Mike & The Mechanics debuted with their stellar eponymous album in 1985 which highlighted Rutherford's innovative guitar work and the vocal talents of the two Pauls, amongst other guest vocalists. Initially, the group's albums were released between Genesis albums, all three Genesis members having solo projects of their own, most notable in the huge chart success of singer/drummer Phil Collins. This ended with the disbanding of Genesis in 1998.
The classic song "The Living Years" from the album of the same name was to be the height of their critical success to date; the #1 single was written by and about the dissension between singer BA Robertson and his father, a situation that was never rectified prior to his father's death, sung with great passion by Carrack. The album also featured the song "Nobody's Perfect" which received considerable airtime as the music to a successful television advertising campaign for Tennants bitter. Their third album "Word of Mouth" followed in 1991 with less commercial and critical success although the lead single, with vocals by Paul Young, reached the Top 20. The fourth album "Beggar On a Beach of Gold" was a high watermark in the quality of their material, with both the album and first single "Over My Shoulder" charting well with many considering the album the band's best work.
After a hiatus following Young's death from a heart attack on July 17, 2000, the band reformed in 2004 as Mike & the Mechanics featuring Paul Carrack releasing the album "Rewired".
A new Mike & the Mechanics album (titled "The Road") was released in the spring of 2011, supported by a 22-date UK tour. Replacing Carrack and Young as vocalists for the group are Andrew Roachford and Canadian actor/singer Tim Hower.
A Time And Place
Mike & The Mechanics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For you to make your mark and show your face
There's a place in time
When you must step outside the line
So understand what I mean
There is a time and place for you to have your dream
But here and now may not be
You and me
It's the finest line
A missed opportunity or the perfect time
You must not despair
You'll recognise it when you're there
So understand what I mean
There is a time and place for you to have your dream
But here and now may not be
The time and place for you and me
The time and place for you and me
There's a time and there's a moment you will see
Don't lower your expectations
There are no limitations
There's a time and place for you and me
So understand hard as it seems
There is a time and place for you to have your dreams
Though here and now may not be
The time and place for you and me
You and me
In "A Time and Place" by Mike & The Mechanics, the lyrics explore the importance of timing and context in pursuing one's dreams. The opening lines state that there is a specific opportunity for someone to make their mark and show themselves to the world, but that there is a crucial moment when they must step outside of the line and make themselves heard. The song encourages listeners to be mindful of time and place, recognizing that finding the right moment to move forward can be the difference between missed opportunity and the perfect time.
The chorus emphasizes that though there is a time and place for dreams to come to fruition, it might not always be in the present moment. The song encourages listeners not to despair when timing is not right, as recognizing the right time and place is key to success in the future. In the final lines, the song assures listeners that there is a specific time and moment for each person to achieve their dreams, and that there are no limitations to what one can do so long as they are mindful of the right opportunity.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a time and a place
Opportunities exist within certain circumstances
For you to make your mark and show your face
To demonstrate one's abilities and talents
There's a place in time
An opportune moment
When you must step outside the line
To take risks and go beyond conventional boundaries
So understand what I mean
Comprehend the message I'm conveying
There is a time and place for you to have your dream
Favorable conditions may present for realizing one's aspirations
But here and now may not be
Current circumstances may not be opportune
The time and place for you and me
Appropriate circumstances that are suitable for both parties
It's the finest line
A delicate balance between seizing an opportunity or missing it entirely
A missed opportunity or the perfect time
The result of not taking advantage of an opening versus the ideal moment to act
You must not despair
Don't be overcome with hopelessness and giving up
You'll recognise it when you're there
The appropriate opportunities will reveal themselves
The time and place for you and me
Favorable conditions that are appropriate for both parties
There's a time and there's a moment you will see
Suitable circumstances will present themselves at some point
Don't lower your expectations
Keep a positive outlook and maintain high standards
There are no limitations
There is potential for limitless opportunities
So understand hard as it seems
As tough as it may be to comprehend
There is a time and place for you to have your dreams
Favorable opportunities may exist to realize one's aspirations
Though here and now may not be
Current circumstances may not be suitable
The time and place for you and me
Opportune conditions that are appropriate for both parties
You and me
Both parties should recognize favorable opportunities
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BRIAN ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, MICHAEL RUTHERFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brianholmes2634
One of the most underrated songs ever, it is quite simply beautiful.
@stefansyiemiong5881
Is it ,” You never change “!?
@nazaholicable
Paul Carrack is one of the best singers this country has ever produced.
@yvettemoore1228
Paul Young too. Amazing to have two such talented guys in the same band.
@mmsiphonevinyls1027
1 his voice has aged like wine too. Saw him live last year and hes still as good as this.
@lw97nilslinuswhitewaterweb23
@@yvettemoore1228 which one?
@patriciairvine9927
Absolutely.. Paul Carrck IS the simply the best.. Most beautiful ever
@simplemanplan409
Paul Carrack is one of my favorite singers and this song is my favorite especially this one since it’s a hidden gem
@rheenanaidoo4229
What a perfectly sang ballade by Mike & the Mechanics ..❤..
@marthantseki1283
This is one of the most beautiful songs by Mike and Mechanics