Music Video
Sign Of The Times — Harry Styles Lyrics
Soundtrack: Kraven The Hunter
Sign Of The Times Song Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times
Welcome to the final show
I 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
[Pre-Chorus]
If we never learn we've been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
The bullets, the bullet?
We never learn, we've been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
Your bullets, a bullet?
[Chorus]
Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times
We gotta get away from here
We gotta get away from here
Just stop your crying, it'll be alright
They told me that the end is near
We gotta get away from here
[Verse 2]
Just stop your crying, have the time of your life
Breaking through the atmosphere
Things look pretty good from here
Remember everything will be alright
We can meet again somewhere
Somewhere far away from here
[Pre-Chorus]
We never learn, we've been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
The bullets, the bullets?
We never learn, we've been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
The bullets, the bullets?
[Chorus]
Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times
We gotta get away from here
We gotta get away from here
Stop your crying, baby, it'll be alright
They told me that the end is near
We gotta get away from here
[Pre-Chorus]
We never learn, we've been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
Your bullets, the bullets?
We never learn, we've been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
Your bullets, your bullets?
[Bridge]
We don't talk enough
We should open up
Before it's all too much
Will we ever learn?
We've been here before
It's just what we know
[Outro]
Stop your crying, baby, it's a sign of the times
We gotta get away
We got to get away, we got to get away
We got to get away, we got to get away
We got to, we got to run
We got to, we got to run
We got to, we got to run away
Track Listing
December, 16th 2024
Song Details and Overview
- Featuring Artist(s): None
- Producers: Tyler Johnson, Alex Salibian, Jeff Bhasker
- Writers: Tyler Johnson, Alex Salibian, Ryan Nasci, Mitch Rowland, Jeff Bhasker, Harry Styles
- Release Date: April 7, 2017
- Label: Sony Music Entertainment, Erskine Records, Columbia Records
- Genre: Pop-rock, Glam Rock
- Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Choir
- Mood: Emotional, Reflective, Uplifting
- Album: Harry Styles
- Track #: 2
- Language: English
Exploring the meaning of "Sign of the Times"
"Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles is a melancholic anthem wrapped in a cinematic soundscape, touching on themes of mortality, emotional resilience, and existential fear. Drawing heavily from 70s rock influences like David Bowie and Queen, the song blends piano balladry with soaring guitar riffs, dramatic choir elements, and Harry’s impassioned vocal delivery.
The core message revolves around escaping imminent pain and confronting overwhelming reality. The phrase "stop your crying, it's a sign of the times" serves as a metaphor for coping with grief in a chaotic and uncertain world. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Styles explained the track from the perspective of a mother who has only minutes to impart wisdom to her newborn before succumbing to fatal complications. This emotional premise adds layers of poignancy to the lyrics.
Verse 1: Facing Reality
The opening lines, "Just stop your crying, it's a sign of the times / Welcome to the final show," set the tone with a somber, almost apocalyptic sentiment. The "final show" metaphor symbolizes life's fleeting nature, while "bribe the door to the sky" evokes imagery of Heaven as a place where wealth or status hold no sway—only one's character and actions matter.
Pre-Chorus: Endless Cycles
"We never learn, we've been here before" highlights humanity's tendency to repeat mistakes. The recurring motif of "running from the bullets" can symbolize evading emotional burdens, societal pressures, or global crises.
Chorus: Escape and Survival
The chorus serves as a plea for escape: "We gotta get away from here." This repetitive line underscores the universal desire to seek refuge from pain and impending doom. The juxtaposition of reassurance—"it'll be alright"—with the acknowledgment of "the end is near" captures a bittersweet balance of hope and resignation.
Bridge: Emotional Barriers
Styles sings, "We don't talk enough / We should open up / Before it's all too much," urging deeper emotional vulnerability before it's too late. These lines highlight the importance of communication in times of crisis.
Outro: Urgent Departure
The outro crescendos with repeated lines—"We got to run away"—evoking a sense of urgency. This final plea reinforces the message of survival and escape in an uncertain world.
Songs similar to Sign of the Times
- Life on Mars? by David Bowie: This iconic track, like "Sign of the Times," combines an ethereal, melancholic atmosphere with poignant social commentary. Both songs share grand instrumentation, introspective lyrics, and a soaring vocal delivery that evoke existential reflections.
- Somebody to Love by Queen: Queen’s emotive rock ballad mirrors Harry’s glam-rock influences. Both tracks explore themes of personal struggles and isolation while utilizing dynamic choirs and powerful melodies to convey hope.
- Let It Be by The Beatles: The Beatles’ timeless classic offers solace during hardship, much like "Sign of the Times." Both songs use soothing repetition and gentle piano progressions to provide comfort and emotional release.
- The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel: Sharing a contemplative and somber tone, this folk-rock ballad addresses existential despair and societal turmoil, akin to the message of Harry’s track.
- Blackbird by The Beatles: With its hopeful undertones, "Blackbird" encourages perseverance through adversity, much like Harry’s plea to escape and endure in the face of grief.
- Runaway by Kanye West: While sonically different, "Runaway" delves into themes of regret, escape, and emotional barriers. Both tracks employ minimal yet grand instrumentation, allowing their lyrical depth to shine.
- Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day: This reflective anthem explores themes of loss and grief with a melancholic yet anthemic arrangement, similar to "Sign of the Times."
- Fix You by Coldplay: Coldplay’s emotional ballad offers reassurance during difficult times, much like Harry’s hopeful message. Both songs feature a gradual build-up with soaring vocals and instrumental crescendos.
Chart Performance and Awards
- "Sign of the Times" debuted at #1 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
- It reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its first week.
- The music video trended at #8 on YouTube upon release.
- Harry Styles dethroned Ed Sheeran’s 13-week reign on the UK charts with this single.
- The track has since been certified multi-Platinum in multiple countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
“It’s the song I’m most proud of writing.”
Harry Styles, on BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show
A-Z Lyrics Universe
Popular lyrics
Defying Gravity
Cynthia Erivo Popular
Ariana Grande Horsepower
Post Malone Ain't No Love in Oklahoma
Luke Combs Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Green Day Bye Bye Bye
*NSYNC You're the One That I Wan
John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John I Always Wanted a Brother
Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre The Power of Love
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Beyond
Auli’i Cravalho feat. Rachel House MORE ›
Cynthia Erivo Popular
Ariana Grande Horsepower
Post Malone Ain't No Love in Oklahoma
Luke Combs Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Green Day Bye Bye Bye
*NSYNC You're the One That I Wan
John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John I Always Wanted a Brother
Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre The Power of Love
Frankie Goes to Hollywood Beyond
Auli’i Cravalho feat. Rachel House MORE ›
New soundtracks
Lyrics / song texts are property and copyright of their owners and provided for educational purposes only.