TOYS IN TIME
Ronstadt Linda Lyrics


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Don't feel bad when the nice things you've had
Get tattered and must be laid away
The nice things you had
They're so many grains of sand
And they're only the toys in time's great game
Time gives and time takes away

And don't look back when your childhood has ended
You knew it couldn't last forever
The young things the spring brings
Snow covers over
And they're only the toys in time's great game
Time gives and time takes away

And don't ask why when a close friend dies
Though it feels like a page has been ripped from your life
We run our race in an hourglass in space




And we're only the toys in time's great game
Time gives and time takes away

Overall Meaning

The song "Toys in Time" by Linda Ronstadt is a reflective piece that encourages listeners not to hold onto things too tightly. The songwriter speaks to three different life experiences that are ephemeral, starting with material possessions. The songwriter asserts that material items, although lovely and valuable, are merely "toys in time's great game" and must be laid away when they become worn out. The second experience discussed is youth. Spring may bring young things, but ultimately, they will also fade away, just like a snow that gets covered over.


The third experience is death. When a close friend dies, it can feel as though a significant portion of one's life has been taken away. However, the songwriter encourages listeners not to ask why or hold onto that pain too tightly. Instead, he reminds us that we are all players in "time's great game," and our moments on this earth are fleeting. Like grains of sand, we come and go, and we must learn to accept this transience with grace.


Overall, "Toys in Time" is a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the need to let go of attachments in life. In this way, the song reminds listeners to enjoy the present moment, cherish what they have, and recognize that even the most important things will eventually pass away.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't feel bad when the nice things you've had
Don't be saddened when possessions you once treasured wear out or must be put away


Get tattered and must be laid away
Become worn or damaged and require removal from use


The nice things you had
Referring to material objects or possessions that were once considered valuable


They're so many grains of sand
They are insignificant when compared to the vastness of time


And they're only the toys in time's great game
All things we acquire or hold dear are temporary, and ultimately subject to the ebb and flow of time


Time gives and time takes away
Time can be unpredictable, bringing both good and bad fortunes and experiences


And don't look back when your childhood has ended
Do not dwell on the past or cling to childhood memories that can never be relived


You knew it couldn't last forever
Recognize that all things come to an inevitable end, including childhood


The young things the spring brings
Referring to the ephemeral quality of youth and beauty


Snow covers over
Metaphorically representing the fleeting nature of youth and the harshness of death


And don't ask why when a close friend dies
Do not attempt to rationalize the passing of a dear friend or loved one


Though it feels like a page has been ripped from your life
Experiencing intense feelings of loss when someone close passes away, as if a chapter of your life has ended abruptly


We run our race in an hourglass in space
Our lives are finite, and we must make the most of the time we have


And we're only the toys in time's great game
Humans are insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe, subject to the whims of time and fate


Time gives and time takes away
Time can be both benevolent and destructive, providing opportunities and pleasures, while also subjecting us to pain and loss




Contributed by Evan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Authentic Music

Are you on EP4?

JUSTTROLLER

@jmack619 episode 4 i suppose

jmack619

what is EP4 ?

JUSTTROLLER

Yup :ppp

King Lee

Yeah, right after ep3, couldn’t stop, diarrhea is hereditary, it runs in your jeans lol

Shannon 'Can-Can' Perry

A magnificent song and songstress. She’s still alive. I wonder if she understands this new-found love many people have for her ❤

AJ Garnett

Apparently it's blowing up on Spotify.

Rifle V

I just watched episode 3 and can't stop listening this song. It has become another reminder of someone I've loved very much deeply, unrequited and it's been 5 years. 💔 "A love that never was"

Silvia Maria Fleitas

🥺😭💓💓💓

Mohyman AK

La canción que tocan en el piano Bill y Frank en de The Last Of Us se llama " Long Long Time" de Linda Ronstadt y la letra nos dice que para recibir amor es necesario que nos curen las heridas a pesar del miedo que nos provoque el confiar.❤

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