I Didn't Know It at the Time
Unseen Realities: Life's Surprises in Tim McGraw's 'I Didn't Know It at the Time'
Lyrics
I thought that my first love would be my wife
I believed my first love would become my wife.
But in junior high she moved away from here
My first love moved away during junior high.
And I thought Johnny would always be my best friend
Expected Johnny to remain my best friend, but haven't spoken in fifteen years.
I haven't talked to him, in fifteen years
Reflecting on lost connections, specifically with Johnny.
Back when I had those fights with my old man
Recalling fights with my father during my youth.
I never thought he'd be, an old man
Realization that my father has aged into an old man.
And I didn't know, all those years ago
Unaware of the passage of time and its impact.
How the years would go flying by
Surprised by how quickly the years have passed.
Thought I knew it all
Believed I had complete knowledge and understanding.
But I was wrong
Admitting to being wrong in thinking I knew everything.
And I didn't know, I didn't know it at the time
Regret for not realizing certain truths at the time.
I never thought good jobs were hard to find
Didn't think finding good jobs would be challenging until I lost one due to pride.
Til I let my pride cost me one
Reflecting on the consequences of pride leading to job loss.
I never thought my whole life would change
Unexpected life change upon learning I had a son.
Til I heard the doctor say, I had a son
Impactful moment hearing the doctor confirm parenthood.
I never really thought that I was lost
Realization of feeling lost in life.
Til I heard my dying mother sing 'Old Rugged Cross'
Mother's impending death, marked by her singing 'Old Rugged Cross'.
And I didn't know, all those years ago
Continued reflection on the swift passage of time.
How the years would go flying by
Surprised by the speed of life's progression.
Thought I knew it all
Initial belief in having comprehensive knowledge.
But I was wrong
Admission of being wrong about knowing everything.
And I didn't know, I didn't know it at the time
Regret for not realizing certain truths at the time (repeated).
Oh, I thought I knew it all
Reflecting on past arrogance in thinking I knew everything.
Oh, but I was wrong
Admitting the fallacy of past beliefs.
And I didn't know, I didn't know it at the time
Regret for not realizing certain truths at the time (repeated).
I didn't know, didn't know, didn't know
Emphasizing the lack of awareness in the past.
I didn't know
Repetition of not knowing, underscoring the theme.
Oh, I didn't know
Final acknowledgment of past ignorance.
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