The U.S. Daylight Saving Time change this past weekend inspired today’s Musical Monday selection. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? I’ll admit I’m confused.
The band Chicago included the song Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? on their 1969 debut album Chicago Transit Authority. The single was released in 1970 and became the group’s third hit off the Grammy nominated album.
Written and sung by Robert Lamm, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? was the first song Chicago recorded together.
Lamm later recalled his inspiration on The Chris Isaak Hour. "I was a teenager walking down the street in Brooklyn, New York where I grew up. I walked by a movie theater and there was an usher standing outside taking a cigarette break. I said to him, 'Hey man, what time is it?' and he said, 'Does anybody really know what time it is?’”
The signature line was a typical existential question in the 1960’s. The song is a call to slow down and appreciate the important things in life.
“People runnin' everywhere
Don't know where to go
Don't know where I am
Can't see past the next step
Don't have time to think past the last mile
Have no time to look around
Just run around, run around and think why”
~ Chicago, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
We often struggle with time. We either have too much, too little, are running behind, blocking some off, or it’s just not the right time. How we chose to spend our time speaks volumes.
I often ask my clients to consider replacing the phrase “I don’t have enough time for…” with “that is not a priority for me right now.”
It’s important to remember that we chose how to spend our time. The more we consciously decide to live in the present, the more we are able to slow down and savor life.