Time in a Bottle — Jim Croce Lyrics
Soundtrack: Agatha All Along
Time in a Bottle Song Lyrics
[Verse 1]
If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
[Verse 2]
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you
[Chorus]
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do, once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
[Verse 3]
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty, except for the memory of how
They were answered by you
[Chorus]
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do, once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
[Outro]
Track Listing
›Agatha's Theme (Instrumental)
Christophe Beck & Michael Paraskevas
› Jane Doe (Instrumental)
Christophe Beck & Michael Paraskevas
›The Ballad of The Witches' Road (Cover Version)
Kathryn Hahn
›The Ballad of the Witches' Road (True Crime Version)
Matthew Mayfield
›The Night Is Ours
David Gerard Lawrence and Charles Morton
›Season of the Witch
Donovan
›On My Mind
Blackhand
›Karakoram
Kuljit Singh Bhamra
›Visions
Plastic People
›The Gallery
Wild Signals
›All Odds
Wild Signals
›There's a Road
Kinney
›The Road to Happiness
Natalie Poole
›The Ballad of the Witches' Road (Sacred Chant Version)
Kathryn Hahn, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Patti LuPone, Debra Jo Rupp & Agatha All Along
›Heads Will Roll
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
›The Ballad of the Witches' Road (Lorna Wu's Version)
Seomoon Tak
›The Ballad of the Witches' Road (Cover Version)
Kathryn Hahn, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Aubrey Plaza and Patti Lupone
›You Should See Me in a Crown
Billie Eilish
›No Need to Try
Blackhand
›Hava Nagila
Brothers of the Baladi
›Black Night
Clementine & The Galaxy
›Shadower
Cody Page
›Dead of Night
Orville Peck and Louise Burns
›Time in a Bottle
Jim Croce
November, 20th 2024
Song Details and Overview
- Featuring Artist(s): None
- Producer(s): Tommy West, Terry Cashman
- Composer: Jim Croce
- Writer: Jim Croce
- Release Date: April 1972
- Musical Instruments: Acoustic guitar, piano
- Label: ABC Records
- Musical Genre: Folk Rock, Ballad
- Album: You Don’t Mess Around with Jim
- Track #: 5
- Language(s): English
- Mood: Reflective, bittersweet
Exploring the Meaning of "Time in a Bottle"
Jim Croce’s "Time in a Bottle" is a poignant ballad reflecting on time, love, and the ephemeral nature of life. Written for his unborn son, the song takes on a universal appeal by exploring the desire to preserve precious moments and the realization of life's fleeting nature.
Composition and Structure
The track features a delicate arrangement, with its haunting acoustic guitar melody and subtle piano accents creating an intimate atmosphere. Croce’s soft, heartfelt delivery enhances the song’s emotional depth, turning it into a timeless classic.
Meaning and Annotations
- [Verse 1] The opening lines express a longing to "save time in a bottle," symbolizing a wish to capture and preserve cherished moments. The sentiment of spending eternity with a loved one adds a deeply romantic and nostalgic layer.
- [Verse 2] Croce reflects on the preciousness of time and the treasure-like quality of meaningful days, emphasizing his wish to spend them with someone special.
- [Chorus] The realization that "there never seems to be enough time" resonates universally, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of moments with loved ones.
- [Verse 3] The metaphor of an empty box for unfulfilled wishes is resolved with gratitude for the love and memories that have been fulfilled, creating a touching conclusion to the song.
Similar Songs
The themes of love, time, and longing in "Time in a Bottle" resonate with other introspective ballads. Here are a few similar tracks:
- "Yesterday" by The Beatles: A reflective ballad on loss and the passage of time.
- "Cat’s in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin: A poignant narrative about missed moments and the father-son relationship.
- "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell: A contemplative piece about life’s complexities and fleeting moments.
- "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor: A heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and acceptance.
- "Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg: A tribute to a father, reflecting on legacy and the passage of time.
Chart Performance and Legacy
Released posthumously after Jim Croce’s tragic death in 1973, "Time in a Bottle" became his second and final number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Its bittersweet message and haunting beauty have solidified its place as one of Croce’s most iconic works.
Comparisons to Previous Works
"Time in a Bottle" stands out for its introspective lyrics and gentle melody, showcasing Croce’s ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity. Alongside tracks like "Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)" and "I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song," it highlights his knack for heartfelt storytelling and universal themes.
"There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them."
Jim Croce, Time in a Bottle
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