It Takes Time
Rory Gallagher Lyrics

The lyrics to Rory Gallagher's song It Takes Time speaks about the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. In the first verse, the singer confesses that he can't get his lover out of his mind. However, he also notes that his love for her has slowed down incrementally. This shows that he's worried about the state of their relationship and the possibility of things going sour. The chorus, "Do you know what it means to be alone?", is a rhetorical question that could mean different things. It could be directed at the woman, asking if she knows the feeling of being neglected or if she understands what it means to feel distant from someone you love. Alternately, the singer could be asking himself the same question to emphasize the angst he's experiencing.

In the second verse, the narrative shifts slightly. The singer highlights the unpredictable nature of life and how it affects relationships. He tells his lover to enjoy each day to the fullest because tomorrow might bring tears instead of laughter. He also makes reference to "Little Charlie", who could possibly be a reference to a child. The fact that the singer is urging his lover to come home could insinuate that they live apart from each other, introducing another layer of complications to their relationship. In the final verse, the singer asks why good things never last forever. He wonders why dogs, a metaphor for people, can't be free and avoid the hardships that come with life. The chorus repeats once more, driving home the message of uncertainty that characterizes the song.