You Set the Scene Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Where are you walking, I've seen you walking
Have you been there before?
Walk down your doorsteps, you'll take some more steps
What did you take them for?
There's a private in my boat and he wears
Pins instead of medals on his coat

There's a chicken in my nest and she won't
Lay until I've given her my best

At her request she asks for nothing
You get nothing in return
If you want she brings you water
If you don't then you will burn

[Verse 2]
You go through changes, it may seem strange
Is this what you're put here for?
You think you're happy and you are happy
That's what you're happy for
There's a man who can't decide if he should
Fight for what his father thinks is right

There are people wearing frowns who'll screw you up
But they would rather screw you down
At my request I ask for nothing
You get nothing in return
If you're nice she'll bring me water
If you're not then I will burn
[Verse 3]
This is the time and life that I am living
And I'll face each day with a smile
For the time that I've been given's such a little while
And the things that I must do consist of more than style
There are places that I am going
This is the only thing that I am sure of
And that's all that lives is gonna die

And there'll always be some people here to wonder why
And for every happy hello, there will be good-bye
There'll be time for you to put yourself on

[Verse 4]
Everything I've seen needs rearranging
And for anyone who thinks it's strange
Then you should be the first to want to make this change
And for everyone who thinks that life is just a game
Do you like the part you're playing


[Verse 5]
I see your picture
It's in the same old frame
We meet again
You look so lovely
You with the same old smile
Stay for a while
I need you so, oh, oh, oh, oh
And if you take it easy
I'm still teethin'
I wanna love you, but
Oh(x7)
[Verse 6]
This is the time and life that I am living
And I'll face each day with a smile
For the time that I've been given such a little while
And the things that I must do consist of more than style
There will be time for you to start all over

[Outro]
This is the time and this is the time and
It is
Time(x9)

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About

Genius Annotation

The final track off Love’s critically-acclaimed “Forever Changes”.

This track is notable for being an early example of proto-prog, with it’s shift in tempo, heavy incorporation of jazz-like instrumentation (horns and strings), and changes in time signature, as well as being the longest track on the album by clocking in at nearly 7 minutes.

The song summarizes the overall theme of album: the only thing guaranteed in life is that things change, both personal and societal, for better or for worse.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Credits
Written By
Release Date
November 1, 1967
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