Time To Go
l'Attentat Lyrics

In "Time To Go" by l'Attentat, the opening verses evoke an atmosphere of celebration, typically associated with weddings or significant life events. The imagery of being "gathered here to have and to hold" serves to capture the essence of commitment and connection felt during such occasions. The mention of "church bells ringin'" and "children singin'" deepens this festive backdrop, indicating a moment marked by joy, tradition, and the hope that accompanies new beginnings. However, this celebration is tethered to the acknowledgment of mortality and the inevitability of change, highlighted by the phrase “til death do us part.” This duality encapsulates the bittersweet nature of human experiences—where moments filled with love and happiness are significantly countered by the reality of endings.

As the song progresses, the imagery shifts to more temporal aspects of life, particularly marking the passage of time with events like New Year’s Eve. This transition symbolizes a perpetual cycle of beginnings and endings, underscoring the fleeting nature of moments, even ones that are ostensibly joyful, such as “black ties and ballrooms.” Though these gatherings exude elegance and festivity, the lyrics suggest an undercurrent of loneliness or transience—"nobody stays here for long" implies that despite the grandeur and merriment of such events, they are often temporary, leaving one to ponder on the lasting significance of these experiences. Here, the chandeliers swinging slowly become a metaphor for the ebb and flow of time, suggesting that while one may indulge in the present, the past is never far behind, nor is the future that awaits.

The refrain, "All of the lights below / Ch chandeliers swinging slow / Is it time to go?" introduces a layer of introspection that juxtaposes the external celebrations with an internal dialogue about timing and the nature of departure. This line encapsulates an existential inquiry—whether it is indeed time to leave, whether physically or metaphorically from a situation or emotional state. The repetition throughout the song highlights a sense of urgency but also a sense of ambiguity; the question remains unanswered, reflecting the uncertainty inherent in life's transitions. By presenting this introspection within the lively backdrop of a party, the songwriter invites listeners to grapple with their emotions, creating a space where joy and melancholy coexist.

Finally, the imagery of "Champagne, tears flow / Laughter I can't control" further elucidates the complexity of human emotion during significant life events. Champagne represents celebration, mirth, and the joys that come with union or new beginnings, while tears symbolically reference underlying fears, sadness, or nostalgia that can arise even amidst the laughter. It is a poignant reminder that life’s moments are multi-faceted; they can evoke joy, sorrow, and everything in between. The persistent inquiry—“Tell me now is it time to go?”—not only signifies a yearning for clarity but suggests the struggle to accept the impermanent nature of joy. The song beautifully encapsulates the tension between the desire to remain in a moment of happiness and the acknowledgment that all good things must eventually culminate, prompting reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change.