Pastime Paradise
Tom Middleton Lyrics
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Living in a pastime paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been wasting most their time
Glorifying days long gone behind
They've been wasting most their days
In remembrance of ignorance oldest praise
Tell me who of them will come to be
How many of them are you and me
Dissipation
Race relations
Consolation
Segregation
Dispensation
Isolation
Exploitation
Mutilation
Mutations
Miscreation
Confirmation to the evils of the world
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
They've been looking in their minds
For the day that sorrows gone from time
They keep telling of the day
When the savior of love will come to stay
Tell me who of them will come to be
How many of them are you and me
Proclamation
Of race relations
Consolation
Integretion
Verification
Of revelations
Acclamation
World salvation
Vibrations
Stimulation
Confirmation to the peace of the world
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a pastime paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
They've been spending most their lives
Living in a future paradise
We've been spending too much of our lives
Living in a pastime paradise
Let's start living our lives
Living for the future paradise
Praise to our lives
Living for the future paradise
Shame to anyones lives
Living in the pastime paradise
The lyrics of "Pastime Paradise" by Tom Middleton delve into the concept of people being trapped in either the nostalgic past or an idealized future, while neglecting to truly live in the present. The repetition of the lines "They've been spending most their lives living in a pastime paradise" emphasizes the idea that many individuals are caught up in idealizing and glorifying days that have long passed, rather than focusing on the present moment. The mention of "glorifying days long gone behind" and "remembrance of ignorance oldest praise" highlights how some individuals tend to hold onto the past, often overlooking the negatives or limitations of those times.
The lyrics also touch upon issues related to social justice and racial inequality, with phrases like "race relations," "segregation," "exploitation," and "miscreation." These words suggest a critical reflection on the injustices and prejudices that have persisted throughout history and continue to impact society today. The repetition of "confirmation to the evils of the world" underscores a sense of resignation or acknowledgment of the harsh realities that exist in the world.
The song contrasts the pastime paradise with a future paradise, suggesting that some individuals are fixated on a future that may never come to fruition, leading them to overlook the present moment and the potential for positive change in the here and now. The lyrics urge listeners to consider who they want to become and to reflect on their role in shaping a better future, posing the question, "How many of them are you and me?" The themes of hope and salvation are introduced with references to a "savior of love" and "world salvation," encouraging a shift towards a more optimistic outlook and active engagement in creating a better world.
In the final verses, the lyrics call for a departure from the pastime paradise and a move towards living for a future paradise. The repetition of "living in a pastime paradise" contrasts with the plea to "start living our lives for the future paradise," signaling a shift in mindset towards prioritizing the present moment and working towards a brighter future. The lines "we've been spending too much of our lives living in a pastime paradise" serve as a wake-up call to break free from stagnant nostalgia and embrace the potential for growth and positive change. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to live with intention and purpose, striving towards a future marked by progress, harmony, and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
They've been spending most their lives
The majority of their existence has been consumed
Living in a pastime paradise
Engaged in a world of entertainment and distractions
They've been wasting most their time
Utilizing the majority of their time unwisely
Glorifying days long gone behind
Holding in high esteem days that are long past
In remembrance of ignorance oldest praise
Remembering the praise of ignorance from the past
Tell me who of them will come to be
Enquire about who will emerge from them
How many of them are you and me
Consider how many individuals are included in 'them'
Dissipation
The act of wasting away
Race relations
Interactions between different racial groups
Consolation
Offering comfort or solace
Segregation
The separation of different groups within society
Dispensation
The granting of special treatment or privileges
Isolation
The state of being alone or apart from others
Exploitation
Utilizing others for personal gain
Mutilation
The act of severely damaging or disfiguring
Mutations
Changes or alterations in genetic material
Miscreation
The creation of something flawed or unnatural
Confirmation to the evils of the world
Affirmation of the existence of wickedness in the world
They've been looking in their minds
Searching within their thoughts
For the day that sorrows gone from time
Anticipating the day when sorrows will no longer exist
They keep telling of the day
Continuously speaking about the future day
When the savior of love will come to stay
When the embodiment of love will permanently be present
Proclamation
An official announcement or declaration
Of race relations
Regarding the connections between different racial groups
Consolation
Providing comfort or relief
Integretion
Bringing together in harmony or unification
Verification
Confirmation or authentication
Of revelations
Regarding profound or enlightening truths
Acclamation
Enthusiastic approval or praise
World salvation
Rescue and protection on a global scale
Vibrations
Sensations felt or emotional moods
Stimulation
Encouragement of activity or interest
Confirmation to the peace of the world
Affirmation of the existence of harmony in the world
We've been spending too much of our lives
We have dedicated an excessive amount of time
Living in a pastime paradise
Existing in a state of superficial entertainment
Let's start living our lives
Let us commence fully experiencing our existence
Living for the future paradise
Striving towards a better future
Praise to our lives
Honor and appreciation for our existence
Living for the future paradise
Committing to living for a brighter tomorrow
Shame to anyones lives
Regrettable for those living aimlessly in the past
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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