Time Warp
Original London Cast Lyrics
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Time is fleeting;
Madness takes it's toll.
But listen closely
Not for very much longer.
I've got to keep control.
Drinking the moments when
The Blackness would hit me
And the void would be calling
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.
It's just a jump to the left.
An then a step to the right.
With your hands on your hips.
You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.
It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me.
So you can't see me, no, not at all.
In another dimension, with voyeuristic intention,
Well-secluded, I see all.
With a bit of a mind flip
You're into the time slip.
And nothing can ever be the same.
You're spaced out of sensation.
Like you're under sedation.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Well I was walking down the street just a-having a think
When a snake of a guy give me an evil wink.
He shook-a me up, he took me by surprise.
He had a pickup truck, and the devil's eyes.
He starred at me and I felt a change.
Time meant nothing, never would again.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.
It's just a jump to the left.
And then a step to the right.
With your hands on your hips.
You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust
That really drives you insane.
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's do the time-warp again.
The Time Warp is a song from the 1975 musical The Rocky Horror Show, which has since then become an iconic and beloved song among fans. The lyrics begin by painting an eerie, mysterious picture of the journey the listener is about to embark on. It introduces the concept of time as something fleeting that is slipping away, and madness as something that takes a toll on the mind. The singer then brings listeners in closer, stating that this experience will not last much longer and they must keep control.
The next verses introduce the concept of doing the Time Warp as a way to escape and lose oneself in the moment. The singer describes the sensation of being transported to another dimension where they are free of their normal constraints and obligations. The lyrics then instruct the listener on how to perform the Time Warp dance, which involves jumping to the left, stepping to the right, placing hands on hips, and thrusting one's pelvis. These movements symbolize the physical release and ecstasy that the dancers experience.
The last verse reveals the backstory of the singer's first experience with the Time Warp. They recall being approached by a strange, ominous man who leads them into a wild adventure. This verse provides context for the other lyrics and adds to the overall sense of excitement and danger that underlies the song.
Line by Line Meaning
It's astounding;
The situation is remarkable and surprising
Time is fleeting;
Time passes quickly and cannot be stopped
Madness takes it's toll.
The craziness of the situation will eventually have negative consequences
But listen closely
Pay attention to what is being said
Not for very much longer.
The current situation is temporary and will not last much longer
I've got to keep control.
I need to maintain my composure and stay in charge
I remember doing the time-warp
I recall experiencing the time slip
Drinking the moments when
Embracing and enjoying each moment
The Blackness would hit me
A feeling of darkness and uncertainty would overcome me
And the void would be calling
A sense of emptiness and nothingness would lure me
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's repeat the process of time slipping
It's just a jump to the left.
A simple movement to the left
An then a step to the right.
Followed by a movement to the right
With your hands on your hips.
Place your hands on your own hips
You bring your knees in tight.
Pull your knees close to your body
But it's the pelvic thrust
The jutting movement of the pelvis
That really drives you insane.
That is what makes you feel crazy
It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me.
The situation is very compelling and allows you to escape from reality
So you can't see me, no, not at all.
You are not visible to others in the same way you normally are
In another dimension, with voyeuristic intention,
In a different reality, with the desire to observe others
Well-secluded, I see all.
I am hidden away but can still see everything
With a bit of a mind flip
With some mental gymnastics and a change in perspective
You're into the time slip.
You have entered into the process of slipping through time
And nothing can ever be the same.
What you are experiencing will fundamentally change you
You're spaced out of sensation.
You are disoriented and unable to feel normally
Like you're under sedation.
As if you are drugged and not in control
Well I was walking down the street just a-having a think
I was strolling along lost in thought
When a snake of a guy give me an evil wink.
A cunning and scheming man gave me a sly look
He shook-a me up, he took me by surprise.
He startled me and caught me off guard
He had a pickup truck, and the devil's eyes.
He had a truck and a menacing look
He starred at me and I felt a change.
His gaze caused something to shift within me
Time meant nothing, never would again.
The idea of time ceased to have any relevance or meaning for me
Let's do the time-warp again.
Let's repeat the process of time slipping
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
remy1309
I love the "It's just a jump to the left" and "Put your hands on your hips". They sound so rock&roll :-)
Jökull
The man that played the narrator played Dr. Everett Scott in the movie. :)
dlsofsetx
I can't believe this song was never a single,it would have a smash.
Hubert Bieniek
It actually was in Mexico where it’s known by “baile del sapo”
NationGentaObrien
I love Pat! Her voice is fantastic! <3
Ron Craig
This is fantastic! I love this. Magenta is great, the tap dancer is just right on! Great. I realise the missing part of the tap dancer added into the usa version. but, this is really great. a must for Rocky Horror people to hear.
Leo Licinio
Real rock n'roll...brilliant version. Thanks for posting this.
APRB
Saw the show ... was impressive ... befor the film came out and there was that hype ... once in a lifetime moment ... forever grateful ...
Quinli Hugo
this version has an awesome beat!
Al Stewart
The backing band were some of the Wrecking Crew. If you haven't heard of them, check out all the hits they were on