Downtime
Timothy B. Schmit Lyrics


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Schmit

I can't jump 'cause I'm feeling heavy
I can't take this gravity
I can't dance 'cause there ain't no music
And these shoes are killing me

I can't float if there ain't no water
I can't breathe if there ain't no air
I can't leave 'cause there ain't no window
And it's way too cold out there

I don't like to find myself staring into space
I think I better stay up all night
Or I might disappear without a single trace

I don't stop 'cause I keep on rolling
Though I can't always see
I can't hide 'cause the truth is showing
And it's got the best of me

Every now and then I gotta shut down
So I sit on my front porch
Take it easy for a minute and slow my mind
Then I get up, I jump into my car
And head down to the ocean
It doesn't matter if it's rain or shine
I just need a little downtime

I can't wait if I have no patience
I can't hear if there ain't no sound
I can't think 'cause my head's too crowded
I think I better get out of town

I feel the beat of my heart going way too fast
If I don't put my foot down soon
I don't know how I'm gonna make things last

I don't break when my heart is aching
I can't sing if there ain't no song
I gotta rethink my situation
I do believe that something's wrong

Every now and then I gotta shut down
So I sit on my front porch
Take it easy for a minute and slow my mind
Then I get up, I jump into my car
And head down to the ocean
It doesn't matter if it's rain or shine
I just need a little downtime

I don't like to find myself staring into space, no
I think I better stay up all night
Or I might disappear without a single trace

I can't climb if there ain't no ladder
I can't deal if there ain't no cards
I won't sigh 'cause it makes me sadder
I've had enough and it's way too hard

Every now and then I gotta shut down
So I sit on my front porch
Take it easy for a minute and slow my mind, yeah
Then I get up, I jump into my car
And head down to the ocean
It doesn't matter if it's rain or shine
Step in the water and I feel just fine
Don't need to smoke, I don't need no wine
I only need a little downtime





Downtime
Downtime

Overall Meaning

The song "Downtime" by Timothy B. Schmit speaks of the importance of taking breaks from the chaos of life. Schmit talks about how he can't do certain things when he's feeling heavy or weighed down, and how he needs downtime to feel better. He lists a series of things he can't do without certain conditions being met – he can't float without water, he can't breathe without air, he can't leave if there's no window, and he can't hear if there's no sound. This builds up to the chorus, which talks about the need for downtime to recharge.


Schmit also mentions the feeling of being overwhelmed and needing to slow down to avoid disappearing completely. He talks about the need to slow his mind and take a break from time to time. The song ends with an emphasis on the importance of downtime, as Schmit sings about heading to the ocean to recharge his batteries, without needing any external substances like wine or cigarettes.


In essence, "Downtime" is all about the human need for rest and relaxation in the face of life's many challenges. In a world where everyone is always on the go and trying to keep up, the song is a reminder to take a break and care for yourself.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't jump 'cause I'm feeling heavy
I am burdened and weighed down, and I do not have the energy to be physically active.


I can't take this gravity
I am feeling grounded, stuck, and unable to float.


I can't dance 'cause there ain't no music
Without music, I am unable to express myself through dance.


And these shoes are killing me
My physical discomfort is adding to my overall feelings of heaviness and frustration.


I can't float if there ain't no water
I am unable to let loose and relax without the right environment.


I can't breathe if there ain't no air
I am dependent on certain conditions in order to feel calm and at ease.


I can't leave 'cause there ain't no window
I feel trapped and unable to escape my current situation.


And it's way too cold out there
The thought of a potential change or escape is daunting and unappealing.


I don't like to find myself staring into space
I am uncomfortable with idle thoughts and need constant stimulation to feel engaged.


I think I better stay up all night
Sometimes I resort to staying up all night to keep my mind busy and avoid feeling restless.


Or I might disappear without a single trace
I fear losing myself and my sense of purpose if I allow myself to get lost in idle thoughts.


I don't stop 'cause I keep on rolling
I tend to keep moving forward and resist the urge to slow down.


Though I can't always see
Despite not always having a clear vision or plan for what's ahead.


I can't hide 'cause the truth is showing
I cannot avoid my circumstances or my emotions.


And it's got the best of me
The stress and pressure is taking a toll on me.


Every now and then I gotta shut down
Occasionally, I need to take a break and disconnect from everything.


So I sit on my front porch
I find comfort in taking a moment to slow down and appreciate the simple things.


Take it easy for a minute and slow my mind
I need to consciously relax my thoughts and let go of my racing mind.


Then I get up, I jump into my car
After taking some time for myself, I am ready to move forward and seek new experiences.


And head down to the ocean
I find peace and solace in being near water.


It doesn't matter if it's rain or shine
I am willing to face any weather conditions in order to find my sense of serenity and renewal.


I just need a little downtime
All I need is a brief period of relaxation and escape to feel refreshed.


I can't wait if I have no patience
I struggle with waiting and look for immediate gratification.


I can't hear if there ain't no sound
I depend on stimulation and noise in order to feel engaged and present.


I can't think 'cause my head's too crowded
My mind can become overburdened and overwhelmed by too many thoughts.


I think I better get out of town
Sometimes, the best option for me is to remove myself from my current environment and find a fresh start.


I feel the beat of my heart going way too fast
I am experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and stress.


If I don't put my foot down soon
If I don't take action to reduce my stress levels and find balance, I risk burning out.


I don't know how I'm gonna make things last
I question my own ability to sustain my current lifestyle or commitments.


I don't break when my heart is aching
Despite emotional pain, I am resilient and able to persevere.


I can't sing if there ain't no song
Without a source of inspiration or motivation, I struggle to find my voice.


I gotta rethink my situation
I need to reevaluate my current circumstances and determine what changes need to be made.


I do believe that something's wrong
I am aware that something is off, and I need to take action to make things right.


I can't climb if there ain't no ladder
I need certain resources or tools in order to advance in my life.


I can't deal if there ain't no cards
I am unable to navigate my circumstances if I am not given any options.


I won't sigh 'cause it makes me sadder
I try to avoid expressing sadness or frustration because it only worsens my mood.


I've had enough and it's way too hard
I have reached my limit and the strain is becoming too much.


Step in the water and I feel just fine
I find comfort and peace in the simple act of immersing myself in water.


Don't need to smoke, I don't need no wine
I do not need any external substances or vices in order to find relaxation or escape.


Downtime
The act of taking a break and finding time for oneself.


Downtime
A necessary and essential part of maintaining one's mental and emotional well-being.




Contributed by Layla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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