2nd Chapter of Acts - Time Lyrics
Lyrics
Well He hasn't always been around
And He won't always be.
But He's on the move at this moment
Measuring life for you and me.
I fear we all submit to him
Existing anxiously,
And no one is able to turn him off
Except the Lord who holds the key.
When the Lord stops him, that'll be it,
Too late for apologies.
Too late to forgive your brother,
Too late to get on your knees.
When the Lord stops him, that'll be it,
Too late to help the needy
And worst of all it's too late to turn
You must face eternity.
His name is Time and he's coming to an end.
His name is Time where will you be my friend?
His name is Time and he's coming to an end.
His name is Time where will you be my friend?
Most people think he'll never stop
He'll go on perpetually,
But old man time is running out
And he'll cease eventually.
When the Lord stops him, that'll be it,
Too late for apologies.
Too late to forgive your brother,
Too late to get on your knees.
When the Lord stops him, that'll be it,
Too late to help the needy
And worst of all it's too late to turn
You must face eternity.
His name is Time and he's coming to an end.
His name is Time where will you be my friend?
His name is Time and he's coming to an end.
His name is Time where will you be my friend?
Video
Time (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released as part of the 1977 album *How the West Was One*, 2nd Chapter of Acts' "Time" offers a profound and urgent contemplation on mortality and eternity, framed within a distinctly Christian worldview. The song doesn't just address the abstract concept of time; it personifies it as a powerful entity that is ultimately under divine control. The core message revolves around the inescapable reality of life's finite nature and the critical importance of being prepared for its conclusion. This isn't a song about the ticking clock of daily schedules, but rather the grand temporal sweep of human existence, all orchestrated and overseen by God.
The lyrical narrative presents "Time" as a force that, while ever-present in our lived experience, is not an eternal, independent entity. Instead, it's subject to the will of "the Lord," who "holds the key." This is a powerful reminder of divine sovereignty, echoing passages like Psalm 31:15, which states, "My times are in your hands." The song emphasizes a profound truth: our lives are not governed by chance or an unstoppable, impersonal march of seconds, but by the deliberate plan of God. This realization is intended to foster not fear, but a healthy awe and a sense of urgency. The lyrics vividly illustrate the consequences of ignoring this reality: "Too late for apologies," "Too late to forgive your brother," "Too late to get on your knees." These are not mere platitudes, but stark portrayals of missed opportunities for reconciliation and repentance. Such stark warnings find resonance in biblical admonitions to live righteously in the present, such as 2 Corinthians 6:2: "In the present time I have listened to you, and I have helped you on the day of salvation." The song’s poignant question, "His name is Time and he's coming to an end. His name is Time where will you be my friend?" directly challenges listeners to consider their personal readiness for that inevitable endpoint.
The analysis of "Time" reveals a deeply theological perspective on human existence. The song critiques the common human tendency to believe that time will "go on perpetually," a mindset that can lead to complacency and a procrastination of spiritual matters. The "old man time is running out" metaphor underscores the finite nature of our earthly sojourn, mirroring the sentiment found in James 4:14, which asks, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." The inescapable truth presented is that when the Lord ultimately halts time, the opportunity to make amends, seek forgiveness, or turn towards God will be gone, leaving individuals to "face eternity." This aligns with the biblical emphasis on the brevity of life and the singular importance of our eternal destination, as highlighted in Matthew 16:26: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" Ultimately, "Time" by 2nd Chapter of Acts serves as a powerful, faith-infused exhortation to live each moment with purpose, acknowledging the divine appointment of our earthly days and ensuring we are prepared for the eternal moment that follows.