About the song
In the heartland of American country music, Tracy Lawrence stands as a true icon, his voice resonating with both grit and tenderness. With a career spanning over three decades, Lawrence has captivated audiences with his honest storytelling and relatable narratives, earning him a place among the genre’s most respected figures. Among his extensive discography, one song stands out as a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change: “Time Marches On.”
Released in 1996 as the title track of his fourth studio album, “Time Marches On” is a country ballad that weaves a tapestry of vignettes, capturing the fleeting moments and enduring memories that shape a life. Lawrence’s voice, imbued with a world-weary wisdom, guides the listener through a journey of reminiscence, exploring themes of childhood innocence, the bittersweet pangs of lost love, and the unwavering presence of family.
The song’s opening lines, “Sister cries out from her baby bed, brother runs in, feathers on his head. Momma’s in her room learning how to sew, daddy’s drinking beer listening to the radio,” paint a vivid picture of domestic tranquility, a snapshot of a family frozen in time. As the verses unfold, the narrative progresses, capturing the milestones of life with poignant simplicity: “First day of school, nervous and afraid, teacher’s smile, friendships made. First love’s embrace, stolen kisses under the moonlight’s grace.”
“Time Marches On” is not merely a nostalgic ode to the past; it is a profound meditation on the relentless march of time and the impermanence of all things. Lawrence acknowledges the bittersweet truth that “time changes everything,” that moments, both joyous and sorrowful, fade into the tapestry of memories. Yet, amidst the inevitable ebb and flow of life, the song offers a glimmer of hope, a reminder that “love remains, though faces may grow old.”
The song’s chorus, a poignant declaration of resilience, serves as an anchor amidst the shifting sands of time: “Time marches on, like a river to the sea, carrying memories, both happy and blue. But through it all, one thing’s for sure, I’ll always have you.” Lawrence’s voice, imbued with a quiet strength, conveys the unwavering power of love and connection, a testament to the enduring bonds that transcend the passage of time.
“Time Marches On” is a country ballad that resonates with profound honesty and heartfelt emotion. It is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of time’s relentless march, offering solace and reminding us to cherish the moments, both fleeting and enduring, that shape our lives. Tracy Lawrence’s masterful storytelling and emotive vocals elevate the song to a timeless classic, a poignant reminder that even as time marches on, the essence of love and connection remains unyielding.
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Lyrics
Sister cries out, from her baby bed
Brother runs in, feathers on his head
Mama’s in her room learnin’ how to sew
Daddy’s drinkin’ beer, listenin’ to the radio
Hank Williams sings Kaw-Liga and Dear John
And time marches on, time marches on
Sister’s using rouge and clear complexion soap
Brother’s wearin’ beads and he smokes a lot of dope
Mama is depressed, barely makes a sound
Daddy’s got a girlfriend in another town
Bob Dylan sings “Like a Rolling Stone”
And time marches on, time marches on
The South moves north, North moves south
A star is born, a star burns out
The only thing that stays the same is
Everything changes, everything changes
Sister calls herself a sexy grandma
Brother’s on a diet for high cholesterol
Mama’s out of touch with reality
Daddy’s in the ground beneath the maple tree
As the angels sing an old Hank Williams song
Time marches on, time marches on
Time marches on, time marches on
Time marches on, time marches on