"Time To Live" by Uriah Heep is a song that depicts the longing for freedom and redemption after spending twenty years in prison. The lyrics delve into the desire to experience simple joys like seeing the sunshine, feeling the rain, and smelling the flowers, which were denied during the imprisonment. The narrator reflects on the harsh conditions of their imprisonment, describing it as a "dirty old prison cell" where they never saw the light of day. They lament that they were accused of killing a man but never revealed the reason behind it. The pain and suffering endured in prison haunt the narrator. Throughout the years, they have thought about the "other guy" and what they witnessed him do to someone, possibly to the person the narrator loves. The details of this crime are left ambiguous, but it is clear that it has left a lasting impact on both the narrator and the person involved. Despite the hardships endured, the narrator expresses a yearning for a second chance at life. If they were to be released, they would embrace the opportunity to start anew. If they were to see the person they love smile, it would bring them immense joy, and they would willingly go through all the trials again. Overall, "Time To Live" encapsulates the longing for freedom, redemption, and the willingness to face adversity once more in the pursuit of a better life.
