Meaning of "In My Own Time" by Bee Gees

The lyrics of "In My Own Time" by Bee Gees explore themes of personal significance and the passage of time. The song begins with the narrator receiving an invitation to the United Nations, highlighting a time when they were seen as somebody and had the opportunity to be part of something important. However, this period of significance seems distant and disconnected from the present. The contrasting image of the narrator sitting and selling hot cross buns, surrounded by "thousand suckers everyone," suggests a feeling of insignificance and being caught up in the mundane routine of life.

As the song progresses, the repetition of "In my own time" becomes a reflection on the narrator's memories and the thoughts that occupy their mind. It implies that even when the external world and its lights dim, there is still an inner world within the narrator that remains active. The memories and thoughts are described as "memories I can't call mine" because they are the narrator's own personal experiences, yet they may be overshadowed or influenced by external forces or societal expectations.

The overall meaning behind the lyrics seems to be a contemplation of the value and meaning of one's own time. The juxtaposition of past significance and present insignificance highlights the fleeting nature of importance and the way it can be influenced by external circumstances. The repetition of the phrase "In my own time" emphasizes the importance of personal introspection and reflection, suggesting that even in moments of feeling insignificant, one's own thoughts and memories are still valuable and worth cherishing.