The Move evolved from several mid-1960s Birmingham-based groups, including Carl Wayne & The Vikings, The Nightriders & The Mayfair Set. The group's name seems to refer to the move various members of these bands made to form the group. Beside Roy Wood, the original members of the Move were drummer Bev Bevan, bassist Chris "Ace" Kefford, vocalist Carl Wayne & guitarist Trevor Burton.
Their first single, 'Night of Fear' was released in 1966 and was the first in a line of memorable hits penned chiefly by Roy Wood.
'I Can Hear the Grass Grow', 'Blackberry Way' & Flowers in the Rain (the latter being the first record played on BBC Radio 1), are The Move's better known work not forgetting 1971's 'Tonight'. The group became more experimental and innovative as time went on especially on the albums 'Shazam' and 'Message from the Country'.
Several changes left the final line-up in 1971 as Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan, evolving into the first incarnation of Electric Light Orchestra which Wood left soon after to form Wizzard.
No Time
The Move Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heard them on the radio lying
Distant bells in the air ringing out, do they hear?
Do they know it's growing very near?
Everybody sitting here
They don't realize
They've got no time
Saw the transmitter sway slowly
Saw it crash in the lane coldly
Saw the sea rushing into the coast now they've seen
Now they know it's growing very near
Everybody sitting here
They don't realize
They've got no time
Saw them gather in slow motion
Setting sail on the tired ocean
Heard the clouds rolling by, shouting down from the sky
Hear them speak their last goodbye
Everybody sitting here
They don't realize
They've got no time
No time
The Move's song "No Time" is a poignant commentary on the precarious state of the world as people go about their daily lives obliviously. The lyrics describe a scene in which the singer witnesses a series of catastrophic events - people crying and lying helplessly, a transmitter swaying and crashing, and the sea rushing into the coast. The singer realizes that these events are indicative of the fragility of the world and the impending disaster that is growing nearer with each passing day. The chorus is an ominous warning that time is running out and people need to wake up to the reality of their situation before it's too late.
The verses of the song paint vivid images of the world breaking down, from the radio broadcasting lies to the transmission towers swaying dangerously. The chorus is a warning to everyone, including those sitting idle and unaware, that they have no time to waste. The song ends on a mournful note as the singer imagines people setting sail on a tired ocean while the clouds roll by, shouting down from the sky. The final lines of the song echo the chorus, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Line by Line Meaning
Saw the folks down below crying
Witnessed people below shedding tears in despair.
Heard them on the radio lying
Overheard desperate people on the radio spreading falsehoods in their desperation.
Distant bells in the air ringing out, do they hear?
Noticed far-off bells chiming, questioning if anyone is listening.
Do they know it's growing very near?
Pondering if people are aware of the looming danger drawing closer.
Saw the transmitter sway slowly
Observed a transmitter rocking gently, hinting at the instability of the situation.
Saw it crash in the lane coldly
Watched it go down in the street unemotionally and without fanfare.
Saw the sea rushing into the coast now they've seen
Witnessed the ocean roaring onto land, now that people have become aware.
Now they know it's growing very near
Concluding that people are finally realizing the nearness of the threat.
Saw them gather in slow motion
Observed people coming together slowly, likely uniting in fear or panic.
Setting sail on the tired ocean
Departing by boat onto the uncertain, exhausted sea.
Heard the clouds rolling by, shouting down from the sky
Listened to, virtually overpowering, the movement of clouds as they move overhead, a testament to how loud and consuming the situation is.
Hear them speak their last goodbye
Listening to people saying their final goodbyes, portraying the gravity of the moment.
Everybody sitting here
Everyone present at this moment.
They don't realize
They are unaware of the true danger that surrounds them.
They've got no time
There is a ticking clock, and the people are quickly running out of time.
No time
The final and crucial phrase, highlighting the urgency of the moment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFF LYNNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fractuss
I will forever be grateful for my older brother opening a record shop and bringing dozens of great records (like this) home for me to learn. How rich and beautiful life is and how fortunate I was.
@Cosmo-Kramer
Beautiful song by a young Jeff Lynne.
@braincurlH
A great Move tune. I hear Roy Wood all over this…
@mikebrown6573
That's strange, as Jeff Lynne wrote it, sings lead on it, and plays most of the instruments on it?
It's almost a typical Idle Race song, it's SO Jeff Lynne!
@jdpro2222
It does sound Idle Race-y. But Roy Wood was king, somehow, that's all.
@krisscanlon4051
Split Enz must of heard of these Split Ends...lots of Bee Gees like harmonies...ultimately Anglo Beatley