This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
You're leaving now
It's in your eyes
There's no disguising it
It really comes as no surprise
To find that you planned it all along
I see it now
Becomes so clear
Your insincerity
And me all starry-eyed
You'd think that I would have known by now
Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky
This lie is over
Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over
(Only time will tell)
One thing is sure
That time will tell
(Only time will tell)
If you were wrong
The brightest ring around the moon
Will darken when I die
Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky
This lie is over
Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over
You're leaving now
It's in your eyes
There's no disguising it
It really comes as no surprise
To find that you planned it all along
I see it now
Becomes so clear
Your insincerity
And me all starry-eyed
You'd think that I would have known by now
Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky
This lie is over
Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over
(Only time will tell)
You're on your own
Inside your room
(Only time will tell)
You're claiming victory
You were just using me
And there is no one you can use now
(Only time will tell)
One thing is sure
That time will tell
It's in your eyes
There's no disguising it
It really comes as no surprise
To find that you planned it all along
I see it now
Becomes so clear
Your insincerity
And me all starry-eyed
You'd think that I would have known by now
Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky
This lie is over
Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over
(Only time will tell)
One thing is sure
That time will tell
(Only time will tell)
If you were wrong
The brightest ring around the moon
Will darken when I die
Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky
This lie is over
Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over
You're leaving now
It's in your eyes
There's no disguising it
It really comes as no surprise
To find that you planned it all along
I see it now
Becomes so clear
Your insincerity
And me all starry-eyed
You'd think that I would have known by now
Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky
This lie is over
Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over
(Only time will tell)
You're on your own
Inside your room
(Only time will tell)
You're claiming victory
You were just using me
And there is no one you can use now
(Only time will tell)
One thing is sure
That time will tell
Lyrics submitted by TheFunkyMudgoose
Only Time Will Tell Lyrics as written by John Wetton Geoffrey Downes
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Strictly Songs SPRL, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
This song is about a guy that is starting to put all of the pieces of the picture together. He finally realizes her love was just a charade. At least that's my take on it.
I grew up with this song.I can still remember when my jr.high girlfriend broke up with me and I Listened to this song and felt so sorry for myself.LMAO right now thinking about it.we sure are vulnerable at that age.I still like Asia.and asians.
The songwriter is trying to gain sympathy from the audience because his ex dumped him. He tries to villianize the ex. Would like to hear her perspective of the relationship. And why he thinks the world of himself ("The brighest ring around the moon will darken when I die" - that's conceited).
Several decades have passed since this song was composed. If it was based on a real life incident, I hope the songwriter has moved-on; bet the ex doesn't even reflect on what she did to him. The ultimate revenge (if a person is dumped) is to live well; not hope for the ex's misfortune. Karma always comes back around to everyone in one form or another.
Isn't that kinda what happens when one is dumped? And no karma doesn't always come back on some that don't do right by others. Thanx for digging this one up.lol. :)
"And no karma doesn't always come back on some that don't do right by others." I think it happens, but we will never see it. A person who constantly breaks the law is bound to slip-up and get caught sooner or later. Same way, a person who breaks hearts will pay some kind of emotional toll. It can also change that person back on the path of righteousness into a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Either way, the healthiest thing for a person who has been dumped is to move on and live well!
How do you know she moved on. John Wetton the singer is a legend and who is this lady? Some nameless faceless woman who took advantage of a rock star and now lives in obsucrity.
@lyricalONE John Wetton sang an almost identical lyric while with the band "Family" in '71-'72. "The brightest ring around the moon will darken as you cry." youtube.com/watch
Asia was one of my favorite groups in high school and this was one of my favorites that they did.
Yea, great song, I can relate to this song right now...
Good song. Pretty simple in meaning....
i love this song so much... she's leaving him and he's saying that she won't live without him... at least thats what i think :D
Awesome song. Underated.
Great song. Typical story of of a woman who leached onto a great successful man...in this case John Wetton. As is usual with these women they are totally useless. They never accomplished anything in their lives so they have to suck the soul, energy and finances of a successful man. But in the end they up regretting their decision as they grow old and shriveled
Asia was one of my favorite groups in high school and this was one of my favorites that they did.