Time Marches On Album Cover

Time Marches On

Tracy Lawrence

Album: Then and Now The Hits Collection (2005)

Released on October 18, 2005
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Time Marches On Lyrics by Tracy Lawrence

Sister cries out, from her baby bed
Brother runs in, feathers on his head
Mama’s in her room learnin’ how to sew
Daddy’s drinkin’ beer, listenin’ to the radio

Hank Williams sings Kaw-Liga and Dear John
And time marches on, time marches on

Sister’s using rouge and clear complexion soap
Brother’s wearin’ beads and he smokes a lot of dope
Mama is depressed, barely makes a sound
Daddy’s got a girlfriend in another town

Bob Dylan sings “Like a Rolling Stone”
And time marches on, time marches on

The South moves north, North moves south
A star is born, a star burns out
The only thing that stays the same is
Everything changes, everything changes

Sister calls herself a sexy grandma
Brother’s on a diet for high cholesterol
Mama’s out of touch with reality
Daddy’s in the ground beneath the maple tree

As the angels sing an old Hank Williams song
Time marches on, time marches on
Time marches on, time marches on
Time marches on, time marches on

About "Time Marches On"

Song Meaning

The song “Time Marches On” by Tracy Lawrence reflects the inevitable passage of time and the ever-changing nature of life. Through vivid snapshots of a Southern American family across decades, the song captures how everything—people, culture, health, relationships—shifts with time, whether we’re ready for it or not. Each verse marks transitions: from childhood innocence to adult struggles, from rock ’n’ roll to MTV, from youthful vitality to aging parents and personal loss. Yet amid all this change, the refrain—“Time marches on”—serves as a universal truth and anchor, reminding listeners that life never pauses. The song delivers a powerful, bittersweet message: change is constant, and we all must move with it.

Song Background

Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On,” written by legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock and produced by Don Cook, was released on March 18, 1996, as the title track and second single from his fourth studio album Time Marches On. The song became the most successful of Lawrence’s career, spending three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning nominations for both CMA Single and Song of the Year. Through vivid storytelling and cultural references—from Hank Williams to Bob Dylan—it chronicles the evolution of a Southern family across generations, highlighting the universal truth that life constantly changes. Its emotional resonance, narrative depth, and melodic simplicity helped establish the track as a modern country classic and a defining moment in Lawrence’s discography.

Interpretation

The interpretation of “Time Marches On” centers on the unstoppable and impartial passage of time, using the lens of one family’s evolution to reflect universal human experiences. Each verse paints a snapshot of different life stages—from childhood, adolescence, and adulthood to old age—capturing how people, relationships, culture, and even personal health shift with the years. The song doesn’t dwell on nostalgia or offer solutions; instead, it presents change as a natural and inevitable part of life. The repeated refrain, “Time marches on,” becomes a philosophical statement—suggesting that while individuals may struggle, grow, or fade, time itself continues, unbothered and unrelenting. It’s a bittersweet reminder that all things, good or bad, will pass.

Song Credits

Producer: Don Cook

Writers: Bobby Braddock

Composer: Don Cook

Release Date: October 18, 2005

Q&A Section

Have a question about this song? Here are some answers.

Where to listen to "Time Marches On"

Click here to stream the song

Who is the artist of "Time Marches On"?

Tracy Lawrence

When was "Time Marches On" released?

2005-10-18

What album includes "Time Marches On"?

Then and Now The Hits Collection (2005)

What is the meaning of "Time Marches On"?

The song “Time Marches On” by Tracy Lawrence reflects the inevitable passage of time and the ever-changing nature of life. Through vivid snapshots of a Southern American family across decades, the song captures how everything—people, culture, health, relationships—shifts with time, whether we’re ready for it or not. Each verse marks transitions: from childhood innocence to adult struggles, from rock ’n’ roll to MTV, from youthful vitality to aging parents and personal loss. Yet amid all this change, the refrain—“Time marches on”—serves as a universal truth and anchor, reminding listeners that life never pauses. The song delivers a powerful, bittersweet message: change is constant, and we all must move with it.

Who is the artist of "Time Marches On"?

Tracy Lawrence

When was "Time Marches On" released?

2005-10-18

What album includes "Time Marches On"?

Then and Now The Hits Collection (2005)

Where can I listen to "Time Marches On"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqYvOw1Au80

What is the meaning of "Time Marches On"?

Stay tuned! We're working on an explanation for this song.