About The Song
Background
“This Time Tomorrow” is a song by the British rock band The Kinks, featured on their 1970 album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One.” The Kinks, formed by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964, are known for their significant contributions to the British Invasion and rock music. This particular song, written by Ray Davies, showcases the band’s knack for blending introspective lyrics with melodic instrumentation. “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One” is a concept album that explores the music industry’s challenges and complexities, and “This Time Tomorrow” fits within this narrative.
Musical Style
Musically, “This Time Tomorrow” is a blend of folk rock and British rock, characterized by its acoustic guitar-driven melody and rich, harmonious vocals. The song opens with a distinctive slide guitar riff, played by Dave Davies, which sets a contemplative tone. The rhythm section, featuring Mick Avory on drums and John Dalton on bass, provides a steady, flowing backdrop that complements the song’s reflective mood.
Ray Davies’ vocal delivery is a standout element of the track, imbued with a sense of wistful longing and philosophical pondering. The arrangement is relatively simple but effective, with a focus on acoustic instrumentation that highlights the song’s lyrical content. The use of slide guitar and subtle harmonies adds depth to the track, creating a lush soundscape that is both engaging and evocative.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “This Time Tomorrow” delve into themes of travel, existential reflection, and the passage of time. Ray Davies crafts a narrative that captures the uncertainty and transience of life, often drawing from personal experiences and broader observations. The song begins with the lines:
“This time tomorrow, where will we be? On a spaceship somewhere, sailing across an empty sea.”
These opening lyrics set the tone for a journey, both literal and metaphorical. The imagery of a spaceship and an empty sea conveys a sense of vastness and solitude, reflecting the song’s introspective nature. Throughout the song, Davies muses on the nature of existence and the inevitability of change, as seen in the chorus:
“And I don’t know where I’m going, And I don’t want to see. I feel the world below me looking up at me.”
This sense of not knowing one’s destination and the ambivalence towards seeing the future encapsulates the existential theme of the song. The lyrics suggest a search for meaning and understanding in a world that is constantly shifting and evolving.
Cultural Impact
“This Time Tomorrow” has had a lasting impact on both fans and critics, often hailed as one of The Kinks’ standout tracks. Although it was not released as a single, its presence on the “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One” album has ensured its enduring legacy. The song’s contemplative lyrics and melodic composition have resonated with listeners over the decades, making it a favorite among Kinks enthusiasts.
One of the most notable moments in the song’s cultural journey came when it was featured in the 2007 film “The Darjeeling Limited,” directed by Wes Anderson. The film’s use of the song during a pivotal scene helped introduce “This Time Tomorrow” to a new generation of listeners, highlighting its timeless appeal. Anderson’s penchant for selecting evocative, often underappreciated tracks for his films gave “This Time Tomorrow” a renewed sense of relevance and exposure.
The song’s themes of travel and existential reflection have made it a poignant choice for various media, including films, television shows, and commercials. Its inclusion in “The Darjeeling Limited” and other projects has cemented its status as a significant piece of The Kinks’ discography, underscoring the band’s ability to create music that transcends its original context.
Conclusion
“This Time Tomorrow” by The Kinks is a masterful blend of introspective lyrics, melodic instrumentation, and thoughtful composition. As part of the “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One” album, the song contributes to the overarching narrative of the music industry’s challenges and personal reflection. Ray Davies’ songwriting shines through, offering listeners a contemplative journey through themes of travel, existential uncertainty, and the passage of time.
Musically, the song’s acoustic-driven arrangement and Ray Davies’ emotive vocal delivery create a rich, engaging listening experience. The use of slide guitar and harmonious backing vocals adds depth and texture, making “This Time Tomorrow” a standout track in The Kinks’ extensive catalog.
Culturally, the song has left an indelible mark, particularly through its inclusion in Wes Anderson’s “The Darjeeling Limited.” This exposure has introduced the song to new audiences and reaffirmed its place as a beloved piece of rock history. “This Time Tomorrow” continues to resonate with listeners, offering a timeless reflection on the uncertainties of life and the journey of self-discovery.
In conclusion, “This Time Tomorrow” exemplifies The Kinks’ ability to blend profound lyrical content with captivating musical arrangements. Its enduring appeal and cultural significance underscore the band’s lasting impact on rock music and their continued relevance in contemporary culture. Whether through personal reflection or cinematic exposure, “This Time Tomorrow” remains a poignant and memorable song that continues to inspire and move listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
This time tomorrow, where will we be?
On a spaceship somewhere sailing across an empty sea
This time tomorrow, what will we know?
Will we still be here watching an in-flight movie show?
I’ll leave the sun behind me
And I’ll watch the clouds as they sadly pass me by
Seven miles below me
I can see the world and it ain’t so big at all
This time tomorrow, what will we see?
Field full of houses, endless rows of crowded streets
I don’t know where I’m going, I don’t want to see
I feel the world below me looking up (looking up), looking up at me
Leave the sun behind me
And watch the clouds as they sadly pass me by
I’m in perpetual motion
And the world below doesn’t matter much to me
This time tomorrow, where will we be?
On a spaceship somewhere sailing across any empty sea
This time tomorrow, where will we be?
This time tomorrow, what will we see?
This time tomorrow
