied up
Don't get me tied up
The lyrics to John and the Time Traveling Bicycle's song "Tied Up" appear to be about a complex romantic relationship. The singer is expressing their willingness to wait for the person they are addressing, emphasizing that this is a unique situation. They acknowledge that the person may claim to need them, but it is evident that no one is being fooled by this pretense.
The chorus of the song poses a rhetorical question: "What does it matter who's been taken in?" This suggests that the singer is aware that they might be deceiving themselves by getting involved with someone who may not be entirely truthful or trustworthy. However, despite the potential risks, both parties involved in the relationship are eager to start something new and meaningful, as expressed by the line "when you've got two hearts aching to begin."
The lyrics further explore the idea of taking risks in love and not being tied down by empty promises or words that hurt deeply. The longing to avoid disappointment and the plea to not be let down imply that the singer deeply cares about the outcome of this relationship. The phrase "This is a one-time situation" is repeated throughout the song, suggesting that there is a sense of urgency and importance to make the most of this opportunity.
Overall, the song appears to capture the complexities and uncertainties of a romantic connection. It explores the emotions of hope, desire, and vulnerability, while also acknowledging the potential for disappointment.
Line by Line Meaning
You keep me waiting
You delay your actions or decisions, but it doesn't bother me
I don't mind waiting
Waiting for you doesn't bother or inconvenience me
I don't wait for everyone
I don't patiently wait for just anyone
This is a one-time situation
The current circumstances are unique and will only occur once
You say you need me
You claim to require my presence or assistance
I believe you need
I trust that your need for me is genuine
But you're fooling no one
However, your pretense of fooling others is unsuccessful
This is a one-time situation
Again, this situation is singular and will not repeat
What does it matter
Why does it concern
Who's been taken in
Who has been deceived or tricked
Ah, what does it matter
Indeed, why does it concern
When you've got two hearts
When we both have intense emotions or feelings
Aching to begin
Eager or longing to start something
Here's the opportunity
This is the chance or occasion
Come and take it to the nth degree
Seize this opportunity and maximize it
Don't be nervous, I don't have to be
Don't feel anxious, as I don't need to be either
Tied up in promises
Trapped or bound by commitments
Ooh, tied up in words that cut too deep
Caught or entangled in words that cause great emotional pain
Tied up in promises we could never keep
Bound by promises that we cannot fulfill
I don't want to let you down
I don't want to disappoint or fail you
Don't make me let you down
Please don't force me to disappoint you
I get a feeling
I experience a strong sensation or intuition
A head-to-toe feeling
A sensation that encompasses my entire being
There's something special going on
There is something extraordinary happening
This is a one-time situation
Once again, this occurrence is singular and will not repeat
Take my affection
Accept my love or fondness
Give me love or rejection
Either reciprocate my love or reject it
Honey, do what must be done
Darling, do what is necessary or required
This is a one-time situation
Furthermore, this situation will not happen again
Don't get me tied up
Please don't involve or entangle me
Don't get me tied up
I request not to be caught or bound in a complicated situation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN CLIFFORD FARRAR, LEE M. RITENOUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind