Let Me Get By
Tedeschi Trucks Band Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I told you that times are a-changin'
I've got a body to move
If you're just willing to stand there
With nothing to say or to prove

Even a king gives sometimes
Even if he don't care
Forget what we said last December
'Cause It's been a hell of a year
We'll leave all the words with the summer
Remember what brought us up here

Somewhere the sky is crying
I'm where the air is clear

Let me get by
(If you're just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won't wait

The message that came in a bottle
Said you sure got a problem with me
So we made you a bed out of roses
But you were the Prince of the Pea

Even a king gives sometimes
Even if he don't care

Let me get by
(If you're just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won't wait

Let me get by
(If you're just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won't wait

Let me get by
Let me get by
Let me get by

Let me get by
(If you're just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Oh, get out of my way)




Let me get by
'Cause time won't wait

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tedeschi Trucks Band’s song “Let Me Get By” are about taking charge of one’s own life and not letting anyone stand in the way of personal growth and progress. The singer is tired of waiting for others to catch up and is urging them to move aside so that they can focus on their own goals. The opening line “I told you that times are a-changin'” sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer is aware that things are constantly evolving and is ready to adapt and move forward.


The line “Even a king gives sometimes, even if he don’t care” suggests that even those in power have to make compromises and sacrifices. The singer is acknowledging this fact and urging others to do the same, rather than remaining stagnant and resistant to change. The reference to a “message that came in a bottle” may be a metaphor for a communication breakdown, with the singer feeling misunderstood and frustrated.


In the chorus, the singer repeats “let me get by” as a plea to those who are standing in the way of progress. The urgency of “time won’t wait” emphasizes the need for swift action, and the repetition of the line “let me get by” serves as a reminder that personal growth and progress are essential.


Line by Line Meaning

I told you that times are a-changin'
I'm pointing out that things are changing and we need to adapt to them.


I've got a body to move
I need to keep moving and live my life to the fullest.


If you're just willing to stand there
If you're not willing to make the effort to improve yourself or the situation.


With nothing to say or to prove
Then you have nothing of value to contribute to this moment or discussion.


Even a king gives sometimes
Even the most powerful people have moments of vulnerability or needs.


Even if he don't care
Even if they do not show it, they still have to give at times.


Forget what we said last December
Let's start anew for this year.


'Cause It's been a hell of a year
It has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone involved.


We'll leave all the words with the summer
We'll let what happened in the past stay in the past.


Remember what brought us up here
Let's cherish and remember the things that brought us up to this point in time.


Somewhere the sky is crying
There may be others out there that are struggling just as we are.


I'm where the air is clear
I'm feeling clear-headed and ready to take action.


Let me get by
Please allow me to move forward and make progress in my life.


(If you're just gonna stand there)
If you're just going to be a bystander and not add anything of value to this situation.


Get out of my way
If you're not going to help, then please don't hinder me from making progress.


'Cause time won't wait
I don't have forever to make things happen in my life.


The message that came in a bottle
The message that was delivered indirectly.


Said you sure got a problem with me
The message was that there is a problem between us.


So we made you a bed out of roses
We made every effort to accommodate you.


But you were the Prince of the Pea
But you refused to acknowledge and accept the effort we made.


Let me get by
Please allow me to move forward and make progress in my life.


(Oh, get out of my way)
If you're not going to help, then please don't hinder me from making progress.


Let me get by
Please allow me to move forward and make progress in my life.


'Cause time won't wait
I don't have forever to make things happen in my life.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: KOFI BURBRIDGE, TYLER GREENWELL, TIM LEFEBVRE, MIKE MATTISON, SUSAN TEDESCHI, DEREK TRUCKS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Rob Buser

lyrics
"Let Me Get By"
I told you that times are a-changin’
I've got a body to move
If you’re just willing to stand there
With nothing to say or to prove

Even a king gives sometimes
Even if he don’t care

Forget what we said last December
Cuz It’s been a hell of a year
We'll leave all the words with the summer
Remember what brought us up here

Somewhere the sky is crying
I’m where the air is clear

[Chorus:]
Let me get by
(If you’re just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
Cuz time won’t wait

The message that came in a bottle
Said you sure got a problem with me
So we made you a bed out of roses
But you were the Prince of the Pea

Even a king gives sometimes
Even if he don’t care

[Chorus:]
Let me get by
(If you’re just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
Cuz time won’t wait



Narottama Alden

I saw Derek Trucks at the Trader Joe's in Emeryville, when this show happened!

We exchanged a knowing smile to each other, in passing. Very cool.

Sad to say I missed the show, but awesome to have it here!

Thanks YouTube and the one who posted it.

Long live genuine 🙏 inspiring music 🎶

cheers!



Puneet Shekhar

Let Me Get By
-----------------------
I told you that times are a-changin’
I've got a body to move
If you’re just willing to stand there
With nothing to say or to prove
Even a king gives sometimes
Even if he don’t care

Forget what we said last December
'Cause It’s been a hell of a year
We'll leave all the words with the summer
Remember what brought us up here
Somewhere the sky is crying
I’m where the air is clear
Let me get by
(If you’re just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won’t wait

The message that came in a bottle
Said you sure got a problem with me
So we made you a bed out of roses
But you were the Prince of the Pea
Even a king gives sometimes
Even if he don’t care
Let me get by
(If you’re just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won’t wait
Let me get by
(If you’re just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won’t wait
Let me get by
Let me get by
Let me get by
Let me get by
(If you’re just gonna stand there)
Let me get by
(Oh, get out of my way)
Let me get by
'Cause time won’t wait



All comments from YouTube:

Mike Lliteras

Trucks just takes you on a journey in his solos. He starts off just making a couple noises and a minute later you’re jumping out of your seat begging for more. It’s just amazing

Pappa Michael

no way to give him the credit with so many weaving this journey, he is great no doubt about it, but that is a tight band!

Bob Barringer

Perfectly said, man. At some point in every song, after Derek has let everyone else shine, he takes over and blows you away with his playing.

Marcus Ervin

This is Why I Love Music 🎵🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

SPICY DADDY

I keep coming back to this performance. Extraordinary energy and unity from the whole band. Incredible solos, incredible entrances by the band. The arc of Derek's solo stands out to me: he takes the whole crowd down low, this moaning, long wail, then to the just-above-whisper level of a teacher reading a book to enraptured children, then builds momentum until the thing feels like it'll fly off the rails, then takes it airborne, and then lands with the band. Amazing.

Matheus

Man... W H A T A B A N D... just impeccable. I am grateful that it exists in these times!
Greetings and love from Brazil...

Ian Lambert

Phenominal synergy between Kofi Burbridge & Tim Lefevre! How many other 12-piece bands can boats such a rich blend of sheer talent?

Tom Howland

Tim & Kofi are killing it...How good s this Band. Real Real good.

Robert van Ruyssevelt

How many 12 piece bands are there touring? How many bands are playing music of this sophistication and quality? Outstanding performance!

irishsetterarchie

Ian your name is derived from the Scottish Language and it means John! You said it best my friend!

More Comments

More Versions