Borrowed Time
Ross Hollow Lyrics


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I look at the arms of a pocket watch
My grandfather gave me
He told me son, you better hold it tight
Or time will slip on by you.

Can't help but think we're living on
Borrowed time but I don't know where from
We wander along the open road
Led by light and some by love

I look at this world through borrowed eyes
But I don't know where to go

So hold my trembling hand
And look past the scars if you can
Time will come and it will pass
It's borrowed now so hold me fast
Borrowed world and borrowed time sorrow found within our eyes
All that's left is borrowed hands of you and I

My grandfather used to take long walks
On flat Mississippi soil
Leaving late night or early morn
He met night's black with the day's blue

He let his sorrows drift in the breeze
As he walked in step with God
Making up time he left behind
But dropping it on his way to the grave

I look at this world through borrowed eyes
But I don't know where to go

So hold my trembling hand
And look past the scars if you can
Time will come and it will pass
It's borrowed now so hold me fast




Borrowed world and borrowed time sorrow found within our eyes
All that's left is borrowed hands of you and I

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ross Hollow's song "Borrowed Time" explore the concept of the transient nature of life and the feeling of uncertainty that accompanies it. The singer reflects upon a pocket watch given to him by his grandfather, symbolizing the passing of time. The watch carries a warning from his grandfather to hold onto time tightly, suggesting that if one is not careful, time can easily slip away unnoticed. This sets the tone for the overall message of the song.


The lyrics convey a sense of existential questioning, as the singer contemplates the idea that we may be living on borrowed time without knowing its true source. This uncertainty is reflected in the line, "Can't help but think we're living on borrowed time but I don't know where from." The imagery of wandering along the open road, guided by light and love, speaks to the journey of life and the search for direction and purpose.


The song also touches upon the theme of resilience and the need for human connection in the face of uncertainty. The singer yearns for someone to hold his trembling hand, to look past his scars, and to provide comfort in the face of the passing time. The lyrics suggest that in this borrowed world with borrowed time, the only thing that truly matters is the bond between individuals.


Overall, "Borrowed Time" is a thoughtful and introspective song that explores the fragility of life, the uncertainty of our existence, and the importance of human connection and resilience in navigating the journey.


Line by Line Meaning

I look at the arms of a pocket watch
I reflect on the hands of a pocket watch


My grandfather gave me
My grandfather bestowed it upon me


He told me son, you better hold it tight
He advised me, son, you must grasp it firmly


Or time will slip on by you
Otherwise, time will elude your grasp


Can't help but think we're living on
I cannot help but believe that we exist upon


Borrowed time but I don't know where from
Time that is not truly ours, yet its source eludes me


We wander along the open road
We meander upon the unrestricted path


Led by light and some by love
Guided by illumination and affection


I look at this world through borrowed eyes
I perceive this universe with eyes not truly mine


But I don't know where to go
Yet, I do not comprehend my destination


So hold my trembling hand
Therefore, clasp my hand that quivers


And look past the scars if you can
And if able, disregard the wounds


Time will come and it will pass
The passage of time is inevitable


It's borrowed now so hold me fast
Currently borrowed, so embrace me tightly


Borrowed world and borrowed time sorrow found within our eyes
We reside in a world and time not truly ours, characterized by sorrow in our gaze


All that's left is borrowed hands of you and I
Only remnants remain, these borrowed hands that belong to both of us


My grandfather used to take long walks
In earlier times, my grandfather would embark on lengthy strolls


On flat Mississippi soil
Upon the level ground of the Mississippi region


Leaving late night or early morn
Departing during the late evening or early morning


He met night's black with the day's blue
He confronted the darkness of night with the optimism of day


He let his sorrows drift in the breeze
He allowed his grief to dissipate in the wind


As he walked in step with God
While he synchronized his footsteps with God


Making up time he left behind
Compensating for the time he had left behind


But dropping it on his way to the grave
Yet relinquishing it on his path towards the afterlife




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Stuart Johnson-Kwochka

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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