Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of simple, almost childlike joy, centered around a recurring positive feeling. The narrator repeatedly states "I do like this," associating it with sensations of niceness, shining, brightness, and things being "alright." This consistent affirmation builds a sense of contentment and well-being, suggesting a moment of pure, unadulterated pleasure.
The central tension, if any, lies in the anticipation and arrival of this positive state, underscored by the repeated refrain "It's about time." This phrase implies a prior absence or longing for this feeling, making its current presence feel earned or long-awaited. The repetition of both the positive affirmations and the refrain amplifies the feeling of arrival and satisfaction.
The most striking aspect of the craft is the sheer, unadorned repetition. The simple, declarative sentences and the identical structure of the first four lines in each stanza create a mantra-like effect. This deliberate simplicity makes the emotional impact direct and undeniable, focusing the listener entirely on the feeling itself rather than complex narrative or metaphor.
This lyrical approach works because it mirrors the feeling it describes: a straightforward, overwhelming sense of goodness. The lack of ambiguity allows the listener to easily connect with the pure, uncomplicated happiness being conveyed. The final stanza, with the addition of "and I think you were right," subtly introduces a relational element, suggesting this positive state might be connected to another person's perspective or encouragement, making the arrival of "about time" feel even more significant.