The Time Comes

Song Meaning

Nina Gordon's "The Time Comes" operates in the psychic space between acceptance and resignation. It's a song steeped in the cyclical nature of experience, the way joy inevitably fades, and the subtle art of finding peace within that impermanence. The opening lines, "I wait for the day to break me / I look up to the sky," suggest a vulnerability, a willingness to be shaped—even wounded—by life's unfolding drama. There's a quiet strength in that surrender, a recognition that resistance is often futile. The gratitude for a past relationship ("Gratefully, you were mine") hints at a love that has run its course, leaving behind a bittersweet ache and a profound appreciation. It acknowledges the past without demanding its return. The core message of "The Time Comes" lies in its chorus, a mantra-like repetition of transience: "The time comes / And then it goes / Then it goes away." It's a simple yet profound observation about the fleeting nature of moments, feelings, and relationships. The song isn't necessarily mournful; rather, it's a meditation on the ebb and flow of existence. This cycle isn't framed as inherently negative. It's just the way things are. This idea connects to the second verse, where Gordon cautions against dissecting the silence or trying to bury the past. The learned patience suggests that processing and accepting, rather than fighting or ignoring, are the healthier paths. Ultimately, the song meaning of "The Time Comes" seems rooted in the acceptance of time's relentless march. It's about finding solace in the face of inevitable change, acknowledging both the beauty and the pain that come with it. Gordon distills a complex emotional landscape into a deceptively simple structure, leaving listeners with a sense of quiet resolve. It's an ode to the bittersweet, a reminder that even in the face of loss, gratitude and acceptance can bloom.