1. Brisbane band The Ripti… Read Full Bio ↴There are four bands called the Riptides.
1. Brisbane band The Riptides was one of the classic Australian new wave groups. The band's blend of diamond-hard power pop, snappy surf melodies and whomping backbeat was irresistible and eminently danceable. After becoming one of the biggest drawcards on the Australian pub circuit during the early 1980s, The Riptides called it a day in 1983, although various incarnations have regrouped in the decades since, even recording a live album, titled Resurface in 1987.
2. The Riptides are a Canadian punk rock band formed in 1998 in Ottawa, Ontario. From 1999-2001, the band recorded and released several independent records through their own label Goblin Records. From 2002-2005 the band toured throught Canada and the U.S. with bands like The Queers, The Dwarves, The Methadones, Moral Crux and The Vapids. Goblin Records set up a recording studio in downtown Ottawa and recorded many local punk rock bands including The Vapids, The Creeps, Dying Riot, The Sewer Rats, The Jollys, Uninspired Empire, Sack Lunch, Sexhead and The PG-13s. In 2009 the band signed to Asian Man Records and recorded the full-length "Tales From Planet Earth."
3. The Riptides was a 60s-era instrumental surf group largely known for the single "Machine Gun."
4. The Riptides was an early incarnation of 60's band Shakespeare's Head, recording several demos from 1963-1965.
Only Time
The Riptides Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothing so pure
There's nothing so noble
There's nothing I can be sure about
There's so many words that should never be spoken
So many doors shouldn't be opened
So many hearts shouldn't be broken
But then
Only time
Only time
Only time will tell
There's so many doors that should never be opened
There's so many souls that should never be broken
You see yourself now, you take it all for granted
Temptation
It burns like acid
And I'm angry now
'Cause I can't have it
Only time
Only time
Only time will tell
Only time
Only time
Only time will tell
'Cause I said
Only time
Only time
Only time will tell
There's nothing so sacred
There's nothing so pure
There's nothing so sacred
There's nothing so sure
There's nothing so sacred
There's nothing so pure
There's nothing so sacred
There's nothing so pure
The Riptides’s song “Only Time” talks about how time is the only thing that can reveal the truth behind a situation or feeling. The lyrics use words like “sacred”, “pure”, and “noble” to emphasize how important certain things can be in life. However, there is also a recognition that some things should never be spoken, some doors shouldn’t be opened, and some hearts shouldn’t be broken. The singer recognizes the danger of temptation, and how it can feel like acid.
The repetition of “Only time will tell” throughout the song creates a sense of patience and waiting for the truth to be revealed. The singer is angry that they can’t have what they want, but there is a sense of resignation that they must accept their reality and wait for time to reveal the situation’s truth. There is a sense that time is both a friend and an enemy, as it can heal wounds and reveal the truth, but it can also create distance and change people.
Overall, the lyrics of “Only Time” are introspective and contemplative, acknowledging the beauty and fragility of life, while also recognizing the danger of temptation and the importance of waiting for the truth to be revealed through time.
Line by Line Meaning
There's nothing so sacred
There is nothing that holds such significant importance
There's nothing so pure
Nothing so uncontaminated by immorality
There's nothing so noble
Nothing so deserving of respect, distinction or honour
There's nothing I can be sure about
There are no certainties in life; uncertainty is a part of living
There's so many words that should never be spoken
Many things should best be left unsaid
So many doors shouldn't be opened
Avoiding certain situations is the best course of action
So many hearts shouldn't be broken
It's not right to intentionally hurt someone emotionally
But then
However, in contrast to the previous statements
Only time
The effects or outcome of an action can only be determined as time passes
Only time
The unfolding of events or the revealing of truth can only be done with time
Only time will tell
The true consequences of a decision or action will only be revealed over time
There's so many doors that should never be opened
Many opportunities are better off without being pursued
There's so many souls that should never be broken
Various people's lives should be protected from harm
You see yourself now, you take it all for granted
Often times, people fail to appreciate what they have in the present moment
Temptation
Desire for something that is not good for you
It burns like acid
The yearning for something can be painful
And I'm angry now
Feeling frustrated and irritated currently
'Cause I can't have it
Because what they desire is not attainable
Only time
The time passed can release someone from their current mental state
Only time
The certainty of how an event in life will play out is impossible until enough time has passed
Only time will tell
What will happen in the future is uncertain until it happens
'Cause I said
As the artist, I confirm the above statements as my own
Only time
The only way to know what will play out is to wait for it over the course of time
Only time
Time is the universal equalizer, and every mystery will eventually be revealed by it
Only time will tell
Despite our lack of control or knowledge, time moves on and will reveal everything eventually
There's nothing so sacred
Nothing is truly above the powers of time or change
There's nothing so pure
Things may seem perfect or innocent now, but they can be tainted over time
There's nothing so sacred
No ideals, approaches, or practices are immune to alteration or decay
There's nothing so sure
There are no certainties in life, so everything is always prone to change
There's nothing so sacred
Nothing exists that is completely untouchable or unalterable
There's nothing so pure
Nothing exists that is completely flawless or incorruptible
Writer(s): mark callaghan
Contributed by Olivia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.