Wilson is self-taught as a producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. Under his own name, he has released the albums Insurgentes (2008), Grace for Drowning (2011), The Raven That Refused to Sing (and Other Stories) (2013), Hand. Cannot. Erase. (2015), To the Bone (2017), and The Future Bites (2021). He also released a EP, 4 ½ (2016), as well as a series of singles titled Cover Version (released online between 2003 and 2010; released worldwide as a compilation in 2014). His other solo projects can also be found attributed to monikers of his, such as Bass Communion and Incredible Expanding Mindfuck.
He is perhaps best known as the frontman for progressive rock band, Porcupine Tree, for whom he was the sole member during the 1980s and early 1990s. His projects are numerous however, including collaboration with Aviv Geffen as Blackfield; a long-running partnership with Tim Bowness, known as No-Man; teaming up with Dirk Serries in Continuum; as well as a joint album with Opeth's frontman, Mikael Åkerfeldt in Storm Corrosion.
Wilson employs synthesizers and programmed music along with live instruments to create a unique atmosphere for each song he works on, including otherwise-simple pop tunes. In addition to his prolific musical output, Steven has crafted a reputation for the high production quality of his music, and has undertaken production duties with such high-profile artists as Opeth, Dream Theater, Jim Matheos of Fates Warning, Anathema, Orphaned Land, Marillion, Fish, Pendulum, Yoko Ono, and friend Robert Fripp. He is also part way through remixing the albums of King Crimson and other classic artists' back catalogues into surround sound and new stereo mixes.
Time Is Running Out
Steven Wilson Lyrics
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Like the short lived soul of the man inside
And the noise that you hear as you write off another year
You just lean into the rain
Pull your head down put your head upon the rail
Now you realise that God has let you down
'Cause time is running out
You startled deer in the headlights
You had a panic attack midway through the flight
You're spending time on the same website
Taking issue and picking fights
'Cause you no longer care if you're well liked
But you brood endlessly for your own plight
'Cause time is running out
The future now and the poison girls
Taking on the kick inside and a war of worlds
And the sounds that you hear as you pass through another year
You're thinking maybe it's too late
To raise your head and conjure up some kind of break
'Cause it's just rock'n'roll with no quality control
And time is running out
In Steven Wilson's song "Time is Running Out," the lyrics tell a story of disillusionment and a sense of impending urgency. The opening lines, "A cigarette on a summer night, like the short lived soul of the man inside," depict a fleeting and temporary existence. The act of lighting a cigarette represents a momentary pleasure amidst the passing of time. The noise mentioned in the lyrics refers to the distractions and busyness of life, where each passing year seems to be dismissed and written off without much thought.
The chorus, "You just lean into the rain, pull your head down put your head upon the rail, now you realize that God has let you down, 'cause time is running out," demonstrates a sense of resignation and disappointment. The act of leaning into the rain symbolizes seeking solace or finding oneself in a vulnerable and desolate state. The realization that God has let them down signifies a loss of faith or trust in higher powers, as time continues to slip away.
The second verse delves into feelings of anxiety and apathy. "You startled deer in the headlights, you had a panic attack midway through the flight" portrays a sense of fear and unease. The constant engagement with a website and picking fights indicates a growing indifference to the opinions or approval of others. The lyrics suggest that the individual no longer cares about being well-liked, but still dwells on their own problems, implying a sense of self-absorption.
The final lines, "It's just rock'n'roll with no quality control, and time is running out," hint at a broader critique of society's obsession with superficiality and lack of substance. The reference to rock 'n' roll music highlights the hollowness or lack of depth in popular culture. The phrase "time is running out" serves as a reminder of the limited time available to seek meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, "Time is Running Out" is a reflection on the transient nature of existence, disillusionment with societal norms, and the urgent need to make the most of the fleeting moments we have.
Line by Line Meaning
A cigarette on a summer night
Indulging in a fleeting pleasure, like the ephemeral essence of a person's existence
Like the short lived soul of the man inside
Comparing the transience of the cigarette to the transience of the human soul
And the noise that you hear as you write off another year
The internal commotion and reflection on dismissing yet another year
You just lean into the rain
Embracing the discomfort and melancholy of life
Pull your head down put your head upon the rail
Seeking solace or escape from the trials of existence
Now you realise that God has let you down
Recognizing a sense of abandonment or disappointment in the divine
'Cause time is running out
Because the limited duration of life is slipping away
You startled deer in the headlights
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious like a deer caught in the glare of oncoming headlights
You had a panic attack midway through the flight
Experiencing intense fear or anxiety during a period of transition or journey
You're spending time on the same website
Wasting time and energy on repetitive online activities
Taking issue and picking fights
Engaging in conflicts and disagreements for the sake of it
'Cause you no longer care if you're well liked
No longer prioritizing social approval or popularity
But you brood endlessly for your own plight
Continuously dwelling on personal troubles and misfortunes
'Cause time is running out
Because the ever-dwindling time is slipping away
The future now and the poison girls
Referring to the harmful influences and negative consequences of the present and future
Taking on the kick inside and a war of worlds
Facing internal struggles and conflicts, as well as external global tensions
And the sounds that you hear as you pass through another year
The cacophony of experiences and events as time progresses
You're thinking maybe it's too late
Contemplating the possibility that missed opportunities or regrets are irreversible
To raise your head and conjure up some kind of break
To muster the strength to overcome challenges and create positive change
'Cause it's just rock'n'roll with no quality control
Referring to the superficiality and lack of substance in the entertainment industry
And time is running out
And the limited time available is slipping away rapidly
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Steven John Wilson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind