A Hard-Driving Exploration of Time’s Relentless Passage and the Urgency of Living: Triumph’s “Killing Time”
“Killing Time,” Triumph’s potent and driving rock anthem, is a visceral exploration of the fleeting nature of time and the urgent need to seize the moment, a raw, energetic call to action against the complacency that can erode our lives. Released in 1979 on their album “Just a Game,” this track, while not a major chart-topping single, became a staple of their live performances and a testament to the band’s hard-rocking prowess and thought-provoking songwriting. It’s a song that evokes the relentless ticking of the clock, the feeling of time slipping through our fingers, and the urgent desire to make the most of every moment. For those of us who remember the late 70s, “Killing Time” is a nostalgic reminder of a time when rock music was a powerful vehicle for expressing existential anxieties and youthful rebellion.
The song’s origins lie in Triumph’s commitment to delivering high-energy, emotionally charged rock and roll that resonated with their audience. Rik Emmett, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, crafted the lyrics, which delve into the themes of time’s relentless passage and the urgency of living life to the fullest. The lyrics, with their direct and often introspective language, create a sense of urgency and reflection, inviting the listener to confront their own relationship with time. Myles Goodwyn’s soaring, powerful vocals, delivered with a blend of grit and passion, bring the lyrics to life, creating a palpable sense of urgency. The arrangement, with its driving guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and soaring harmonies, creates a sonic landscape that is both powerful and thought-provoking. It was a time when rock bands were exploring deeper themes, and Triumph’s “Killing Time” stood out as a powerful example of this trend.
For those of us who navigated the late 70s, “Killing Time” became an anthem for those moments of existential reflection, those times when we felt the weight of time bearing down on us. It was a time when rock music provided a soundtrack for youthful rebellion and a way to grapple with the anxieties of adulthood. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful guitar solos resonated with the desire to break free from the constraints of time and live life on our own terms. The song’s message, while heavy, was delivered with the energy of a band at their peak.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal experience of feeling the pressure of time, to evoke the sense of urgency and reflection that accompanies the realization of life’s fleeting nature. It’s a song that speaks to the human desire to make the most of every moment, to live a life of purpose and meaning. The driving instrumentation and Goodwyn’s powerful vocals create a raw and energetic atmosphere, drawing the listener into the heart of the song’s emotional core. The lyrics, while seemingly straightforward, delve into the deeper themes of time, mortality, and the importance of living in the present. The guitar work, as always with Triumph, added to the overall emotional message.
“Killing Time” is a testament to Triumph’s ability to craft powerful, thought-provoking rock anthems that resonated with listeners on a deep emotional level. It’s a reminder of a time when rock music was a vehicle for expressing existential anxieties and youthful rebellion, a way to connect with the anxieties and aspirations of a generation. It’s a song that echoes with the urgency of time, and the timeless plea to live life to the fullest.