TimeIsTickingOut
The Cranberries Lyrics


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We better think about the things we say
We better think about the games we play
The world went round, yeah, around and round

We better think about the consequences
We better think about the global census
If time went down, yeah, if time went down
What about Chernobyl
What about radiation
We don't know, we don't know

What about deprivation, gluttony, the human nation
We don't know, we don't know

For me love is all
Time is ticking out

Looks like we've screwed up the ozone layer
I wonder if the politicians care
The dime went down, yeah, if time went down

What about our children then
Is there nothing left for them
We don't know, we don't know
For me love is all

I need the oxygen, I need the oxygen

For me love is all




To do do do
Time is ticking out yeah time is ticking out

Overall Meaning

In The Cranberries' song "Time Is Ticking Out," the lyrics reflect on the state of the world and the consequences of the human race's actions. The first verse highlights the need for people to be mindful of their words and actions, as they can have a ripple effect. The world is constantly moving and changing, as indicated by the line "the world went round, yeah, around and round". The second verse urges people to consider the implications of their choices on a global scale. The mention of "the global census" and "Chernobyl" and "radiation" demonstrate that the song is asking listeners to see beyond their immediate surroundings and consider how their actions contribute to larger problems.


The chorus repeats the phrase "For me love is all, time is ticking out" several times, emphasizing the importance of love and time. The song suggests that love is the one thing that matters most, and yet, time is slipping away. The following verses suggest that human beings have caused significant damage to the world, specifically the ozone layer, and politicians do not seem to care about the consequences. The mention of "our children" brings an emotional weight to the song, as it asks listeners to consider what kind of world future generations will inherit. The phrase "I need the oxygen" adds another layer of urgency to the song, as though the clock is ticking faster and time is running out.


Line by Line Meaning

We better think about the things we say
We should consider the impact of our words on others.


We better think about the games we play
We should think about the effects of our actions on others.


The world went round, yeah, around and round
The world keeps moving, constantly changing.


We better think about the consequences
We need to reflect on what the aftermath of our actions could be.


We better think about the global census
We need to consider the world's population and its needs.


If time went down, yeah, if time went down
If our time on earth runs out, we may have regrets.


What about Chernobyl
Remember the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its effects.


What about radiation
We need to consider the dangers of radiation and its impact on life.


We don't know, we don't know
We lack sufficient knowledge to comprehend the full repercussions of our actions.


What about deprivation, gluttony, the human nation
We should reflect on the world's problems of poverty, wealth inequality, and the impact of human behavior on the planet.


For me love is all
The singer believes love to be the most important value in life.


Time is ticking out
We must act quickly because our time is running out.


Looks like we've screwed up the ozone layer
We have severely damaged the earth's atmosphere with our harmful practices.


I wonder if the politicians care
The singer questions whether the government is taking enough action to solve the environmental crisis.


The dime went down, yeah, if time went down
If time is running out, we may also run out of resources.


What about our children then
Consider the future generations and the world they will inherit.


Is there nothing left for them
The singer fears that future generations will not have a livable planet.


I need the oxygen, I need the oxygen
The singer highlights how essential clean air is to life.


To do do do
Vocals with no underlying semantic meaning.


Time is ticking out yeah time is ticking out
We must act quickly because our time is running out.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NOEL ANTHONY HOGAN, DOLORES MARY O'RIORDAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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