Time Stands
Nathaniel Rateliff Lyrics

For a moment I could wait
I can pause for a while, for as long as it takes, to be able to witness a collapse happen right before my eyes.

To see it fall apart
Witnessing a destruction of something that was once whole, functioning and stable.

Every empty bed in every City I've been
Reflecting upon each night spent thinking of every person who has left an empty bed behind, whether physically or emotionally, as I travel from city to city.

I sit and contemplate
Taking a moment for myself to deeply analyze, reflect, and try to find meaning in the things that have unfolded before me.

All the moments you said
Replaying and thinking about every single thing you uttered to me that made an impact, whether it be good, bad or indifferent.

Time stands in a duel
The concept of time, in its capacity to affect change, impacting the balance of inner conflict to cause a divide.

And I stand for you
Representing and standing by one's principles, beliefs and opinions amidst a sea of opposing ones.

What's that you used to say?
Recalling a statement or quote said by someone that left an impression or impact upon me.

Find a love that you can wait for
Recommending to wait for or hope for the existence of a love that makes the wait worth it.

Or do you feast upon the weak and Weary of heart?
Questioning whether the person on the receiving end of this quote actively chooses to pursue those who are emotionally vulnerable and weak,

I can take the pain But I can't take all the hatred
Enduring the emotional and physical pain that comes with being alive, but finding it impossible to handle the cruelty and ill-will brought on by others.

Laziness of mind and Simplest of thoughts
Not thinking critically or deeply about any topic, and instead opting for the most obvious and simple solution.

Are you just too old Or too young to carry?
Questioning the person's capacity or willingness to bear the burden of responsibility for one's actions, whether due to inexperience, immaturity, or age.

Now you're pouring out your hate At every difference you found You won't even listen To reason at all
Actively choosing to spread negativity and anger towards every dissimilarity or contrasting belief system, and refusing to listen to any reasonable counterarguments.

Not questioning your faith Far be it from me But you would speak of love while Tying ones hands
Preferring to not scrutinize or challenge one's beliefs, even though those beliefs do not align with a compassionate or empathetic worldview.

Now lean and use your weight That's what a shoulder's made for Carry all the dead and Children from here
Using one's strength and fortitude to help and uplift those who are struggling, whether it is the most vulnerable members of society or those in need of support.

Curses on the men And the greed that seems to plague them I can't raise my hand so I'm Raising my voice
Directing anger and criticism towards those who embody and embody the negative qualities of greed and selfishness, but not resorting to violent or physical action, and instead speaking out against it.

Time stands in a duel And I stand for you
The overwhelming concept of time impacting the ability to be steadfast and unwavering in one's ideals.