Meaning of "Lifetime" by Noah And The Whale

The lyrics of "Lifetime" by Noah And The Whale delve into the bittersweet nature of growing up and the changes that come with it. The song explores the theme of nostalgia and the longing for the past. It begins by recounting the times spent together in the brother's room, getting high and discussing their aspirations of breaking free. However, time moves forward and they grow apart. While one friend is getting married, the other is left feeling stagnant, waiting for their life to begin.

The chorus of the song poses a question, asking if they are ready to make the call to commit to their own paths. The repetition of the phrase "It's gonna be a lifetime" emphasizes the magnitude and permanence of the choices they are about to make. The lyrics suggest that the passage of time has transformed their lives drastically, making their shared experiences feel like distant memories from a different era. The line "It was only a few years ago, but it feels like a lifetime" captures the sentiment of how time can alter one's perception and make the past seem distant and unattainable.

The bridge of the song reflects on their youthful dreams of breaking free from their current circumstances. They dreamed of a future beyond the confines of their walls, and they prayed for change and the opportunity to see those walls fall. However, the repetition of the phrase "And there'll be nothing, nothing but time" suggests that time has become a barrier instead of an opportunity. The dreams they once had seem to fade away as the weight of adulthood and responsibilities settle in.

Overall, "Lifetime" conveys a sense of wistfulness and a longing for the carefree days of youth. It reflects on the changes that occur as people grow up, the paths they choose, and the sense of loss that comes with leaving the past behind. The lyrics capture the universal experience of nostalgia and the contrasting emotions of excitement and uncertainty that accompany the transition into adulthood.