Running Out Of Time

In “Running Out of Time,” Hayley Williams pokes fun at her poor time management skills. The song shares sonic and lyrical similarities with the following track, “C’est Comme Ça,” as both detail her frustration with not being in control of things and her resistance to change. Paramore debuted the song live during their album release show on February 6 at Grand Ole Opry’s Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Before playing the song, Williams explained that its meaning wasn’t that deep, but it could be if fans wanted to. Exclusive flexi discs featuring “Running Out of Time” were given to fans who attended This Is Why listening events in the United States on February 7. A week before its release, Paramore shared with Sam Yung, musician and fan of the band, sheet music notes to the first twenty seconds of the song. He later shared a clip of him playing them on piano. “This was pretty early on in writing the album. And I got the music for the chorus first. I was like, I have to write the coolest shit ever to it because this is the best shit, so I have to make good. I was like, “Oh, it’d be really funny to roast myself for how disorganized I am and how it impacts my everyday life. Every day, I run out of time.“ — Hayley Williams via Genius ‘Verified’

[Verse 1] Said I was gonna take some flowers to my neighbor, but I Ran out of time Didn't wanna show up to the party empty-handed, but I Ran out of time Said I'd walk the dog a little further than the driveway tonight The extra mile Thought I'd send a card with my condolences, but, damn, I Just ran out of time [Pre-Chorus] Intentions only get you so far What if I'm just a selfish prick? No regard, ah [Chorus] I'm always running out of time I'm always running out of time [Verse 2] Never mind, I hit the snooze on my alarm twenty times But I was just so tired There was traffic, spilled my coffee, crashed my car, otherwise Woulda been here on time Shoulda, coulda, wouldn't matter, ultimate alibi You know it's a lie There was a fire (Metaphorically) Be there in five (Hyperbolically) [Pre-Chorus] Intentions only get you so far (It was on my list, I swear I meant to get to it) A harsh reality to discover, ah [Chorus] I'm always running out of time (She's always running out of time) I'm always running out of time [Bridge] Why we gotta be in a rush? My watch is just for decoration, mm Look, I showed up early for once Now that's a new sensation, mm [Chorus] We're always running out of time (She's always running out of time) I'm always running out of time I'm always running out of time (She's always running out of time, out of time) I'm always running out of time