Question Of Time
Kant Kino Lyrics
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Before they do
It's just a question of time
Before they lay their hands on you
And make you just like the rest
I've got to get to you first
It's just a question of time
Well, now, you're only fifteen
And you look good
I'll take you under my wing
Somebody should
They've persuasive ways
And you'll believe what they say
It's just a question of time
I can see them now
Hanging around
To mess you up
To strip you down
And have their fun
With my little one
It's just a question of time
And it's running out for you
It won't be long until you do
Exactly what they want you to
It won't be long until you do
Exactly what they want you to
Sometimes I don't blame them
For wanting you
You look good
And they need something to do
Until I look at you
And then I condemn them
I know my kind
What goes on in our minds
It's just a question of time
The lyrics for Kant Kino's "Question of Time" explore the dangers of being a vulnerable young person in a society where predatory individuals seek out vulnerable and impressionable individuals to exploit. The song is written from the perspective of someone who wants to protect a young person from these predators, but understands that they cannot be there to protect them all the time. The singer of the song is acutely aware of the fact that time is running out and that the predators will likely succeed in exploiting the young person, making them "just like the rest." As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer understands the motivations behind the predators' behavior, but ultimately condemns them for their actions.
The first verse establishes the sense of urgency behind the singer's desire to protect the young person. They know that if they don't get to them first, the predators will. The second verse introduces the young person themselves, emphasizing their youth and vulnerability. The line "Somebody should" suggests that the singer feels a sense of responsibility to protect the young person, as they recognize that they are vulnerable and need guidance. The third verse is where the singer's anger towards the predators becomes clear. They can see them "hanging around" and know that they will exploit the young person for their own pleasure. The repetition of the line "It's just a question of time" emphasizes the inevitability of the situation, and the singer's powerlessness to stop it.
Overall, "Question of Time" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores the dark realities of predatory behavior and the vulnerability of young people. It highlights the need for society to protect its most vulnerable members and work towards creating a safer, less exploitative world.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got to get to you first
I need to reach you before others can harm you.
Before they do
Before others can harm you.
It's just a question of time
It's a matter of time before harm comes your way.
Before they lay their hands on you
Before others have the chance to physically harm or exploit you.
And make you just like the rest
And change who you are to be like everyone else who has fallen victim to harm.
Well, now, you're only fifteen
You are very young, at only fifteen years old.
And you look good
You are physically attractive and therefore vulnerable to unwanted attention.
I'll take you under my wing
I will protect you and look after you.
Somebody should
Being young and attractive can make you a target, and someone needs to take responsibility for protecting you.
They've persuasive ways
Those who seek to harm you may use persuasive tactics to manipulate you.
And you'll believe what they say
You may be vulnerable to believing what others tell you if they manipulate you well.
I can see them now
I can envision those who would seek to harm you.
Hanging around
Lurking nearby, waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of you.
To mess you up
To harm you, either physically, mentally, or emotionally.
To strip you down
To exploit you and take away your dignity or identity.
And have their fun
To take pleasure in hurting or harming you.
With my little one
With you, whom I feel responsible for protecting.
And it's running out for you
The time you have left to avoid harm is quickly passing by.
It won't be long until you do
It won't be long until you are exploited or harmed by those who seek to hurt you.
Exactly what they want you to
You will do what those who seek to control or exploit you want you to do.
Sometimes I don't blame them
Sometimes I can see why others might be attracted to you or want to harm you, although I still find it wrong.
For wanting you
For finding you attractive, physically or otherwise.
And they need something to do
Those who seek to harm you may be bored, misguided, or self-serving, and need to find something to occupy their time or interests.
Until I look at you
But when I see you, I am reminded of my duty to protect you and condemn those who would harm you.
And then I condemn them
I criticize those who seek to harm you and stand up for your protection.
I know my kind
I am aware of those who would seek to control, manipulate, or harm others for their own benefit.
What goes on in our minds
I understand the thought processes and motivations of those who seek to harm others.
Contributed by Alice Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.