Time Stands is a song you listen to in silence. Whether you go on a midnight drive or walk, the lyrics resonate with all of us during this present time. The music video depicts an empty world, a world we have become all too familiar with during the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Rolling Stones magazine, the music video for Time Stands was recorded by Rett Rogers during the initial quarantine. That is why we are able to witness so many empty streets in places like Brazil, California, Nigeria, Scotland, Tokyo, and different regions of United States.
But Nathaniel Rateliff is not willing to stop at empty streets and the lonely feelings of the night. He manages to weave so many of the present social issues plaguing our world into his lyrics.
What Is The Meaning of Time Stands by Nathaniel Rateliff
It is a reflection of our present society and the emotion behind all of the actions taken. As he says at the beginning, “I sit and contemplate, all the moments you said, Time stands in a duel, and I stand for you” That is the crux of the song, the very foundation. Who hasn’t sit and contemplated the division of the world, the fact that we are even fighting against time. Whether he intended it, there are a few topics he brings to the table for us to contemplate.
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The Topic of Loss & Death
You said, “Time stands in a duel, and I stand for you.” While it faintly acknowledges loss in the opening lines of the song. We can feel that continued thought as the chorus repeats itself. From the empty bed to “what you used say” there is an undeniable sense of absence in the lyrics. Maybe Nathaniel Rateliff is also feeling this way since he has been on a more recent solo career. When scrolling through the music video’s comments you can see how many people the song resonates with and how they can feel the loss of a loved one in their lyrics.
The Topic of Division
The very song speaks to a struggle and division. From time standing in a duel, to the hatred of people. The present climate of the United States has been less than peaceful. There is a constant screaming of opinions across the social, economic and political divides. You can see Nathaniel Rateliff’s depiction of this in the following lyrics:
“I can take the pain but I can’t take all the hatred | Laziness of mind and simplest of thoughts”
“Now you’re pouring out your hate at every difference you found | You won’t even listen to reason at all”
– Nathaniel Rateliff “Time Stands”
As many of us observe our warring newsfeeds and scroll through social media posts, (that think they are making a difference) can we not relate?
Nathaniel Rateliff does take time to cast a stone towards the Church community. Being a Christian I slightly grimace at the truth behind this, but only slightly. As a Christian, deeply involved in my faith, my church and relationship with God, the truth of the Bible says and displays how we should not be hateful. As I see hate pouring from self-proclaimed Christians, I can’t help but point out, most of them have not read their Bible, pursued God or even proclaimed their faith in Christ. So the Christian representation is not exactly Christian, but merely people who had Christian parents and don’t know what they believe or why. That is why I only slightly grimace. He is not casting a stone at me, or the Christian faith, but at the ones who also make me sick to my stomach at their misrepresentation of the Christ.
Topic of Leaders
The closing lines bring up the death of children and the corruption and greed of man. Maybe this loss we can feel at the heart of the song is not the loss of a loved one, but the very loss of our very humanity. Nathaniel Rateliff took a look at the world over quarantine, took a look at the places he has been, the people he has met and could not help but feel a sense of loss. But that brings about the determination in the lyrics.
Time Stands Meaning & Conclusion
He ends the song with the purpose behind the lyrics, the meaning of Time Stands. He says, “I can’t raise my hand, so I’m raising my voice”. This song is a calm calling, a calm internal scream for change to take place in our world. And as we listen to this in the night, we don’t feel so alone in our thoughts.
Nathaniel Rateliff may potentially receive album of the year with this recent release. If anything, this album guarantees the success of his solo work. The lyrics he produces while alone in his thoughts nicely compliments his bluesy sound. Pulling emotions deep within himself we can relate to the lyrics he pours out.