Meaning of "Swimmin' Time" by Shovels & Rope

The song "Swimmin' Time" by Shovels & Rope paints a vivid picture of an impending catastrophe, with water rising and foundations slipping, signaling the approach of a flood that will engulf everything in its path. The lyrics speak to the inevitability of disaster, portraying a world where the signs of destruction are clear but ignored by those who are consumed by greed and blinded by material wealth. There is a sense of resignation and fatalism in the face of this impending catastrophe, with the speaker recognizing that when the time comes to swim, those who prioritized money and possessions over everything else will be the ones to suffer the consequences. The imagery of the flood serves as a metaphor for the consequences of human folly and shortsightedness, highlighting the destructive impact of greed and the fleeting nature of material wealth. Overall, the lyrics of "Swimmin' Time" serve as a warning about the dangers of prioritizing material gain over more profound values and the need to confront the consequences of our actions before it's too late.