Meaning of "Time" by Tori Amos

Tori Amos' "Time" explores the passage of time and its impact on love, memory, and relationships. The lyrics suggest a sense of chaos and uncertainty in the world, symbolized by the shadow boys breaking laws and Napoleon weeping in a carnival. The mention of orphans pretending and memory shrinking like a train alludes to the idea of loss and forgetting in the face of time's relentless march. Despite the darkness and confusion, there is also a glimmer of hope in the form of love and connection, emphasized by the repeated refrain of "it's time time time that you love." The references to Matilda, sailors, and a calendar girl add layers of complexity to the narrative, hinting at themes of longing, resilience, and the cyclical nature of time. Overall, the lyrics of "Time" invite reflection on the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of cherishing love amidst the chaos.