About the song
Background:
- Released on Deep Purple’s 1970 album “Deep Purple in Rock.”
- Considered a foundational hard rock and progressive rock song.
- Instrumental inspiration came from “Bombay Calling” by It’s a Beautiful Day, but the lyrics took a different direction.
- Vocalist Ian Gillan has said the lyrics were influenced by the Cold War tensions of the era.
Themes:
- War and inhumanity: The song’s most prominent theme, with lyrics like “death or glory” and a general sense of despair.
- Loss of innocence: The title “Child in Time” refers to a future generation facing a harsh world.
- Time: The song reflects on the passage of time and its impact on humanity.
- Open to interpretation: The lyrics are abstract enough to allow listeners to find their own meanings.
Additional points:
- The song is known for its powerful vocals, particularly Gillan’s high-pitched screams.
- It features a dynamic blend of organ, guitar, and drums, showcasing the band’s musical talents.
- “Child in Time” remains a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances and a classic of the rock genre.
Video
Lyrics
Sweet child in timeYou’ll see the lineThe line that’s drawn betweenGood and bad
See the blind manShooting at the worldBullets flyingOh, taking toll
If you’ve been badOh Lord, I bet you haveAnd you’ve not been hitOh, by a flying lead
You’d better close your eyesOh-oh, bow your headWait for the ricochet
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOh, I wanna hear you sing
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOh-oh
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh
Ahh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahAhh-ah
Sweet child in timeYou’ll see the lineThe line that’s drawn betweenGood and bad
See the blind manShooting at the worldBullets flyingMmm, taking toll
If you’ve been badLord, I bet you haveAnd you’ve not been hitOh, by a flying lead
You’d better close your eyesOh-oh, bow your headWait for the ricochet
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh
Ahh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahOh, I gotta hear you screaming
Ahh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahOh-oh
Ahh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahOh
Ahh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ahAhh-ah-ah
Oh, noOh, noGod, oh, noOh, noOh, ain’t gonna do itOh, noOh, no, noOhOhh!Oh, no