Time Machine
Olivia Rudeen Lyrics


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Honey let's drive down the same street
With that old Waylon record on repeat
And try to get back what we used to be
In this 3-on-the-tree busted time machine
I'll hold your hand like I used to do
Before the world beat our hearts black and blue
Before we became just me and you
With empty promise to's
Like people do
All I, all I really wanted to happen
Is maybe we could get back to back then
With a little luck and gasoline
So tired of turning the key
In this broken time machine
Windows rolled halfway up
Floor mats stained from the summer of
What we shoulda been
What we coulda been
What we coulda been
All I, all I really wanted to happen
Is maybe we could get back to back then
With a little luck and gasoline
So tired of turning the key
In this broken time machine
If only we could put these pieces back together
If only I could get this thing to catch a spark
Back to when we could see forever
In the headlights of this car
All I, all I really wanted to happen
Is maybe we could get back to back then
With a little luck and gasoline




So tired of turning the key
In this broken time machine

Overall Meaning

In Olivia Rudeen's song "Time Machine," the lyrics convey a longing to return to a past relationship and recapture the happiness and innocence that once existed. The opening lines suggest a desire to reminisce and relive moments by driving down the same street and listening to a familiar song. The reference to Waylon Jennings' record on repeat adds nostalgia and hints at a simpler time.


The lyrics express a desire to regain the connection and intimacy that existed before life's challenges and heartaches took their toll. The mention of the world beating their hearts black and blue suggests that the couple faced hardships that changed their relationship. The phrase "just me and you with empty promise to's" implies that they may have made promises to each other that were never fulfilled, leaving them feeling empty and disappointed.


The chorus reflects the yearning to go back in time, yearning for a rekindling of what once brought them happiness. The repeated line "all I really wanted to happen is maybe we could get back to back then" reveals a deep longing and hope for a second chance. The mention of "a little luck and gasoline" suggests that the singer is willing to do what it takes to make it happen, to fix the brokenness of their relationship and reignite the spark.


The lyrics also offer vivid imagery, such as the mention of the windows rolled halfway up and the stained floor mats from a past summer. These details create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, reminding the listener of the moments they once shared. The repetition of "what we shoulda been, what we coulda been" emphasizes the regret and missed opportunities that the singer now deeply feels.


The closing verses express a yearning to piece the relationship back together and rekindle the love and connection they once had. The mention of catching a spark and seeing forever in the headlights of the car symbolizes the hope for a new beginning. The repeated phrase "all I really wanted to happen" reinforces the intensity of the desire to go back in time and fix what was broken.


Overall, the lyrics of "Time Machine" depict a yearning for a lost love and the desire to recapture the happiness and innocence of a past relationship. It portrays the longing to go back in time and fix what went wrong, expressing a hope for a second chance at happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

Honey let's drive down the same street
Let's revisit the familiar places we used to go


With that old Waylon record on repeat
Listening to Waylon Jennings reminds us of our past


And try to get back what we used to be
We want to recapture the love and connection we once had


In this 3-on-the-tree busted time machine
Metaphorically, our relationship is like an old car with a faulty transmission


I'll hold your hand like I used to do
I want to show you the affection I used to give


Before the world beat our hearts black and blue
Before life's hardships took a toll on our relationship


Before we became just me and you
Before our individuality overshadowed our togetherness


With empty promise to's Like people do
We made cliché promises that were never fulfilled, like many people do


All I, all I really wanted to happen
My sincere desire was for us to reconcile


Is maybe we could get back to back then
I hoped for a return to our happier past


With a little luck and gasoline
We need some fortune and effort to reignite the flame


So tired of turning the key
I'm exhausted from trying to make things work


In this broken time machine
Our relationship is currently dysfunctional and needs fixing


Windows rolled halfway up
The windows are partially closed, shutting out the outside world


Floor mats stained from the summer of
Remnants of enjoyment and memories from the past


What we shoulda been What we coulda been What we coulda been
Reflecting on the potential and missed opportunities in our relationship


If only we could put these pieces back together
If only we could restore our broken relationship


If only I could get this thing to catch a spark
If only I could ignite the passion and love we once had


Back to when we could see forever
Returning to a time when our future seemed infinite


In the headlights of this car
Metaphorically, our hope and clarity about the future are symbolized by the car's headlights


So tired of turning the key
I'm exhausted from trying to make things work


In this broken time machine
Our relationship is currently dysfunctional and needs fixing




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES CALVIN III ETHERIDGE, OLIVIA CLAIRE RUDEEN, Jake Etheridge, JEFF ANDERSON, OLIVIA RUDEEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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