“Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, released in 2017 on his self-titled debut album, is a haunting, emotional ballad. The song’s meaning touches on themes of loss, escape, and the fleeting nature of life. With powerful lyrics and a cinematic sound, it stands out as one of Styles’ most compelling tracks.
This article breaks down the lyrics and their meaning, offering an interpretation of the song’s deeper themes.
“Sign of the Times” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: Facing the End
Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times
Welcome to the final show
The song starts with a plea—”just stop your crying”—as if someone is trying to comfort another person who is facing something devastating.
The phrase “sign of the times” suggests that whatever is happening is a reflection of a larger issue. It could be war, death, or even personal tragedy.
“Final show” makes it sound like this is the last moment before something irreversible takes place, almost like a farewell to life.
I hope you’re wearing your best clothes
You can’t bribe the door on your way to the sky
The idea of “wearing your best clothes” might seem superficial at first, but it could symbolize preparing for the end with dignity. It might also suggest that no matter how put-together someone appears, it won’t change their fate.
The line about bribing the door suggests that money, status, or power don’t matter in the face of death.
The “sky” could symbolize an afterlife, a higher power, or simply the unknown. It reinforces the idea that there’s no way to negotiate or avoid what’s coming.
You look pretty good down here
But you ain’t really good
On the surface, everything may seem okay—maybe the person in question looks peaceful or composed—but the truth is much darker.
This could be about someone pretending to be fine when they’re struggling inside, or it could even be directed at humanity as a whole: things may seem fine on the outside, but beneath it all, something is deeply wrong.
Pre-Chorus: Repeating Mistakes
If we never learn we’ve been here before
Why are we always stuck and running from
The bullets, the bullet?
This part suggests history repeating itself.
“We’ve been here before” could be about personal struggles, global conflicts, or even cycles of suffering that never seem to end.
“Bullets” could represent literal violence, like war or oppression, but they might also symbolize emotional pain, trauma, or things we try to avoid but can’t escape.
The repeated phrasing makes it sound urgent, like someone desperately asking why humanity keeps making the same mistakes.
Chorus: The Urgency to Escape
Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times
We gotta get away from here
We gotta get away from here
The chorus feels like a warning, almost as if time is running out.
“We gotta get away from here” could mean physically leaving a dangerous place, but it could also be about escaping pain, fear, or even the constraints of life itself.
The repetition makes the urgency stronger—whatever is happening, it’s overwhelming, and the only solution seems to be running from it.
Just stop your crying, it’ll be alright
They told me that the end is near
We gotta get away from here
The reassurance of “it’ll be alright” feels bittersweet, almost like a last attempt to comfort someone before facing the inevitable.
“The end is near” makes it clear that something final is happening. It could be the end of a life, a relationship, or even a metaphorical end of innocence or peace.
Verse 2: Looking from Above
Just stop your crying, have the time of your life
Breaking through the atmosphere
Now, the lyrics suggest a shift in perspective.
“Breaking through the atmosphere” could mean an escape—perhaps the soul leaving the body, reaching something beyond life.
If the song is from the perspective of someone dying, this could be the moment they detach from the world, seeing things from above.
Alternatively, it could mean reaching a point where struggles no longer matter, as if there’s a sense of peace in the transition.
The line “have the time of your life” sounds almost ironic—how can someone enjoy themselves if they’re facing the end? Maybe it’s a way of saying: don’t waste time being afraid.
Things look pretty good from here
Remember everything will be alright
Looking at things from a distance, pain and suffering might seem smaller or less significant.
This could be a way of comforting someone, encouraging them to see beyond immediate fear.
It’s also possible that this line represents an afterlife or a place of peace, where everything makes sense.
We can meet again somewhere
Somewhere far away from here
There’s a promise of reunion, suggesting that this isn’t the end forever.
Whether it’s about an afterlife, reincarnation, or just the hope of seeing each other again, it’s a powerful sentiment—something that makes goodbyes a little easier.
🎶 Find out if Harry Styles is coming to your area!
Bridge: What We Leave Unsaid
We don’t talk enough
We should open up
Before it’s all too much
Here, there’s regret. The song shifts from focusing on death and escape to something more personal—communication.
“We don’t talk enough” suggests that there are things left unsaid, emotions that should have been shared before it became too late.
The warning “before it’s all too much” makes it clear that people tend to wait until the last moment to say what truly matters.
Will we ever learn?
We’ve been here before
It’s just what we know
The repetition of “we’ve been here before” reinforces the idea that mistakes keep happening.
It might be about personal regrets—missing chances to connect with people before they’re gone—or it could be broader, addressing humanity’s tendency to repeat tragic patterns.
“It’s just what we know” feels resigned, as if people are doomed to keep making the same mistakes.
Outro: A Final Plea
Stop your crying, baby, it’s a sign of the times
We gotta get away
By the end of the song, the repetition becomes almost frantic.
“We gotta get away” sounds more desperate, reinforcing the idea that something terrible is happening, and there’s no stopping it.
It could be about literal death, the need to escape emotional pain, or even something broader—escaping the cycle of suffering altogether.
The way the song fades out with “we got to run” makes it feel like an unfinished thought. There’s no clear resolution, just the repeated urge to flee.
This leaves the listener with a sense of urgency, as if the escape is still happening, or maybe it never truly ends.
“Sign of the Times” Song Meaning: A Message of Love and Loss
At its core, “Sign of the Times” is about facing death and the emotions that come with it. Inspired by the idea of a mother telling her newborn goodbye, the lyrics carry a deep sense of sorrow and acceptance. The song speaks to universal themes—loss, fear, and the hope that something better exists beyond the pain.
The repeated message of running away suggests both a literal and metaphorical escape. Whether it’s avoiding the inevitable or trying to find peace elsewhere, the song captures the feeling of wanting to hold onto life while knowing it’s slipping away.
Songs Like “Sign of the Times”
If you connect with the themes of “Sign of the Times,” here are some similar songs to check out:
1. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
“The Night We Met” explores the pain of losing someone and wishing for a way to relive the past. Its haunting melody and heartbreaking lyrics create a similar emotional depth.
Related: “The Night We Met” Song Meaning
2. “Breathe Me” by Sia
“Breathe Me” captures the overwhelming feeling of loneliness and needing help. With its melancholic tone and emotional vocals, it carries the same sense of vulnerability as “Sign of the Times.”
3. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
“Everybody Hurts” is an anthem for anyone struggling with pain and sadness. The message of holding on through difficult times echoes the themes in Harry Styles’ song.
4. “Yellow” by Coldplay
“Yellow” may seem more uplifting, but its underlying themes of devotion and longing fit well with the emotional weight of “Sign of the Times.” The atmospheric sound adds to its timeless feel.
Related: “Yellow” Song Meaning
Conclusion: A Song About Holding On and Letting Go
“Sign of the Times” is a song about confronting the inevitable, whether it’s death, heartbreak, or change. The lyrics paint a picture of someone trying to reassure another while knowing time is running out.
With its soaring vocals and emotional depth, the song remains one of Harry Styles’ most powerful tracks. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment, speak your truth, and find peace even in the hardest times.
You can listen to “Sign of the Times” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Meanings articles!