Time Is Running Out (Muse song)
"Time Is Running Out" is a song by the English rock band Muse, released as the second single from their third studio album, Absolution (2003). It is one of Muse's most commercially successful singles, achieving significant chart success internationally and becoming a staple of their live performances.
Composition and Style:
The song features a distinctive bassline, played by Chris Wolstenholme, which is prominent throughout the track and contributes significantly to its signature sound. The song blends elements of alternative rock, hard rock, and space rock, characteristic of Muse's overall musical style. Dominic Howard's drumming is dynamic and driving, while Matt Bellamy's vocals range from a relatively restrained delivery in the verses to a more impassioned performance in the chorus. The song also features a keyboard part played by Bellamy, adding to the layered instrumentation.
Lyrical Content:
The lyrics, written by Matt Bellamy, explore themes of impending doom, the abuse of power, and the feeling of being trapped in a destructive situation. They touch upon anxieties about the future and a sense of urgency to act before it's too late. Interpretations of the lyrics have varied, with some suggesting they are inspired by political events or a general sense of unease about the state of the world.
Music Video:
The music video for "Time Is Running Out" features the band performing the song in a room surrounded by military officers playing a strategic game. The officers become increasingly agitated and eventually collapse, representing the collapse of order and control. The video's imagery complements the song's themes of societal breakdown and the consequences of inaction.
Reception and Legacy:
"Time Is Running Out" was critically acclaimed and helped to solidify Muse's position as a major rock band. It is considered one of their signature songs and is regularly included in setlists for their live performances. Its distinctive sound and thematic resonance have contributed to its enduring popularity among Muse fans. The song is also frequently used in film, television, and video games, further cementing its place in popular culture.