Time Will Tell
Jimmy Cliff · Icon [2013]
Time alone, alone will tell
When I was just a little boy, only six years old
I asked my daddy, "What he thinks my future hold"
He said, "Son, when you grow up to be a man
The facts of life you will start to understand
Nobody knows, just what tomorrow may bring
So I wanna tell you now and listen while I sing"
Father said, "Time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell"
Now I'm a lonely man trying to make life on my own
Ever since the day I was born, I never have a happy home
Just like a river, I've been running ever since
The day I was born in that broken down little town
I'm wondering now just what my gain will be
'Cause it seems to me, happiness I'll never see
Mama said, "Time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell"
What he say now, time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell, oh yeah
Time keeps on changing like the weather and the seasons
"For every mistake", Mama said, "There must be a reason"
After a storm, there's got to be a calm
So I think I'll wait a while and try to wear a smile
Mama said, "Time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell"
What he say now, time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell
One more time now
Time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell
One more time now
Time will tell, time will tell
Time alone, alone will tell
Time Will Tell
Time Will Tell stands as a testament to Jimmy Cliff's enduring legacy within the reggae and roots music traditions. As a cornerstone of Jamaican music, Cliff has spent decades crafting recordings that blend social commentary with infectious rhythms. This track, featured on the 2013 compilation Icon, reflects the maturity and depth found throughout his extensive discography. The song aligns with his broader body of work, which often explores themes of resilience, justice, and the passage of time. Without relying on specific lyrical quotes, the recording captures the atmospheric quality and steady groove characteristic of his later career. It serves as a reminder of his significant influence on the genre, connecting the foundational sounds of early reggae with the polished production values of modern releases. The track remains a vital part of his catalogue, showcasing his ability to deliver meaningful music that resonates across generations.

