As Time Goes By

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a direct, almost imperative reminder: "You must remember this." It immediately sets a tone of timeless wisdom, asserting that fundamental human experiences like a kiss or a sigh remain constant. This initial stanza offers a comforting anchor, suggesting that some truths endure. While initially focusing on simple, sweet truths, the lyrics subtly introduce a deeper emotional complexity. The line "jealousy and hate" is a sharp pivot, acknowledging that love isn't just moonlight and romance. It suggests that intense emotions, both positive and negative, are inherently part of the "fundamental things" that endure as time goes by. The craft here lies in the clever expansion of what constitutes these "fundamental things." What begins as a gentle reassurance about simple gestures evolves into a grander, almost epic scope. Phrases like "a fight for love" and "do or die" elevate the everyday pursuit of connection into a universal, dramatic struggle, suggesting love's enduring nature is tied to its profound, sometimes challenging, significance. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they blend nostalgic comfort with a grounded realism. The repeated refrain "As time goes by" isn't just a wistful observation; it's a powerful affirmation that despite all shifts, the core human needs for connection, passion, and even struggle persist. It offers a reassuring sense that some essential aspects of life are, and always will be, welcomed by the world.