The beginnings of San Franciscos Time In Malta can be traced to the Indiana… Read Full Bio ↴The beginnings of San Franciscos Time In Malta can be traced to the Indianapolis hardcore/punk scene of the midnineties. Bassist Todd Gullion, guitarist Chris Lyon and drummer Sander Leech became acquainted at local venues while playing in different bands, not realizing that several years and numerous projects later they would cross paths again half way across the country. Lyon was the first to relocate to San Francisco and was followed a year later by Leech. The two began collaborating and searching for suitable musicians to complete their creative outlet. However it wasnt until Gullions departure from the Indianapolis based, Burn It Down, in January 1997 and his subsequent move to the bay area that the outfits line up would finally be solidified. By the summer of 97 the trio had begun writing, rehearsing intensely, recording and settling into a comfortable musical direction. Time In Malta, whose name is inspired by a combination of historical, literary and personal references, was born.

Impasse
Time in Malta Lyrics

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Distracted by the dominant attitude
Tired of being told what's what
It's time to recognize that the battered walls of this war torn ship
Are leading to distruction
We can't commit
Don't tell me what, what I want to hear
It's not helping me any
In the dark is what fear

So hard to let go
So hard to get out
But if I have to, I'll stand-alone

My heart broke!
I thought that now we're older, why do we act like children?
I left open door, I left it open wide, why can't you meet me in the middle?
My heart broke!
(Don't tell me whatâ?¦â?¦)
Cause if it's time to let go
I'll let my guard down and I'll let you out

I don't want to accept this
It's so hard to be honest with ourselves
It's not like me to give up hope!
I left an open door, I left it open wide
I made myself so vulnerable
Why are people stubborn?
So selfish?

Life is too short
Life is too short
Life is too short

For constant battles and endless games
We've been caught at the impasse!
We've been caught at the impasse!

Life is too short!
Life is too short!
Life is too short!

When will I?
When will I?

Overall Meaning

The song "Impasse" by Time in Malta tells a story of a troubled relationship that has been reaching its end. The opening lines suggest that one of the people in the relationship has a dominant attitude and tends to be controlling. The singer of the song is tired of being told what to do or how to behave, and they recognize that the relationship is not healthy. The metaphor of the war-torn ship where the battered walls are leading to destruction highlights the damage already inflicted on the troubled relationship.

The next lines suggest that the singer is having difficulties accepting the reality of the situation and the need to move on. They are afraid of what lies ahead, and the darkness of the unknown is causing fear within them. Even though it is hard to let go, they are willing to do so and stand alone if they have to. The chorus reveals the pain caused by the other person's inability to meet halfway, despite leaving an open door and being vulnerable. The singer is faced with the decision of whether to let go or hold on.

The third verse reveals the struggle within the singer to accept the situation honestly. They are not used to giving up hope, but they recognize that life is too short for constant battles and endless games. The repetition of "life is too short" emphasizes the sense of urgency to resolve the situation. The last lines acknowledge that they have been caught at an impasse, unable to move forward in the relationship. The song ends with a sense of questioning, with the singer unsure of when they will be able to move on.

Line by Line Meaning

Distracted by the dominant attitude
Feeling unfocused due to the overpowering nature of others

Tired of being told what's what
Fatigued by constantly being ordered around and instructed by others

It's time to recognize that the battered walls of this war torn ship Are leading to destruction
It's important to acknowledge that the damaged state of our relationship is causing it to crumble

We can't commit
We aren't able to fully invest ourselves in this partnership

Don't tell me what, what I want to hear It's not helping me any In the dark is what fear
I don't want lies or false comfort, they only amplify my anxiety and doubt

So hard to let go So hard to get out But if I have to, I'll stand-alone
It's a challenge to move on, to detach myself, but I am able to do so independently

My heart broke! I thought that now we're older, why do we act like children?
I'm heartbroken because our maturity level doesn't match our age

I left open door, I left it open wide, why can't you meet me in the middle?
I created an opportunity for reconciliation, for us to compromise and make amends, why can't you reciprocate?

Cause if it's time to let go I'll let my guard down and I'll let you out
If it's necessary to release you from my life, I'll discard my defenses and permit you to leave

I don't want to accept this It's so hard to be honest with ourselves It's not like me to give up hope!
I don't want to believe this harsh truth, it's challenging to confront it and concede it's over

I made myself so vulnerable Why are people stubborn? So selfish?
I made myself emotionally exposed, yet people are unyielding and self-centered

Life is too short Life is too short Life is too short For constant battles and endless games
Our lifespan is too brief to constantly fight and play games with each other

We've been caught at the impasse! We've been caught at the impasse!
We're stuck at a deadlock where neither of us is willing to compromise or change, and it's detrimental to our relationship

When will I? When will I?
I'm questioning when will I be able to move on from this situation

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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