When NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear and Bo Rinehart set out to write the songs that appear on the band’s new album, The Reckoning, they felt something bigger awaited them. It wasn’t just commercial success either. The band’s last album The Outsiders hit No. 9 on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart, went Top 20 on the Top 200, saw the band sell out venues such as Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Chicago’s House of Blues, and score an impressive number of placements in blockbuster films and numerous prime time television-shows.
With their reputation as a must-see live act built from non-stop touring, the Rinehart brothers, pastor’s sons who hail from the rural South Carolina town of Possum Kingdom, along with drummer Joe Stillwell and bass player Seth Bolt, were determined to create a statement-making album that truly captured the magic behind this genuinely appealing rock band.
Lyrically, all roads lead from the album’s title, which Bear says has several different meanings, one of them being the justification of accounts. “I like the idea that you put in all this work and at some point it comes to a peak -- that’s the reckoning time.”
What the band emerged with is a timeless-sounding album rooted in classic American rock and roll, unafraid to veer off into unexpected directions. Songs such as “Maybe They’re On To Us” address the paranoia of wondering whether people know too much about the band. “It also asks, ‘Are we still driven in the same way?’ We’re always questioning ourselves,” Bear says. Even the songs that may sound light-hearted on the surface, like “White Fences,” “Slumber,” and “Drive All Night,” explore serious themes. “’White Fences’ is about the American dream of growing up in a big house with a white picket fence, but when the dream is broken and things don’t pan out the way you planned, asking who’s going to fix it,” Bo says. “’Slumber’ is meant to be about how beauty is all around you but you just can’t see it because of the funk you’re in,” Bear says. “It speaks to something that we really care about which is giving yourself a chance.” And there’s “Drive All Night,” a galloping barnstormer that Bear sees as a statement on the false idea that one can run away from one’s problems.
With their intriguing melodies and bright choruses, the songs on The Reckoning are certain to translate in the live setting, something that is crucial to the band. “The worst thing that could happen is you get done playing and people don’t think about you again. We’ll do whatever it takes to force people to make a decision about our band, whether they love us or not. It makes for more passionate fans.”
Wasting Time
NEEDTOBREATHE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I can't move any faster than I am
Sunrise and the phone starts ringing
I'm shutting down, I'm turning off, I'm moving on from everything I can
How many hallelujahs will it take for you to get in line?
When will you ever learn from your mistakes, boy, you gotta try
Deadlines and progress
You can do what you want with your time
But I don't wanna waste mine
Yeah, I ain't gonna waste mine
The day's long but I need it to be longer
They say gotta keep your head down
This hard work (this hard work) don't make me any stronger
So I'm easing up, I'm letting go
I gotta keep this heart from burning out
How many hallelujahs will it take for you to get in line?
When will you ever learn from your mistakes, boy, you gotta try
Deadlines and progress
Just being honest
You can do what you want with your time
I ain't gonna waste mine
I don't wanna waste mine
Take your time
Your sweet time
Take your time
'Cause I ain't gonna waste mine
How many hallelujahs will it take for you to get in line
When will you ever learn from your mistakes, boy, you gotta try
Deadlines and progress
Just being honest
You can do what you want with your time
Oh, but I ain't gonna waste mine (yeah)
Oh, I ain't gonna wanna waste mine
Yeah, I don't wanna waste mine
Oh, I ain't gonna wanna waste mine
Yeah, I don't wanna waste mine
Alright, I ain't gonna wanna waste mine
In "Wasting Time," NEEDTOBREATHE Old Dominion touches on themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and the importance of using time wisely. The lyrics convey a sense of feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a routine, longing for change and a chance to break free from monotony.
The opening lines, "It feels like I'm already running / And I can't move any faster than I am," depict the singer's frustration with the fast-paced nature of life. They feel like they are constantly on the go, but no matter how hard they try, they can't seem to keep up. This sets the tone for the song's underlying theme of feeling trapped and looking for a way out.
The mention of "Sunrise and the phone starts ringing" suggests that the singer's days are filled with constant demands and distractions, leaving them craving a moment of stillness and peace. They express a desire to shut down, turn off, and detach themselves from everything that is weighing them down. This reflects a longing for solitude and a fresh start.
The repeated question, "How many hallelujahs will it take for you to get in line? / When will you ever learn from your mistakes, boy, you gotta try," conveys a sense of self-reflection and introspection. It implies that the singer is searching for clarity and understanding, hoping to learn from past experiences and avoid repeating the same mistakes. The use of "boy" adds a personal and direct tone, emphasizing the need to take action and make positive changes.
The lines "Deadlines and progress / Just being honest / You can do what you want with your time / But I don't wanna waste mine" highlight the singer's perspective on the value of time. They acknowledge the importance of deadlines and progress but also emphasize the desire to use time wisely for personal growth and fulfillment. The repetition of "I ain't gonna waste mine" further reinforces their assertion and determination to make the most of every moment.
Overall, "Wasting Time" encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they are utilizing their time. It urges them to seize opportunities for growth and change, emphasizing that time is precious and should not be wasted.
Line by Line Meaning
It feels like I'm already running
I feel like I'm constantly overwhelmed and trying to keep up with everything.
And I can't move any faster than I am
I'm already going as fast as I can, and there's no way to increase my speed.
Sunrise and the phone starts ringing
As soon as the day begins, I'm bombarded with distractions and responsibilities.
I'm shutting down, I'm turning off, I'm moving on from everything I can
I'm disconnecting and disengaging from anything that is not essential or productive for me.
How many hallelujahs will it take for you to get in line?
How many praises or signs do you need to realize that you should follow the right path?
When will you ever learn from your mistakes, boy, you gotta try
You need to make an effort to learn from your past errors and improve yourself.
Deadlines and progress
The pressure of deadlines pushes me to make progress and get things done.
Just being honest
I'm simply speaking the truth without any sugarcoating.
You can do what you want with your time
You have the freedom to choose how you spend your time.
But I don't wanna waste mine
However, I have no desire to waste my precious time.
The day's long but I need it to be longer
Even though the day already seems lengthy, I wish there were more hours to accomplish what needs to be done.
They say gotta keep your head down
They advise me to stay focused and avoid distractions or unnecessary attention.
This hard work (this hard work) don't make me any stronger
Despite putting in a lot of effort, the hard work itself doesn't make me feel more capable or resilient.
So I'm easing up, I'm letting go
I'm releasing some of the pressure and allowing myself to relax a bit.
I gotta keep this heart from burning out
I need to protect myself from becoming exhausted and emotionally drained.
Take your time
You should go at your own pace and not rush.
Your sweet time
Take as much time as you need to enjoy and savor each moment.
Cause I ain't gonna waste mine
Because I refuse to squander or misuse my valuable time.
Oh, but I ain't gonna waste mine (yeah)
I will not allow myself to waste any time, without a doubt.
Alright, I ain't gonna wanna waste mine
Okay, I absolutely do not want to waste my time.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Cason Cooley, Chance Paul McCoy, Joshua Lovelace, William Rinehart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@markalberici5137
Heard FALL ON ME again. So pretty. The range of Bear and the gang is amazing. They can do catchy rock like this and beautiful worship like FALL ON ME.
@KristinawithuhK
I’m exhausted, about to go to bed and then I see this and now I’m bobbing my head and tapping my feet. Sooooo good 👍 ❤
@mamafeury1714
Same
@markalberici5137
Such hi energy on this one. I think this album is a step above INTO THE MYSTERY. No throwaways so far on this album.
@lenziedixon
Only 15 more days!! Cannot wait for the new album. I will be listening on repeat for the foreseeable future❤
@spacesheep1978
We need more NTB and country artist combos!!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
@Sylwinka1991
This is so jolly! I Love it ❤
@DisciplesHeart
Keep them coming y'all! These are the songs and soundtrack to our lives!
@notenough1484
Bringing up the sunrise.
Thank you
@notenough1484
@@Valencelincoin you don’t want to know my actual response today.
I don’t wish to communicate with you. Thank you