"Only Time Will Tell" is a song by John Cale, an English musician and composer. The lyrics portray a sense of uncertainty and contemplation about the consequences of one's actions and the passage of time. The song begins by acknowledging that only time can reveal the true intentions and potential harm that lies within someone's heart. It raises the question of whether the mischief or ill intentions can be rectified and made right. Cale then focuses on the importance of time in determining the placement and effectiveness of songs, which can be seen as a metaphor for artistic expression or communication. The words and rhymes depicted in the songs need to be safe from undiscovered poison, suggesting the need for caution in delivering messages, as they might have unforeseen negative effects. The imagery of falling rain represents a gentle pain, which the narrator hides behind to kill. This line suggests that one may use pain or vulnerability as a defense mechanism or tool to hurt others. The "frozen mask" symbolizes a facade or a pretense put up by individuals, and the narrator questions whether time will reveal the truth behind these masks. The chorus repeats the phrase "Only time will tell," emphasizing the theme of uncertainty and the gradual unfolding of events. The mention of Boadicea, a historical figure known for her rebellion against the Roman Empire, adds a sense of historical reference and suggests a parallel between the narrator's predicament and the outcomes of past events. The song can be interpreted as an exploration of the unpredictability of life, the consequences of our actions, and the role that time plays in revealing the truth. It reflects on the notion that we cannot know the full impact of our choices and intentions until we observe the passage of time.
