Out of time
Tim Atlas Lyrics

The lyrics of Tim Atlas's song Out of Time suggest recurring themes of anxiety, urgency and mortality. The phrase "under the bed it hides, hides beneath my floor" suggests the lurking presence of an unseen force that could be symbolic of anxiety or stress. The singer acknowledges that he can feel its cry, crying out for more, which could be interpreted as the singer's acknowledgement of his growing worries and unease. The continuation of the lyrics hints that the singer fears letting this force drag him down by indicating that he keeps the light on, the light, until he falls asleep. He fears that without this light, he will remain under the influence of this ominous force.

Further, the singer pleads with himself not to let this force drag his feet- the repetition of "it drags and it drags and it drags" emphasizes the inescapable feeling of this ever-present shadow that is relentlessly urging his anxiety. The chorus "time, it goes by, I laugh, and you cry," presents a contrast of emotions where the singer seemingly maintains a happy facade, while his insides are crumbling. He further sings that he cannot wait for too long because he feels that now he is running out of time, which could be a sign of his growing anxiety about his mortality. The lyrics that follow go on to describe the overwhelming feeling creeping down his neck, striking him to his feet and warning him not to forget, or he will never leave, metaphorically hinting that this shadow is always with him.