Beginning with a psychedelic sound indebted to space rock and shoegazer music, by the mid-1990s the band had released several EPs and two acclaimed records. They also endured name and lineup changes, breakups, health problems, drug abuse and various lawsuits. The band's commercial breakthrough was Urban Hymns and its single Bitter Sweet Symphony, which became a massive worldwide hit.
Soon after this commercial peak, the band quit amid creative struggles within, and Ashcroft went onto a successful solo career. Tong briefly joined Blur as a replacement for Graham Coxon. It is rumored that Simon Jones did a studio album with Ari Pap of the Floor Monks called 'Aint Nothing To It' and was never released because they both had bigger projects going on at the time. Close family and friends assure us its a fabulous indie/rock/alternate album and they really wish it would have been released.
The Verve were chosen to close the 2008 Glastonbury festival which they did with a set based on the classic 1997 album 'Urban Hymns'.
Discography:
A Storm in Heaven • 21 June 1993 • #27 (UK)
A Northern Soul • 3 July 1995 • #13 (UK)
Urban Hymns • 29 September 1997 • #1 (UK) #23 (US)
Forth • 25 August 2008 • #1 (UK) #23 (US)
This Time
The Verve Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know that all I see
Are things I could've changed
I should have done
Where did the good times go?
Good times so hard to hold
This time this time
This time I'm gonna find
Lookin' back on my life
You know that all I see
Are things I could've changed
I could have done
No time for sad lament
A wasted life is bitter spent
So rise into the light
In or out of time
Gonna rise straight through the light
In or out of time
Woke up one other day
The pain won't go away
I am growing
In peculiar ways
Into a light I pass
Another dream, another trance
This time, this time
This time I'm gonna rise into the light
In or out of time
Gonna find my way in life
In or out of sight
I'm still seeing things in black and white
Gonna rise straight into the light
In or out of sight
I'm gonna see the light
I'm gonna see the light
I'm gonna see the light
'Cause I know there is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
“This Time” by The Verve is a song that reflects on the struggles and regrets of the past, with a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. The lyrics speak to the singer’s desire to move on from the things they could have changed in their life, and to rise “into the light” and find a better path for themselves. The repetition of “this time” throughout the song suggests that the singer is committed to making a change and seizing the opportunities that life presents them.
The opening lines of the song, “Looking back on my life, you know that all I see are things I could’ve changed, I should have done,” set the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The singer is acknowledging their regrets and mistakes, but they are also determined to learn from them and move forward. The line “no time for sad lament, a wasted life is bitter spent” encapsulates this sentiment, urging listeners to focus on the present and strive towards a better future.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more optimistic, declaring that they will “find their way in life” and that “there is time” to make a change. The repetition of “this time” in the chorus reinforces this theme of determination and hope. The final lines of the song, “This time, this time, this time, this time, this time,” suggest that the singer is both reinforcing their commitment to change and encouraging others to do the same.
Overall, “This Time” is a powerful and introspective song about facing one’s regrets and striving for a better life. While the lyrics can be seen as somewhat dark and reflective, the underlying message is ultimately one of hope and positivity.
Line by Line Meaning
Lookin' back on my life
Reflecting on my past experiences
You know that all I see
I realize that everything I perceive is influenced by my past experiences
Are things I could've changed
I regret the decisions I made in the past and wish I could have made different choices
I should have done
I am aware that I had the opportunity to make different choices that could have positively impacted my life, but I did not act on them
Where did the good times go?
I am reminiscing about a time in my life where everything was positive and joyful, and I miss those days
Good times so hard to hold
I realize that happiness is fleeting and it is challenging to maintain a positive state of mind
This time this time
Now, in the present moment, I am focused on making changes
This time I'm gonna find
I am determined to find a new path for my life and make better decisions
No time for sad lament
I do not want to waste any more time feeling sorry for myself and regretting my past choices
A wasted life is bitter spent
I believe that dwelling on past mistakes and failures only leads to bitterness and regret, and that it is crucial to focus on positive change going forward
So rise into the light
I am determined to find positivity and success in my life, despite any difficulties and setbacks
In or out of time
Regardless of how much time has already passed, I am determined to make the most of the time I have left
Gonna rise straight through the light
I am focused on achieving my goals and improving my life, and I will not let anything stand in my way
Woke up one other day
I had a sudden realization that my current way of living is not fulfilling or meaningful
The pain won't go away
I am struggling with emotional turmoil and suffering, which is influencing my desire for change
I am growing
I am learning more about myself and the world around me, and I am committed to personal growth and development
In peculiar ways
I recognize that my journey towards self-improvement and fulfillment may not follow a conventional path
Into a light I pass
I am moving towards a brighter future and leaving behind the darkness of my past
Another dream, another trance
I am exploring new experiences and possibilities, trying to find my true calling
Gonna find my way in life
I am determined to discover my purpose and create a fulfilling life for myself
In or out of sight
It doesn't matter where I end up or what others think of me, as long as I am true to myself and my goals
I'm still seeing things in black and white
Although I am striving for positivity and change, I am still struggling with negative thoughts and emotions
Gonna rise straight into the light
I am determined to overcome my challenges and achieve success and happiness
I'm gonna see the light
I am confident that I will find the positivity and success I am searching for in my life
Cause I know there is time
I am optimistic about the future and believe that I still have time to make meaningful changes in my life
This time, this time
In my current state of mind, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity and create a better future for myself
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marshallbrennan370
There really is something very special about this song. I think it takes a certain type of person to appreciate it.
@hoogmonster
Its practically shamanic in in its beat and emotional intensity... reminds me of the last 100 lines of Dante's Divine Comedy....
@broonmonsoon755
The emotion is off the scale.
Some of us just get it
@billy78son77
If u feel like u could have done things differently and not in the predicament or the feeling of sorrow flowing through you as u remind yourself of the past and the things u couldve changed or Instead done then this song will hit a nerve
@ecoakley46
No time for sad lament,
A wasted life is bitter spent
@maquiavelo7157
It is another dimension......
@EveDoherty18
this has to be one of my favourite songs of all time and holds such a special meaning to me. this was my dad's favourite song and when he passed this song really helped me through it. although we didn't have the best relationship, this song helped me to not look back "on my life and all the things I could've changed, I could've done" as the song says. such a beautiful song that will hold the most special meaning to me forever.
@jewelrybag4557
I grew up to this song as well. Got me through some difficult times. May your dad rest in peace. Keep looking forward😊
@EveDoherty18
Jewelry Bag glad to hear it! me too, it really helped me a lot! thank you so much! i will do, you too! x
@stonesthrow420
I just listened to this 20 times in a row. Fuckin brilliant