Borrowed Time
Robert Gay and the Alarms Lyrics

The lyrics of "Borrowed Time" by Robert Gay and the Alarms explore various themes, including the fleeting nature of life, the appreciation for everyday moments, and the inevitable passage of time.

The opening lines, "The sun is up, the skies are blue, my fingers go where I want 'em to," suggest a sense of freedom and control. It implies that the singer is enjoying a moment of happiness and delight, reveling in the simple pleasures of life. However, amidst this joy, there is a lingering question: "How long can life go on this way?" This reflects the awareness that such moments of bliss are transient and raise the specter of the impermanence of life.

The next verse continues the exploration of appreciation, with the line "The sun is out, the trees are green, I love you more than anything." Here, love becomes intertwined with the beauty of nature, emphasizing the depth of the singer's emotions. However, the following line, "And oh, I begin to wonder how the story ends," hints at a sense of uncertainty about the future and the potential for these beloved moments to fade away. It portrays the universal human tendency to ponder the eventual outcome of love and happiness.

The chorus, "Living life in the moment, living like I don't know that I'm on borrowed time," encapsulates the overarching theme of the song. It emphasizes the importance of embracing the present, cherishing each moment as if it were the last. The concept of "borrowed time" signifies an awareness of the inevitable passage of time and the transient nature of existence. It suggests that every moment of joy and love should be cherished because it is not guaranteed to last.

In the final verse, there is a shift in mood as the sun changes from blue skies to gray and the singer's blues dissipate. However, the line "But oh, I coulda' told ya, nothing good can stay this golden" introduces a note of realism. It acknowledges that the happiness experienced is temporary and will eventually fade away. The song concludes with the realization that everything can change suddenly, symbolized by the line "Just when I'm thinkin' it's over, everything turns on a dime." It acknowledges that life is unpredictable, and despite the awareness of limited time, the singer continues to live and appreciate each moment.

Overall, "Borrowed Time" highlights the importance of living in the present, appreciating the beauty of life despite its temporary nature. It captures the bittersweet essence of existence, acknowledging the fleetingness of joy while urging listeners to embrace the present moment.