When the Time Comes

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a community struggling against external forces that seek to displace or silence its members. There's a sense of an encroaching threat, described as coming "to your street" and operating "underground," aiming to disrupt and control. The initial verses highlight individuals who "don't quite fit" and are "pushed aside," suggesting a systemic effort to marginalize those who don't conform or who try to assert their place. The central tension arises from the clash between the established order and those trying to survive within it, particularly the marginalized. The repeated phrase "when the time comes, they're gonna terrorize" amplifies this dread, implying an inevitable confrontation or crackdown. This threat is juxtaposed with the assertion that "the man's still got his rights," creating an ironic undercurrent given the described oppression. The lyrics employ vivid imagery of social stratification and resistance. The encounter between "a brother on the street" and a "small time hoakie hood" who are "strictly middle class" highlights a surprising solidarity across perceived divides. This unity is questioned by the line "sayin' this would never pass," indicating internal doubt or external judgment about their collective voice and artistic expression, symbolized by playing guitar. What makes these lyrics resonate is their raw portrayal of societal friction and the fight for belonging. The narrative shifts from individual struggle to a broader communal concern, especially with the introduction of "sweet soul sister" and "John from Leicester" falling in love while relying on "government supply." This couple, barely getting by, embodies the everyday struggle that underlies the larger conflict, making the threat of "terrorize" feel all the more potent and personal.