Sign of the Times (Official Video)

Harry Styles
8 May 201705:41

TLDRThe song 'Sign of the Times' conveys a poignant message about the state of the world. It urges listeners to stop crying and face the reality of the times, suggesting that we are on the brink of a final show. The lyrics hint at a world where people are advised to wear their best clothes as if preparing for a grand exit, with a sense of urgency to escape the chaos and violence symbolized by 'bullets.' The chorus emphasizes the need to 'get away' from the current situation, promising that 'everything will be alright' and suggesting a hope for reunion in a better place. The song ends with a reflection on the human tendency to repeat past mistakes and a plea for more open communication to prevent future turmoil.

Takeaways

  • 😢 Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times.
  • 🎤 Welcome to the final show, hope you're wearing your best clothes.
  • 🚪 You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky.
  • 🌍 You look good down here, but you ain't really good.
  • 🔄 We never learn, we’ve been here before, always stuck and running from the bullets.
  • 🌠 We gotta get away from here, the end is near.
  • 🌌 Breaking through the atmosphere, things are pretty good from here.
  • 🤝 We can meet again somewhere far away from here.
  • 🗣 We don't talk enough, we should open up before it’s all too much.
  • 🏃‍♂️ We’ve got to run, we’ve got to get away.

Q & A

  • What is the main theme of the song 'Sign of the Times'?

    -The main theme of the song 'Sign of the Times' is the acceptance of the current state of the world, which is filled with challenges and uncertainties, symbolized by the phrase 'it's a sign of the times'.

  • What does the lyric 'Welcome to the final show' suggest?

    -The lyric 'Welcome to the final show' suggests a sense of finality or an end to something significant, possibly referring to a major change or event that is about to occur.

  • Why does the singer mention 'best clothes' in the song?

    -The mention of 'best clothes' could be a metaphor for being prepared for a significant event or a last stand, indicating that the situation is serious and requires one's best effort or presentation.

  • What is the significance of the lyrics 'You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky'?

    -This line implies that there are certain things in life that cannot be avoided or influenced by wealth or power, suggesting that death or the afterlife is an equalizer.

  • What does the phrase 'We never learn, we been here before' imply?

    -The phrase 'We never learn, we been here before' suggests a cycle of repeated mistakes or experiences that humanity has not learned from, indicating a sense of déjà vu or historical recurrence.

  • Why does the singer mention 'running from the bullets'?

    -The mention of 'running from the bullets' is likely a metaphor for escaping from danger or the harsh realities of life, symbolizing the struggle to survive or avoid harm.

  • What does the line 'Breaking through the atmosphere' symbolize?

    -The line 'Breaking through the atmosphere' can symbolize a transition or escape from the current earthly problems, possibly to a higher plane or a better place.

  • What is the meaning behind 'Remember everything will be alright'?

    -The phrase 'Remember everything will be alright' is a reassurance or a hopeful message that despite the current difficulties, there is a promise of better times ahead.

  • What does the singer mean by 'We can meet again somewhere'?

    -The line 'We can meet again somewhere' suggests the possibility of reunion or continuation after a significant event or change, possibly in a different place or state of being.

  • How does the song's repetition of 'We gotta get away from here' contribute to its message?

    -The repetition of 'We gotta get away from here' emphasizes the urgency and necessity to escape from the current situation, reinforcing the song's theme of seeking change or relief.

  • What is the message conveyed by the line 'We don't talk enough, we should open up'?

    -The line 'We don't talk enough, we should open up' encourages communication and openness as a means to better understand and cope with the challenges faced, suggesting that dialogue can lead to learning and growth.

Outlines

00:00

💧 Facing Difficult Times and Finding Strength

In this opening paragraph, the narrator encourages the listener to stop crying, emphasizing that their struggles are indicative of larger, inevitable events ('a sign of the times'). The setting feels like a final, important moment ('Welcome to the final show'), and the narrator points out that no material possessions or actions can change the outcome ('You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky'). While the listener appears to be doing well on the surface, there's an underlying dissatisfaction or incompleteness. The recurring theme of being stuck and running from danger ('the bullets') without learning from past experiences is introduced.

05:03

🌌 Escaping and Seeking Refuge

This paragraph builds on the earlier message, repeating the plea for the listener to stop crying. It emphasizes the need to escape from a difficult situation, urging them to leave ('We gotta get away from here'). The narrator reassures that everything will be okay despite warnings that the end is near. There's a sense of urgency to escape before things worsen, yet also a hint of optimism that things will improve beyond the immediate struggles ('Breaking through the atmosphere'). The narrator also speaks of meeting again in a better, faraway place.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Crying

In the context of the song, 'crying' is used metaphorically to describe the emotional response to the state of the world. It's not just about shedding tears, but also about the lament for the times we live in. The phrase 'Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times' suggests acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a call to move forward despite the challenges, as depicted in the lyrics.

💡Sign of the Times

The title 'Sign of the Times' refers to the current state of the world, implying that the song is a commentary on contemporary issues. It's a phrase often used to indicate that something is indicative of a larger trend or condition. In the song, it's used to suggest that the difficulties and challenges mentioned are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader, recognizable pattern.

💡Final Show

The term 'final show' is used poetically to suggest a sense of finality or an end to something significant. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for the end of an era or the culmination of a series of events. In the song, it sets a tone of urgency and importance, as if the audience is witnessing the last moments of something grand or significant.

💡Bribe

In the lyrics, 'bribe' is used to imply that no amount of wealth or influence can change one's fate or bypass the inevitable. The line 'You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky' suggests that death is an equalizer, and no matter one's status or wealth, it is an inescapable part of life.

💡Bullets

The word 'bullets' is repeated several times in the song and likely symbolizes violence, conflict, or the dangers that people face in the world. The phrase 'Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?' questions the constant presence of violence and the inability to escape it, reflecting on the recurring nature of such issues.

💡Atmosphere

The term 'breaking through the atmosphere' is used to suggest a sense of transcendence or moving beyond the current situation. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles or achieving a higher state of being. In the song, it's used to convey a sense of hope and the possibility of a better future.

💡End is Near

The phrase 'the end is near' is a common expression used to indicate that something is coming to a close or that a significant event is imminent. In the song, it adds to the sense of urgency and the need to take action, possibly suggesting that time is running out to address the issues mentioned.

💡Learn

The word 'learn' is used in the context of gaining knowledge or understanding from past experiences. The repeated question 'Will we ever learn?' challenges the listener to consider whether humanity is capable of learning from its mistakes and changing its course to avoid repeating the same errors.

💡Stuck

The term 'stuck' is used to describe a state of being trapped or unable to move forward. In the song, it's used to express the feeling of being caught in a cycle of violence or conflict, as indicated by the line 'Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?' It emphasizes the sense of being trapped in a situation with no easy escape.

💡Get Away

The phrase 'get away' is used to express the desire to escape or remove oneself from a difficult or dangerous situation. In the song, it's a recurring theme, suggesting a need for urgency and action to leave behind the current state of affairs and seek a better or safer place.

💡Time of Your Life

The expression 'have the time of your life' is typically used to encourage someone to enjoy themselves to the fullest. In the song, it's juxtaposed with the more somber themes, suggesting that amidst the challenges, there's still a call to find joy and make the most of the present moment.

Highlights

Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times

Welcome to the final show

Hope you're wearing your best clothes

You can't bribe the door on your way to the sky

You look pretty good down here but you ain't really good

We never learn, we been here before

Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?

Just stop your crying, we gotta get away from here

They told me that the end is near

Breaking through the atmosphere, things are pretty good from here

Remember everything will be alright

We can meet again somewhere far away from here

We never learn, we been here before

Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?

We don't talk enough, we should open up

Will we ever learn? We've been here before

It's just what we know, stop your crying, baby, it's a sign of the times

We gotta get away, we gotta get away, we got to get away