"Takin' the Time" by Howard Jones is a song about the importance of taking a step back from the demands of everyday life to find personal fulfillment and healing. The lyrics speak of someone who is constantly working overtime and slaving away for things they need, but it doesn't bring them any good. They feel overwhelmed, with the roof falling down around them and are backed against the wall. Their whole life seems to revolve around serving someone else and they are constantly living on the edge. The song then offers a solution and a gentle reminder. It invites the person to come in, bruised and battered, and take some time to heal. It suggests stepping out of the fast-paced, chaotic lifestyle they are living and finding solace in slowing down. The song acknowledges their racing pulses and fears and encourages them to overthrow those fears. For an hour, the song suggests, the person can be a simple man and just take the time to heal. The lyrics assure the person that the singer will be a good listener, offering them a sympathetic ear. The chorus emphasizes the importance of taking the time to look and feel. It suggests rewriting their open book, which could symbolize rewriting their life story, perhaps by making different choices or prioritizing their own well-being. Allowing their scars to heal implies finding emotional and mental healing from the struggles they have endured. The song also addresses the person's determination and hard work by saying they are moving heaven and earth and straining every nerve. However, it warns that if they can't handle opening the door for change or taking a break, they can't continue down their current path. In summary, "Takin' the Time" encourages individuals to prioritize their own well-being and find the time to heal. It emphasizes the importance of looking inward, allowing scars to heal, and rewriting one's life story. It serves as a reminder to take a break from the demands of the world and focus on personal growth and emotional healing.
