Meaning of "Killin' Time" by Clint Black

The lyrics of "Killin' Time" delve into the narrator's desperate attempt to cope with the pain of a failed relationship. He acknowledges that alcohol has become his sole refuge, the only way he can momentarily forget about the person who haunts his thoughts. The line "you're the only one I find" suggests that even in moments of intoxication, this person remains at the forefront of his mind. The narrator realizes that he should be doing the right things to move forward and let go, but despite his efforts, he cannot free himself from the grip of his past love.

The chorus reveals the destructive nature of the narrator's coping mechanism. He acknowledges that his constant drinking to escape reality is only worsening his situation, and that by crossing the line, he may ultimately bury himself in his own demise. The phrase "drinkin' myself blind" signifies the narrator's deliberate choice to become blind to his own pain, even though he knows it won't make it go away. However, there is a sense of resignation underlying his words, as if he has accepted that his fate is to continue "killin' time" for eternity.

The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's lack of hope for the future and his fixation on the past. Feeling lost and directionless, he sees no point in thinking about tomorrow and finds solace in dwelling on what has already transpired. The line "a love that passed away" highlights the deeply rooted longing for a relationship that is no longer attainable. The mention of paying the price suggests that the narrator sees his suffering as a necessary consequence for the love he once had.

Ultimately, the song portrays the torment of unrequited love and the destructive power of escapism, particularly through alcohol. The narrator's inability to let go of the past and his reliance on alcohol as a temporary relief only serve to perpetuate his misery. The title, "Killin' Time," becomes a metaphor for the vicious cycle in which the narrator finds himself trapped, slowly but surely killing his own spirit and chances for happiness.