“Time” by The Rose is a deeply poignant and ultimately hopeful ballad about the nature of goodbyes and the process of healing. The song gracefully navigates the bittersweet emotions of ending a significant chapter in life, acknowledging the pain of loss while simultaneously embracing the promise of a new beginning.
It is a mature reflection on accepting what cannot be changed, cherishing memories, and trusting in the healing power of time. In this article, we explore the meaning of this song, breaking down its metaphors and emotions.
Introduction to the Song
Released on October 7, 2022, “Time” is the seventh track on The Rose’s first full-length album, HEAL. This album marked a monumental comeback for the band after a prolonged hiatus due to mandatory military service and a legal battle with their former agency. The entire HEAL project was conceived as a therapeutic journey, not only for the band members but also for their dedicated fans, Black Roses. The songs were inspired by the real-life stories of healing submitted by their fans, making the album a uniquely collaborative and intimate creation.
Within this context, “Time” serves as a powerful emotional anchor. It is a gentle, atmospheric rock ballad that encapsulates the album’s core message. The song starts with a soft, melancholic tone, reflecting on the sadness of a final moment, and gradually builds into a soaring, cathartic anthem of hope and resilience. Led by Woosung’s tender and emotive vocals, “Time” feels like a warm, reassuring embrace in the face of a difficult farewell.
It is a song that speaks to any kind of ending—be it a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a phase of life. Its universal message and the incredible story behind its creation have made it a fan favorite and a perfect representation of The Rose’s artistic mission: to create music that heals and connects people through shared human experiences.
Central Theme & Message
The central theme of “Time” is the graceful acceptance of an ending as a prerequisite for a new beginning. Unlike many songs about separation that focus solely on anguish or regret, “Time” presents a more balanced and mature perspective. It acknowledges the deep sadness of a goodbye (“I’ll miss you endlessly”) but pairs it with gratitude (“Thank you for your time”) and hope for the future (“Cheers to a new opening”). The song’s primary message is that endings are not just about loss; they are also about transformation.
A crucial message woven throughout the lyrics is the acknowledgment of time’s dual nature. On one hand, time is an unstoppable force that leads to inevitable endings (“Time waits for nobody alive”). On the other hand, it is a gentle and powerful healer (“Time will heal us”). The song encourages listeners to surrender to the flow of time rather than fight it, trusting that it will eventually mend their wounds. This is a message of patience and faith in the healing process.
Perhaps the most powerful message of the song is revealed in its brilliant lyrical shift in the final chorus, where “This is the last time” becomes “This is the first time.” This single word change reframes the entire narrative. It suggests that every ending, every “closing scene,” is simultaneously the opening of a new story. The ultimate message of “Time” is one of optimism: healing is possible, new beginnings are waiting, and even the most painful goodbyes can lead to growth and renewal.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning
Verse 1 Analysis
If it’s the last time I’ll hold your hand in mine Look into your eyes All our good times passing by Remembering our highs It’s hard to say goodbye, oh-oh When was the last time We laughed until we cried Might be the last time I know we’re near the end Can’t rewind it back to when We wasted our days and nights just dreaming
Verse 1 sets a scene of tender and melancholic finality. The narrator is acutely aware that they are in a final moment with someone. The actions described—holding a hand, looking into someone’s eyes—are simple, intimate gestures made precious by the knowledge that this is “the last time.” The verse is steeped in nostalgia as the narrator reflects on the “good times” and “highs,” making the impending separation even more painful. The line “It’s hard to say goodbye” is a simple yet profound expression of this universal sorrow.
The second half of the verse deepens this wistfulness. “When was the last time we laughed until we cried” is a poignant question, suggesting that perhaps the end was approaching for a while, and the joyous moments had already become scarce. There is a sense of resignation in “I know we’re near the end / Can’t rewind it back.” The narrator accepts the impossibility of returning to the past. The closing line, “We wasted our days and nights just dreaming,” can be interpreted in two ways: either as a fond memory of carefree, idealistic times, or as a slight regret for not being more present, for dreaming instead of doing. Either way, it contributes to the bittersweet tone of looking back.
Chorus Analysis
This is the last time Closing scene to your story Thank you for your time Cheers to a new opening I’ll miss you endlessly Hope we meet again someday Smiling like before Time will heal us
The chorus is a masterclass in how to navigate a goodbye with grace and maturity. It begins by confirming the finality: “This is the last time.” The metaphor “Closing scene to your story” is particularly significant. It frames the ending not as a failure, but as the natural conclusion of a narrative chapter. This perspective removes blame and adds a sense of purpose to the separation.
The following lines showcase a beautiful balance of emotions. “Thank you for your time” expresses gratitude, honoring the value of the shared past. “Cheers to a new opening” is a selfless and hopeful toast to the other person’s future, wishing them well on their new journey. The narrator then honors their own feelings with “I’ll miss you endlessly,” acknowledging that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. The hope to “meet again someday / Smiling like before” provides a gentle, optimistic outlook without being a desperate plea. Finally, the chorus lands on its core thesis: “Time will heal us,” a comforting promise that serves as an anchor of hope for both the narrator and the person they are leaving.
Post-Chorus Analysis
(Missing you, missing you now) (Missing, missing you now) (We’re missing you) (We’ll kiss you goodbye)
The post-chorus acts as a lingering echo of the emotions expressed in the chorus. The repeated phrase “Missing you, missing you now” feels like an internal monologue, the quiet hum of sadness that persists even after the brave words of the chorus have been spoken. It makes the feeling of loss feel immediate and present. The shift from “I” in the chorus (“I’ll miss you”) to “We” (“We’re missing you,” “We’ll kiss you goodbye”) is interesting. It could imply a collective feeling, perhaps representing the entire band saying goodbye to a chapter, or broadening the sentiment to be more universal. The final line, “We’ll kiss you goodbye,” is a tender, gentle act of release—a final, peaceful farewell.
Bridge Analysis
Oh, know the healing won’t be overnight Countless nights crying over mights Oh, yeah, know the healing will take time Start dealing with it now, oh 시간을 그려 (siganeul geuryeo)
The bridge marks a critical turning point in the song’s narrative. It moves from reflecting on the goodbye to focusing on the process of healing itself. “Oh, know the healing won’t be overnight” is a crucial moment of self-awareness and realism. The narrator acknowledges that the promise “Time will heal us” is not a magical fix. It requires patience and enduring pain, such as “Countless nights crying over mights”—a beautiful turn of phrase for regretting what could have been.
The second half of the bridge shifts from passive acknowledgment to active engagement. “Know the healing will take time / Start dealing with it now” is a call to action. It’s the moment the narrator decides to actively participate in their own healing journey. This is powerfully reinforced by the Korean line “시간을 그려” (siganeul geuryeo), which translates to “Draw time.” This poetic metaphor suggests taking control of one’s future, shaping it creatively and intentionally, like an artist drawing on a canvas. It’s a move from being a victim of time to being its collaborator.
Final Chorus Analysis
This is the first time Closing scene to your story Thank you for your time Cheers to a new opening I’ll miss you endlessly Hope we meet again someday Smiling like before Time will heal us
The final chorus contains the song’s most brilliant and impactful moment: the change of a single word. “This is the last time” becomes “This is the first time.” This transformation reframes the entire song. The “closing scene” is no longer just an ending; it is now explicitly the beginning of something new. This lyrical shift signifies that the healing process mentioned in the bridge has begun. The narrator has processed the end and is now standing at the threshold of a new chapter. It’s a profound statement about resilience and the cyclical nature of life, where every end is a new beginning in disguise. The rest of the chorus, now sung from this new perspective, feels even more powerful and sincere.
Emotional Tone & Mood
The emotional tone of “Time” is overwhelmingly bittersweet, gentle, and ultimately, profoundly comforting. The song begins with a delicate, atmospheric mood, created by a soft acoustic guitar and Woosung’s tender, almost breathy vocals. This initial section feels intimate and vulnerable, perfectly capturing the fragility of a final moment. The mood is melancholic and reflective, tinged with the sadness of nostalgia.
As the song progresses towards the chorus, the mood begins to swell. The introduction of drums and the build-up of layered vocals and electric guitars transform the song from a quiet ballad into a powerful, anthemic rock piece. The chorus is cathartic and soaring, but the emotion is not one of anguish or anger. Instead, it’s a grand, sweeping feeling of hopeful release. The mood is one of courageous acceptance, of finding strength in vulnerability.
By the end of the song, particularly after the lyrical shift in the final chorus, the mood becomes one of serene optimism. It leaves the listener with a feeling of peace and reassurance. “Time” masterfully guides the listener from the quiet sorrow of a goodbye to a powerful and comforting belief in the promise of healing and new beginnings.
Artist’s Perspective / Backstory
The story behind “Time” is inextricably linked to the creation of the HEAL album. After winning their lawsuit and completing their military service, The Rose embarked on a new chapter. They wanted their first album back to be a gift to their fans, the Black Roses, who had waited so patiently for them. To do this, they launched the “HEAL Project,” inviting fans to anonymously submit stories about their personal struggles and experiences with healing.
The band read these stories and drew inspiration from the raw, real-life emotions their fans shared. The entire album, including “Time,” is a musical response to these stories and a reflection of the band’s own journey of healing from a difficult period in their career. “Time” can be seen as a direct message to both the fans and the band members themselves. It acknowledges the “last time” they were together before the hiatus and looks forward to the “first time” of their new chapter together.
In interviews, the members have spoken about how this process created a deep, two-way connection. The music was healing for them to create, and they hoped it would be healing for their fans to hear. “Time” perfectly embodies this intention. It’s a song that understands pain but chooses to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, a message that was central to The Rose’s own story of perseverance and comeback.
Real-Life Events or Facts Related to the Song
The context of “Time” is rich with significant real-life events in The Rose’s career. The song and the HEAL album were born out of a period of immense challenge and triumphant return.
- The Lawsuit and Hiatus: From 2020 to 2021, The Rose was embroiled in a legal dispute to terminate their contract with their former agency, J&Star Company. This, combined with the members’ staggered mandatory military enlistments, led to a nearly three-year hiatus where they could not release music as a group. “Time” can be interpreted as a farewell to this dark and uncertain period.
- The HEAL Project: In 2022, after establishing their own label and partnering with Transparent Arts, The Rose launched the “HEAL Project.” They created a space for fans to share stories, and these submissions became the emotional bedrock of the album. This fact is crucial, as it means “Time” is not just the band’s story, but a tapestry of countless fan experiences with loss and healing.
- A New Beginning: The release of HEAL on October 7, 2022, was a massive event for the band and their fandom. It was their first full-length album and their first release under their new, independent management. This marked a tangible “new opening” for The Rose, giving songs like “Time” an added layer of autobiographical significance. The song reflects their journey of closing a painful chapter and starting fresh with full creative control.
Metaphors & Symbolism
“Time” is filled with beautiful, gentle metaphors that enhance its message of healing and hope.
- Closing Scene to Your Story: This is the song’s central metaphor. By framing an ending as a “closing scene,” the lyrics suggest that life is like a movie or a book. This perspective dignifies the ending, making it a meaningful and necessary part of a larger narrative rather than a chaotic failure. It implies structure, purpose, and the promise of a sequel or a new story.
- Cheers to a New Opening: This metaphor extends the theatrical/cinematic imagery. An “opening” is the beginning of a play or film. By “cheering” to it, the narrator offers a celebratory toast to the future. It’s a selfless, positive gesture that transforms a sad goodbye into a moment of benevolent encouragement.
- Can’t Rewind It Back: This metaphor compares time to a cassette tape or a video file. It’s a simple but effective way to express the impossibility of returning to the past. This acceptance of time’s linear nature is a key step in the healing process described in the song.
- 시간을 그려 (siganeul geuryeo) – “Draw Time”: This is arguably the most poetic metaphor in the song. It appears in the bridge at the moment the narrator decides to become active in their healing. “Drawing time” suggests shaping one’s future with the creativity and intention of an artist. It’s about taking a blank canvas—the future—and painting it with purpose and hope, rather than just letting time happen to you.
- Time as a Healer: While a common concept, the song gives it special weight. It’s presented as a reliable promise (“Time will heal us”). It serves as the ultimate source of comfort, a natural law that one can trust in during periods of pain and uncertainty.
FAQs
Question 1: What is the main message of “Time”?
Answer 1: The main message is that endings, while painful, are a natural part of life and are necessary for new beginnings. It’s a song about gracefully accepting the passage of time, showing gratitude for the past, and trusting in the healing process to lead to a hopeful future.
Question 2: What is the significance of the HEAL album’s concept for this song?
Answer 2: The HEAL album was inspired by stories of healing from fans, and “Time” perfectly encapsulates this theme. The song acts as a musical piece of therapy, acknowledging pain but focusing on the steps toward recovery and renewal, reflecting both the band’s and their fans’ journeys.
Question 3: Who is the “you” the narrator is singing to?
Answer 3: The “you” is intentionally ambiguous to make the song universally relatable. It could be a former lover, a friend, a family member, a past version of oneself, or even the band’s message to their fans (Black Roses) after their long hiatus.
Question 4: What is the importance of the line “시간을 그려” (siganeul geuryeo)?
Answer 4: Meaning “Draw time,” this line is a poetic call to action. It symbolizes a shift from passively waiting for time to heal you to actively and creatively shaping your own future and participating in your own healing process.
Question 5: Why does the final chorus change “last time” to “first time”?
Answer 5: This change is the song’s emotional climax. It signifies that the narrator has completed a mental shift from seeing the moment as just an ending to recognizing it as the starting point of a new chapter. It embodies the core message that every closing scene is also a new opening.
Question 6: What does the narrator mean by “crying over mights” in the bridge?
Answer 6: “Crying over mights” is a poetic way of saying crying over “what might have been.” It refers to the painful process of letting go of past possibilities and potential futures that will now never happen, which is a necessary step in healing.
Question 7: How does “Time” differ from The Rose’s earlier sad songs like “Sorry”?
Answer 7: While both songs are emotional, “Sorry” is about the raw anguish of regret and self-blame. “Time” is far more mature and hopeful. It focuses on graceful acceptance and healing rather than desperate apology, showing a significant evolution in the band’s lyrical perspective.
Question 8: What does the metaphor “Closing scene to your story” imply?
Answer 8: It implies that the end of the relationship or chapter is not a chaotic failure but a structured, meaningful conclusion to a story. This perspective lends dignity to the experience and helps the narrator to see it as a necessary plot point in their life’s journey.
Question 9: What is the mood of the post-chorus with its repeated “Missing you”?
Answer 9: The mood is one of lingering, gentle sadness. It serves as a quiet, honest admission that even with a brave face and a hopeful outlook, the ache of missing someone is still present and immediate. It adds a layer of realism to the song’s emotional landscape.
Question 10: Is “Time” a sad song or a happy song?
Answer 10: “Time” is best described as bittersweet and hopeful. It starts with a sad premise—a goodbye—but its overall message and progression are optimistic, focusing on healing and new beginnings. It acknowledges sadness but doesn’t dwell in it.
Question 11: What does the line “Cheers to a new opening” show about the narrator?
Answer 11: It shows the narrator’s maturity and selflessness. Instead of being bitter, they are able to celebrate the other person’s future. It’s a benevolent gesture that signifies they have processed their pain enough to wish the other person well.
Question 12: Why does the narrator say “healing won’t be overnight”?
Answer 12: This line adds a crucial dose of realism to the song. It acknowledges that healing is a long and often difficult process. By stating this, the song becomes more comforting and relatable, as it doesn’t offer a magical, instant solution to pain.
Question 13: How did The Rose’s hiatus influence this song?
Answer 13: The hiatus due to military service and legal issues was a long, difficult period. “Time” reflects the band’s experience of closing that challenging chapter (“last time”) and celebrating their return to music and their fans (“first time”).
Question 14: What does “We’ll kiss you goodbye” in the post-chorus signify?
Answer 14: It signifies a final, gentle, and peaceful act of release. A kiss goodbye is an intimate and affectionate gesture, suggesting that the farewell is happening with love and without bitterness.
Question 15: What is the role of memory in this song?
Answer 15: Memory plays a bittersweet role. The narrator recalls “good times” and “highs,” which makes the goodbye harder but also provides a foundation of gratitude. The song is about cherishing memories without letting them hold you back.
Question 16: What does “Can’t rewind it back” tell us about the narrator’s mindset?
Answer 16: It shows that the narrator has reached a state of acceptance. They are no longer fighting reality or wishing for the impossible. This acceptance of time’s irreversible nature is a fundamental step toward healing.
Question 17: How do the vocals contribute to the song’s emotional journey?
Answer 17: Woosung’s vocal performance is key. He begins with a soft, tender delivery that conveys vulnerability and nostalgia. As the song builds, his voice becomes more powerful and soaring, reflecting the shift from sadness to a cathartic and hopeful release.
Question 18: Why is it important that the healing process is described as taking “time”?
Answer 18: It emphasizes the theme of patience. The song suggests that healing is a natural process that cannot be rushed. By putting faith in time, it removes the pressure to “get over” something quickly and allows for a more organic recovery.
Question 19: Could “Time” be interpreted as a song about grieving a death?
Answer 19: Absolutely. The lyrics are universal enough to apply to the grieving process after losing a loved one. The themes of cherishing memories, accepting the finality, and hoping to “meet again someday” resonate deeply with the experience of bereavement.
Question 20: What is the ultimate takeaway from the song “Time”?
Answer 20: The ultimate takeaway is a message of resilience. It teaches that while all good things may come to an end, every ending paves the way for a new beginning. It’s a reminder that pain is temporary and that with time, gratitude, and a little courage, healing is always possible.