Time Tough
Toots & The Maytals Feat. Ryan Adams Lyrics
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Get up in the night
I couldn't fight my feelings
Early in the morning
It's just the same situation
Here comes the landlord just a knocking upon my door
I've got four hundred/month rent to pay
And I can't find a job
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard
Time tough
Everything is growing higher and higher
(higher and higher)
Sister Lee cannot bear it
And brother Lee can hardly stand it now
They're crying night and day, louder and louder
Nobody to help them make their way
I've got four hundred/month rent to pay
And I can't find a dollar
Let me tell you time tough
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard
Time hard
Everything is growing higher and higher
(higher and higher)
Good times once lead into bad times
But now the bad times take over
When I was a little boy
I just keep on feeling it, feeling it, feeling it, feeling it
Now listen
Time tough
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard
Time tough
Everything is growing higher and higher
(higher and higher)
Can't blame the minister
And you can't blame the preacher
And you can't blame your brother
And you cannot blame your sister
Can't blame your friends
'Cause today is judgement day
And that's why everyone have to pray
Let me tell you time tough
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard
Time tough
Everything is growing higher and higher
"Repeat" (higher and higher)
The Toots & The Maytals Feat. Ryan Adams's song Time Tough talks about financial hardships and their impact on people's lives. The lyrics highlight how the struggle to make ends meet can result in sleepless nights and constant worry. The situation further intensifies as the landlord comes knocking at the door, asking for rent that one can't afford. The song speaks to the poverty and economic struggles that make life unbearable. The song seems to suggest that poverty is a vicious cycle - once you're in it, it's challenging to get out. It's a situation where good times have turned into bad, and the bad times have taken over.
The lyrics also speak about people coming together to help each other during tough times. The song suggests that finding fault or blaming people does not help solve the problem. Instead, people should cooperate and pray for each other. The lyrics mention the minister, the preacher, brothers, sisters, and friends, implying that everybody's role is essential in dealing with poverty. However, the song also highlights the desperation, tears, and loud cries that sometimes go unanswered. It's a call for society to address poverty and its effects.
Line by Line Meaning
I go to bed but sleep won't come
Despite attempting to sleep, the individual is unable to.
Get up in the night
The individual awakens during the nighttime hours.
I couldn't fight my feelings
The singer feels unable to control their emotions.
Early in the morning
The situation persists into the morning.
It's just the same situation
The struggles occur repeatedly.
Here comes the landlord just a knocking upon my door
The landlord arrives to collect rent payment.
I've got four hundred/month rent to pay
The singer owes $400 in monthly rent.
And I can't find a job
The individual is currently unemployed.
Let me tell you time tough
The artist acknowledges that current times are difficult.
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard
Life's challenges feel overwhelming and insurmountable.
Sister Lee cannot bear it
Sister Lee is struggling as well.
And brother Lee can hardly stand it now
Brother Lee is also experiencing hardship.
They're crying night and day, louder and louder
The Lees express their emotions vocally.
Nobody to help them make their way
The Lees lack support from others.
Let me tell you time tough
The singer emphasizes that current times are difficult.
Everything is out of sight, it's so hard
Life's challenges feel overwhelming and insurmountable.
Time hard
The difficulties are persisting.
Everything is growing higher and higher
The cost of living is on a steady increase.
Good times once lead into bad times
Positive circumstances have deteriorated.
But now the bad times take over
Negative circumstances have gained control.
When I was a little boy
The artist has experienced good times in the past.
I just keep on feeling it, feeling it, feeling it, feeling it
The artist can still recall their prior experiences.
Now listen
The singer requests attention.
Can't blame the minister
There is no one to pin the blame on.
And you can't blame the preacher
Even religious figures are not responsible for the state of affairs.
And you can't blame your brother
The individual's family is also not responsible for the situation.
And you cannot blame your sister
The individual's family is also not responsible for the situation.
Can't blame your friends
Even close friends are not responsible for the struggles.
'Cause today is judgement day
Metaphorically, people will be held accountable someday.
And that's why everyone have to pray
Everyone should pray for a better future.
Repeat
The refrain is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the difficulties.
(higher and higher)
The cost of living continues to increase, exacerbating the situation.
Contributed by Charlotte J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ali o'keeffe
Love this tune
Bradley Leacock
Good version