Sign of the Times

Just stop your crying It's a sign of the times Welcome to the final show Hope you're wearing your best clothes You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky You look pretty good down here But you ain't really good We never learn, we've been here before Why are we always stuck and running from The bullets, the bullets? We never learn, we've been here before Why are we always stuck and running from Your bullets, the bullets? Just stop your crying It's a sign of the times We gotta get away from here We gotta get away from here Just stop your crying It'll be alright They told me that the end is near We gotta get away from here Just stop your crying Have the time of your life Breaking through the atmosphere And things are pretty good from here Remember, everything will be alright We can meet again somewhere Somewhere far away from here We never learn, we've been here before Why are we always stuck and running from The bullets, the bullets? We never learn, we've been here before Why are we always stuck and running from The bullets, the bullets? Just stop your crying It's a sign of the times We gotta get away from here We gotta get away from here Stop your crying Baby, it'll be alright They told me that the end is near We gotta get away from here We never learn, we've been here before Why are we always stuck and running from The bullets, the bullets? We never learn, we've been here before Why are we always stuck and running from Your bullets, the bullets? We don't talk enough We should open up Before it's all too much Will we ever learn? We've been here before It's just what we know Stop your crying, baby It's a sign of the times We gotta get away We got to get away We got to get away We got to get away We got to get away We got to—we got to—away We got to—we got to—away We got to—we got to—away

Composer: Tyler Sam Johnson, Jeffrey Nath Bhasker, Ryan Thomas Nasci, Alex Raymond Salibian, Harry Edward Styles, Mitchell Kristopher Rowland

In-depth Analysis of 'Sign of the Times' by LyricLens AI

'Sign of the Times' by Harry Styles is a powerful, melancholic ballad that transcends typical pop themes to address a broader sense of global anxiety and existential urgency. Released in 2017, the song captures a mood of collective dread and a call for escape amidst societal turmoil.

Central Themes Explored:

Societal Collapse and Urgency: Phrases like "Welcome to the final show" and "They told me that the end is near" paint a picture of impending doom, reflecting a global sentiment of unease and a need for immediate action or escape.
Escapism and Hope: Despite the somber outlook, there's a recurring plea to "Just stop your crying" and a desire to "get away from here," suggesting a desperate search for solace and a better place, a beacon of hope even when things seem bleak.
Human Failure to Learn: The line "We never learn, we've been here before" highlights a cyclical pattern of conflict and suffering, particularly with the repeated mention of "the bullets," symbolizing ongoing violence and unaddressed issues.
Reflection and Connection: "We don't talk enough, we should open up" serves as a poignant social commentary, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding before it's too late.

The song's epic scope and emotional depth make it a compelling reflection on our shared human condition, encouraging introspection and a search for peace in uncertain times.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Sign of the Times'

What is the main message of 'Sign of the Times'?

The song explores themes of global anxiety, societal breakdown, and the urgent need for change or escape. It's a commentary on the challenging state of the world, tempered with a plea for resilience and connection.

What do the lyrics "We never learn, we've been here before" signify?

This line suggests a cyclical pattern of human conflict and failure to learn from past mistakes, leading to repeated suffering, symbolized by "the bullets."

Is 'Sign of the Times' about a specific event?

While not tied to one specific event, it's widely interpreted as a broader reflection on the political and social climate of its release year (2017), capturing a general mood of unease and uncertainty.

Fun Facts:

'Sign of the Times' was Harry Styles' debut solo single after One Direction.
The song is notably long for a pop single, clocking in at 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
Styles has mentioned being inspired by current events and wanting to write a song that felt important and relevant to the times.