The Time Has Come

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a profound internal struggle, set against a backdrop of stark natural imagery. Initially, we see a blue heron gliding over clear water, a scene of grace juxtaposed with a primal instinct: "We dive deep down to satisfy our hunger." This sets up a tension between natural impulses and a higher calling, hinting that even "Courageous creatures drown for true love's sake," suggesting a willingness to sacrifice for deep emotional connection. The central conflict revolves around the arduous path to forgiveness, both for others and oneself. The repeated refrain, "The time has come to forgive," acts as an insistent plea. The lyrics acknowledge the permanence of past hurts: "We can't undo the damage done." Yet, this is countered by the hopeful image of a new day dawning, "here comes the sun," implying that a fresh start is possible if forgiveness is embraced. The ultimate target of this forgiveness is revealed to be the self: "Your sorry self." A striking contrast emerges between the desire for release and the paralysis of fear. While the chorus urges action, Verse 2 presents a narrator "still too faint of heart to leave the boat," observing a "black cloud" and the "Man of Sorrows." This imagery suggests a spiritual or emotional turmoil that keeps the speaker tethered to a place of safety, unable to fully commit to the act of forgiveness. The floating feathers, however, might hint at a fragile hope or a sign of release. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their blend of natural symbolism and direct emotional appeals. The recurring natural scenes, from the heron to the sun, provide a grounding contrast to the internal, abstract concept of forgiveness. The direct address to the "sorry self" makes the call for self-compassion incredibly personal, while the acknowledgment of past damage and the persistent hope for a new beginning create a powerful emotional arc that resonates with the difficulty of letting go.