Beginning with a psychedelic sound indebted to shoegazing and space rock, by the mid-1990s they had released several EPs and two acclaimed records. They endured both name and line-up changes, break-ups, health problems, drug abuse and various lawsuits, and have been referred to as "one of the tightest knit, yet ultimately volatile bands in history".
The band's commercial breakthrough came with the 1997 album Urban Hymns and its lead single "Bitter Sweet Symphony", which became a massive worldwide hit. Soon after this commercial peak, the band broke up in April 1999, citing internal conflicts. By then, The Verve had become one of the most influential English alternative rock acts in years.
The band's original four members reunited in June 2007. They embarked on a tour later that year, and released the album Forth in August 2008. A year later, it was announced that the band had split up for the third time in their career.
This Time
Verve Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know that all I see
Are things I could've changed
I should have done
Where did the good times go?
Good times so hard to hold
This time this time
This time I'm gonna find
You know that all I see
Are things I could've changed
I could have done
No time for sad lament
A wasted life is bitter spent
So rise into the light
In or out of time
Gonna rise straight through the light
In or out of time
Woke up one other day
The pain won't go away
I am growing
In peculiar ways
Into a light I pass
Another dream, another trance
This time, this time
This time I'm gonna rise into the light
In or out of time
Gonna find my way in life
In or out of sight
I'm still seeing things in black and white
Gonna rise straight into the light
In or out of sight
I'm gonna see the light
I'm gonna see the light
I'm gonna see the light
'Cause I know there is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
There is time
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
The song "This Time" by Verve is about looking back on one's life and regretting the things that were not done or changed. The first verse makes it clear that the singer sees things differently now and wishes that they could have done more to change their life. They wonder where the good times have gone and vow to find them again. The second verse speaks of waking up one day and feeling a pain that won't go away, but also recognizing that they are growing in peculiar ways. This growth leads them to pass into a light and experience another dream or trance.
The chorus is the central theme of the song, with the singer vowing to rise into the light whether they are in or out of time. They want to find their way in life and see things beyond black and white. They want to rise straight into the light because they know that there is still time to make a change. The repetition of "this time" emphasizes the determination of the singer to make a change and find what they are looking for.
Overall, the song is about regret, growth, and making changes in life. It speaks to the human experience of looking back on past decisions and wishing things had been different. But it also speaks to the power of growth and determination to make a change, no matter how late in life it may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Lookin' back on my life
Reflecting on my past experiences
You know that all I see
Realizing that all that I can see is my past choices and actions
Are things I could've changed
Recognizing missed opportunities and chances to make better decisions
I should have done
Acknowledging that there were things I should have done differently
Where did the good times go?
Questioning why the happy moments of life passed by so quickly
Good times so hard to hold
Acknowledging how difficult it is to hold onto moments of happiness
This time, this time
Emphasizing the need to make a change this time
This time I'm gonna find
Expressing the desire to discover something new or to accomplish a goal
No time for sad lament
Rejecting the idea of wallowing in sorrow or regret
A wasted life is bitter spent
Believing that life is too valuable to waste on unfulfilling pursuits
So rise into the light
Metaphorically seeing the light represents enlightenment and positive change
In or out of time
Regardless of when or how long it takes, I will make that change
Woke up one other day
Awakening to a new day with a new outlook
The pain won't go away
Recognizing that some emotions and experiences may linger
I am growing
Realizing that growth and change are ongoing processes
In peculiar ways
Not knowing exactly how or when growth and change will happen
Into a light I pass
Moving from darkness or negativity towards enlightenment and positivity
Another dream, another trance
Experiencing a new, positive mindset
Gonna find my way in life
Seeking direction and purpose in life
In or out of sight
Regardless of whether I can see the path ahead clearly or not
I'm still seeing things in black and white
Acknowledging that I still have a lot to learn and understand
I'm gonna see the light
Believing that I will eventually find enlightenment and positive change
'Cause I know there is time
Having faith in the idea that there is always time for change and growth
This time, this time
Emphasizing the importance and urgency of this moment
There is time
Reiterating the idea that there is always time for positive change
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD ASHCROFT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marshallbrennan370
There really is something very special about this song. I think it takes a certain type of person to appreciate it.
@hoogmonster
Its practically shamanic in in its beat and emotional intensity... reminds me of the last 100 lines of Dante's Divine Comedy....
@broonmonsoon755
The emotion is off the scale.
Some of us just get it
@billy78son77
If u feel like u could have done things differently and not in the predicament or the feeling of sorrow flowing through you as u remind yourself of the past and the things u couldve changed or Instead done then this song will hit a nerve
@ecoakley46
No time for sad lament,
A wasted life is bitter spent
@maquiavelo7157
It is another dimension......
@EveDoherty18
this has to be one of my favourite songs of all time and holds such a special meaning to me. this was my dad's favourite song and when he passed this song really helped me through it. although we didn't have the best relationship, this song helped me to not look back "on my life and all the things I could've changed, I could've done" as the song says. such a beautiful song that will hold the most special meaning to me forever.
@jewelrybag4557
I grew up to this song as well. Got me through some difficult times. May your dad rest in peace. Keep looking forward😊
@EveDoherty18
Jewelry Bag glad to hear it! me too, it really helped me a lot! thank you so much! i will do, you too! x
@stonesthrow420
I just listened to this 20 times in a row. Fuckin brilliant