From the recording How All This Will Change

Hey Time looks back nostalgically to a stage of life where time seemed limitless. I grew up outside Detroit, and the "avenue" in the first verse is the iconic Woodward Avenue. The song refers to twenty-five years ago - in reality this is fifty years ago or so, but that seemed like too much. Also, the "goons" reference in the chorus is a nod to the great 2011 book by Jennifer Egan: "A Visit from the Goon Squad" (the goons are the relentless passage of time).

Lyrics

Hey Time

Twenty-five years ago, yeah, we were fine
Running the Avenue, metal making time
Hovering in the wings like settling crows
A stage in blue-can lights, waiting for the show

Now I can’t help it, the goons are here,
I can’t help it; they’re waiting for us.

Taking me by the hand, we’re walking through the trees
To where the river turns, the parting of your sea.

There’s something in the moon beyond the schoolyard
Whispering your name
Bringing back a dream of something just like love
Before this up and changed

Now I can’t help it, the goons are here,
I can’t help it; they’ve come here for us.

Twenty-five years ago, yeah, we were fine
Everywhere to go, just ticking out our time,

Hey Time