Time Won't Let Me

About Time Won't Let Me

"Time Won't Let Me" is a garage rock song that was recorded by the Outsiders, from Cleveland, Ohio, in September 1965, and which became a major hit in the United States in 1966, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of April 16 of that year. It is ranked as the 42nd biggest American hit of 1966. In Canada, the song also reached #5 in the weekly charts. The song was composed by the band's guitarist Tom King along with Chet Kelley. Its basic arrangement was augmented by a horn section, applied in an unobtrusive manner so as not to detract from the band's fundamental sound, which on this occasion features a signature riff from a twelve string electric guitar. The song also features an electric organ with a vibratto, heard in the verses. In the song, the lead singer states that he cannot wait forever for his girl, even though she wants him to, because time won't allow him to wait. This song is an example of garage rock because of the rejection of love and sexual relationships. The song also features a complex counterpoint melody in the other vocals in the coda section, where the scream trumpet is heard before the song's fade. more »

The Outsiders