"Out of Time" is actually a cover song originally performed by the Rolling Stones in 1966. Elvis Costello & The Imposters released their own version in 2002. The lyrics describe a situation where the narrator's partner or lover has been absent for a long time and now tries to come back into their life as if nothing had changed. The narrator makes it clear that their partner has been out of touch and disconnected from them during their absence. They dismiss their partner's attempts to regain their affection, stating that they are no longer theirs and that they are "out of time." The repeated phrase, "baby, baby, baby, you're out of time," emphasizes the finality of the narrator's decision to move on and indicates that their partner's chance for reconciliation has expired. The lyrics also criticize the partner for thinking they are clever for giving up their previous lifestyle and social activities. The narrator asserts that their partner cannot simply return and expect to be the first in line, implying that they have moved on and their partner is now out of date and old-fashioned. The overall meaning of the song is that relationships require constant effort and attention. If one person neglects or abandons the other, they may find that they have lost their chance for reconciliation and their opportunity to be part of the other person's life.
