About the song
Cream’s “Passing the Time” is a fascinating track from their ambitious 1968 double album, Wheels of Fire, a project that cemented the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative acts of their era. This song, written by drummer Ginger Baker and lyricist Mike Taylor, is a striking piece that blends whimsical imagery with sophisticated musical experimentation, highlighting the band’s ability to transcend the boundaries of blues rock.
Released in July 1968, Wheels of Fire featured a mix of studio tracks and live recordings, showcasing Cream’s versatility and technical prowess. “Passing the Time” stands out as one of the album’s most intricate compositions. Its structure is both unconventional and compelling, alternating between dreamy, lullaby-like verses and raucous, high-energy choruses. This dynamic contrast reflects the song’s central theme: the experience of waiting and how time can shift between moments of monotony and bursts of intensity.
Musically, “Passing the Time” is a testament to the innovative spirit of Cream. It opens with a delicate, almost childlike melody, accompanied by a music box-like instrumentation, which creates an air of innocence and nostalgia. As the song progresses, it erupts into a chaotic, almost psychedelic soundscape driven by Baker’s thunderous drumming, Eric Clapton’s fiery guitar work, and Jack Bruce’s commanding basslines. This interplay of serenity and chaos mirrors the restlessness and unpredictability of time itself. The production, helmed by the legendary Felix Pappalardi, adds layers of depth to the song, with orchestral embellishments and experimental techniques enhancing its surreal atmosphere.
Thematically, “Passing the Time” delves into the universal human experience of waiting—whether it’s waiting for change, for inspiration, or simply for the passage of another day. The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and introspection, underscored by the changing tempos and moods of the music. This duality gives the song an emotional resonance that goes beyond its psychedelic trappings, making it relatable to listeners across generations.
The cultural impact of “Passing the Time” is closely tied to the context of its release. By 1968, the counterculture movement was in full swing, and music was becoming a powerful medium for exploring existential and philosophical themes. Cream, already recognized for their technical brilliance and genre-defying sound, contributed to this cultural dialogue with songs like “Passing the Time,” which invited listeners to reflect on their own perceptions of time and the fleeting nature of life.
While “Passing the Time” may not be as widely celebrated as Cream’s hits like “Sunshine of Your Love” or “White Room,” it remains a captivating piece that showcases the band’s artistry and willingness to take creative risks. For fans of Cream and aficionados of 1960s rock, this track is a reminder of the transformative power of music to capture the complexity of human emotion and experience.
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Lyrics
It is a cold winter,Away is the songbird.And gone is her traveller,She waits at home.The sun is on holiday,No leaves on the trees.The animals sleepWhile cold North wind blows.The snowflakes are falling,The roof a white blanket.There’s ice on the window pane,She waits alone.She sits by the fireside,The room is so warm.Her children are sleeping,She waits in their home.Passing the time.Passing the time.Everything fine.Passing the time, drinking red wine.Passing the time, drinking red wine.Passing the time, drinking red wine.Passing the time, everything fine.Passing the time, drinking red wine.Passing the time, everything fine.Passing the time, wine and time rhyme.Passing the time.It is a long winter,Away is the summer.She waits for her travellerSo far from home.She sits by the fireside,The room is so warm.There’s ice on the window,She’s lonely alone.