The music video was directed by British director Phil Griffin. McCartney enters an elegant hall, where a group of black-dressed and very similar female dancers walk around. He meets his doppelgänger, who starts dancing with the others while singing the song. The two McCartneys meet up two more times. At the end, McCartney is left alone in the middle of the room, bends on his knee and fades away slowly. This and the presence of the doppelgänger have been interpreted as contemporary references to the Paul is dead urban legend.
Ever Present Past
Paul McCartney Lyrics
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Don't have no time to be a decent lover
I hope it isn't too late
Searching for the time that has gone so fast
The time that I thought would last
My ever present past
I've got too much on my mind
I hope there's something to find
Searching for the time that has gone so fast
The time that I thought would last
My ever present past
The things I think I did
I D.I. D.I. did
Oh, the things I think I did
When I was a kid
I couldn't understand a word that they were saying
But, still, I hung around and took it all in
I wouldn't join in with the games that they were playing
It went by, it went by, in a flash
It flew by, it flew by, in a flash
There's far too much on my plate
Don't have no time to be a decent lover
I hope it's never too late
Searching for the time that has gone so fast
The time that I thought would last
My ever present past
The things I think I did
I D.I. D.I. did
The things I think I did
When I was a kid
The things I think I did
I D.I. D.I. did
Oh, the things I think I did
When I was a kid
When I was a kid
The song "Ever Present Past" by Paul McCartney is about the struggle of balancing time and memories. McCartney is overwhelmed with the present and is reflective of his past, which he wishes to relive. He is searching for the time that has flown by so fast and the experiences that he once thought would last forever. The song touches on the idea of nostalgia and how one's ever-present past continues to shape and influence their present.
There is a sense of regret in the lyrics as McCartney acknowledges that he hasn't been the lover he wishes to be due to having too much on his plate. He also explains how he has far too much on his mind and is searching for something to find. There is a playful element when McCartney recalls the things he did when he was a kid but also hints at missed opportunities and not fully participating in childhood experiences. The lyrics also imply a sense of urgency and the fear that it could be too late to capture lost time.
In conclusion, "Ever Present Past" showcases McCartney's talent for creating catchy melodies with lyrical depth. The song provides a relatable perspective on the importance of memories and highlights how they shape our present.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got too much on my plate
I am overwhelmed with responsibilities
Don't have no time to be a decent lover
I am too busy to give my romantic relationships the attention they deserve
I hope it isn't too late
I worry that I may have missed my chance to make things right
Searching for the time that has gone so fast
Reflecting on the speed at which time has passed and my life has changed
The time that I thought would last
Feeling nostalgic for the past and the memories I thought would endure
My ever present past
The memories of my past that continue to affect my present
I've got too much on my mind
My thoughts are overwhelming and distract me from the present moment
I think of everything to be discovered
I am curious about the world and eager to learn more
I hope there's something to find
I am searching for meaning in my life
The things I think I did
Uncertainty about past actions and their consequences
I D.I. D.I. did
Memories of past mistakes and regrets
When I was a kid
Reflecting on childhood experiences and their lasting impact
I couldn't understand a word that they were saying
Feeling out of place or disconnected from a group
But, still, I hung around and took it all in
Trying to fit in despite feeling like an outsider
I wouldn't join in with the games that they were playing
Choosing not to conform to social expectations
It went by, it went by, in a flash
The passage of time and how quickly it seems to have passed
It flew by, it flew by, in a flash
The same sentiment expressed with different words
I hope it's never too late
I hold out hope that I can still make things right
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Paul Mccartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind