The song "Timeless (Remix)" by James Blake featuring Vince Staples explores themes of time, love, loss, and existentialism. It tells a story of a relationship that is no longer thriving, using metaphors and imagery to convey its message. The lyrics start with James Blake repeating the word "timeless," setting the tone and theme of the song. Vince Staples then enters with a verse that reflects on the transience of life and the passing of time. He questions how the blood (symbolizing life and vitality) from the sand ended up in an hourglass, expressing his contemplation of mortality. Vince Staples then reflects on his past actions, admitting to causing destruction and watching time pass without taking action. He mentions picking flowers to spoil someone, possibly referring to his efforts to please and nurture the relationship. However, he pricks his fingers on thorns, indicating the pain and disappointment he experiences. The verse continues with Vince Staples expressing his inability to find happiness in relationships, referring to himself as a lone sailor in the abyss. He prefers being alone instead of building unhappy homes. He references Davy Jones and the dark depths of the ocean, emphasizing his feeling of being lost and isolated. Vince Staples acknowledges his inability to keep the person he addressed in the song, regretting not being strong enough to maintain the relationship. He brings up historical figures like Jesus and John Lennon, implying that their deaths were necessary for a greater purpose. He hopes to achieve some form of immortality when he falls beneath the sea, suggesting a desire for his legacy to endure. The lyrics then imply that he did everything for the sake of love, but the eulogy (a speech or piece of writing praising a deceased person) won't be too bright. He apologizes to the pastor in advance, possibly for his unconventional views on love and relationships. The "sweet disaster of our dances" refers to the ups and downs of their relationship and the complicated history of human connections. Vince Staples acknowledges that everyone has a "master," indicating external influences or forces that impact our lives. He likens himself to a slave to the rhythm, highlighting the power of music as a driving force. He rejects the illusion of life but acknowledges that losing love inevitably leads to losing life, as the numbers (representing people) get fewer. He expresses a hope for the sun to shine bright and the last page to turn, symbolizing a new beginning and closure. However, he acknowledges that this may not happen if the fire in our eyes (our passion and motivation) dies or destroys everything in its path. He tries to decipher the hidden meanings and intentions without his glasses, symbolizing his own limitations and flaws. Overall, "Timeless (Remix)" explores the complexities of love, the passage of time, and the struggles of maintaining relationships. It presents a nuanced and introspective perspective on these themes, delivering a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative.
