A War With Time Lyrics – Brandi Carlile

Meaning of ‘A War With Time’ Lyrics Explained

Verse 1 Meaning:
This verse is about feeling disoriented and trying to make sense of past events. The singer can’t remember exact timelines but recalls certain moments vividly, like a specific month or a view of the skyline. There’s a sense of leaving something behind, not because of circumstances, but because it was simply their moment to move on. They expected one thing, like snow, but reality felt different. Even in chaos, like landing in a difficult situation or navigating a confusing path, they realize survival and finding small glimpses of hope matters. Getting a little lost seems necessary to eventually find direction.

Chorus Meaning:
The chorus expresses struggling with time and memories. The singer wishes they didn’t know certain truths but acknowledges their experiences. There’s a tension between holding on to someone or something and wanting them to move on. Standing in an open door shows a moment of choice, a point between attachment and release, knowing it’s important to let go even if it hurts.

Verse 2 Meaning:
This verse reflects on memories that are more about feelings than faces. The singer recalls anger, haunted places, and intense emotions, while the specific people fade away. There’s a sense of life being raw and unavoidable, even in unpleasant details. The city feels lonely and anonymous, leaving marks of past events and mistakes, showing that the world has both beauty and pain in unexpected places.

Chorus Meaning:
The chorus repeats the struggle with time and emotions. The singer still feels connected and could reach out, but wishes for ignorance of some truths. There’s a bittersweet acknowledgment that holding on feels natural, yet letting go is necessary. It’s about standing in a space of choice, recognizing the value of what happened while accepting it’s time to move forward.

Bridge Meaning:
The bridge encourages strength and awareness. It talks about confronting others, but also understanding the soul beneath pain. Life is full of challenges and scars, yet it’s important to hold yourself steady, resist giving in, and stay grounded. When alone, reflecting on past actions and retracing steps can help reconnect with yourself or find your way back to a place of comfort and stability. It’s about resilience, courage, and finding your inner direction.

Chorus Meaning:
In this final chorus, the struggle with time and attachment deepens. The singer still feels the connection and could reach out, but the desire to let go becomes stronger. They understand the importance of moving forward despite wanting to hold on. The repeated insistence on letting go emphasizes acceptance, releasing control, and allowing both themselves and the other person to continue their paths. It’s about balancing love, loss, and the painful but necessary act of moving on while cherishing the past.