Time To Move On
Tom Petty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It's time to move on, it's time to get going
Broken skyline, movin' through the airport
She's an honest defector
Conscientious objector
Broken skyline, which way to love land
Which way to something better
Which way to forgiveness
Which way do I go
It's time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It's time to move on, it's time to get going
Sometime later, getting the words wrong
Wasting the meaning and losing the rhyme
Nauseous adrenalin
Like breakin' up a dogfight
Like a deer in the headlights
Frozen in real time
I'm losing my mind
It's time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It's time to move on, it's time to get going
The lyrics to Tom Petty's Time To Move On are about the concept of moving on and letting go of the past. The song is a reflection on the uncertain future that lies ahead, while acknowledging the growth and change that has occurred in the present. The first verse highlights the importance of moving forward and embracing the unknown, despite any fears or doubts. The second verse explores the confusion and indecision that can come with trying to find one's way, whether it be in love, forgiveness, or simply in life. The final verse touches on the struggles of making sense of experiences and finding meaning in them, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.
Through these lyrics, Petty captures a universal feeling of wanting to let go of the past and move forward with hope and resilience. The song's main messages are to embrace change and growth, be open to new experiences, and keep moving forward, regardless of what the future may hold. This message is delivered through the song's catchy melody and driving guitar riffs, making it a classic Tom Petty tune that has resonated with fans for decades.
Overall, Time To Move On is a powerful and emotive song about the importance of moving forward and embracing the unknown. It demonstrates Tom Petty's ability to capture complex emotions and ideas through simple, relatable lyrics and catchy melodies.
Line by Line Meaning
It's time to move on, time to get going
It's time to let go of the past and move forward
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
The future is uncertain and unpredictable
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
Life goes on and nature continues to thrive
Broken skyline, movin' through the airport
Traveling to new places and leaving the old behind
She's an honest defector
She's honest with herself and others about her decisions
Conscientious objector
She stands up for what she believes is right, even if it's unpopular
Now her own protector
She's taking control of her own life and protecting herself
Which way to love land
Which direction should I take to find love and happiness?
Which way to something better
Which way should I go to improve my life?
Which way to forgiveness
Which way should I take to forgive and forget past hurts?
Which way do I go
Which path should I take in life?
Sometime later, getting the words wrong
Reflecting back on past mistakes and regrets
Wasting the meaning and losing the rhyme
Looking back on past experiences and realizing they had no significance or value
Nauseous adrenalin
Feeling anxious and nervous about the future
Like breakin' up a dogfight
Trying to end a conflict or negative situation
Like a deer in the headlights
Feeling frozen or paralyzed with fear or uncertainty
Frozen in real time
Feeling stuck and unable to move forward
I'm losing my mind
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's challenges
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Thomas Earl Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Icarus Windjammer
It's time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It's time to move on, it's time to get going
Broken skyline, movin' through the airport
She's an honest defector
Conscientious objector
Now her own protector
Broken skyline, which way to love land
Which way to something better
Which way to forgiveness
Which way do I go
Time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It's time to move on, it's time to get going
Sometime later, getting the words wrong
Wasting the meaning and losing the rhyme
Nauseous adrenaline
Like breakin' up a dogfight
Like a deer in the headlights
Frozen in real time
I'm losing my mind
It's time to move on, time to get going
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing
It's time to move on, it's time to get going
2C_4M
One of the greatest songs of all time. It's simply magical. I wish I could put into words how it makes me feel, but if you're here and you're reading this, I know you feel it too. RIP Tom, thanks for everything.
Mary Bradford
💯
James Jackson
One of my buddies brought up a great point that no matter what era Tom Petty was releasing hits in (70's, 80's, 90's..) he never changed his style to go with any of the trends from those times. The sound was always unique to him. A true legend, RIP.
Ruben Reyna
Yes. couldnt be more right.
Chelsea Nealy
Absolutely. He is timeless.
Ashley Dorosh
Yes I agree the lyrics reflect Tom as a songwriter, he never changed his lyrics! But he did adapt to the time changes! If u listen to damn the torpedos album it’s more 70’s, lots of blues/country sound but then when u listen to 80’s Tom Petty there is more keyboard emphasis with “don’t come around here no more”
That’s what makes Tom one of the greatest songwriter/ artist of all time! He adapted to the ages/sound, but never compromised his songwriting for what is most recent!
evelyn baron
well said. The Wildflowers album was his last project on his mind before his accidental death. I love this song; as a woman he acknowledges a feminine independent spirit mixed up with his wandering pronouns as well as his metaphor feet. Brilliant brilliant human being|!
nayr497
I've been listening to him for my entire life but never really appreciated his range and number of GREAT songs until he passed. It's hard to believe how many hits he wrote. I've finally kind of learned to accept that he is gone, though that doesn't mean I don't miss him. He gave the world a gift and all of us are better for it. RIP, Tom. And best wishes to his family and friends.
cardo
This album was a masterpiece.
Gina H.
Totally agree with you. I bought it on the first day.