"Sign Of The Times" by Jamie T is a song that reflects on the pressures and challenges of modern society. The lyrics discuss various themes, including lost friendships, the influence of corporations, and the feeling of not being enough. The song opens with the line "Post no bills, ill with chills, the pills, the cigarettes," which suggests a sense of sickness or unease caused by societal expectations and addictions. The mention of not wanting to "kill" or defend a "bloody rag" could refer to a refusal to conform to violent or oppressive ideologies. The next lines mention losing friendships to suffragettes and venues to businessmen. Suffragettes were women who fought for women's rights, suggesting a loss of connections due to social and political changes. The reference to losing venues to businessmen could highlight the commercialization and corporatization of the music industry, leading to a loss of authenticity and artistic freedom. The chorus expresses a feeling of not being exceptional or unconventional enough. The repetition of "No I'm not enough" and "I was never enough" represents a deep-rooted self-doubt and dissatisfaction with oneself. This could reflect the constant pressure to measure up to societal standards and expectations. The next verse mentions the uncertainty of the future, with the line "Simon says, everyone wants to know what's coming next." It likens the feeling to being a child underwater, trying to hold their breath. This signifies the struggle to survive and navigate through life's challenges. The reference to Laura in the line "wanted more than Laura did" suggests a comparison to someone who seemed content with what they had. This further intensifies the feeling of not measuring up and wanting more from life. Overall, "Sign Of The Times" explores the pressures of modern society and the struggle to find one's place within it. It touches on themes of conformity, lost connections, self-doubt, and the desire for something more.
