☝️ Key Points
- The song is about an adult trying to protect a young girl from the negative influences of the world.
- It's about time running out and him needing to act quickly to reach her and save her.
- The speaker fears that other people will manipulate and take advantage of the girl.
- The lyrics express ambivalent feelings, as the speaker feels both understanding towards the other people and condemnation.
- The speaker hopes for things to get better for the girl and for him to act in time to save her.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "A Question of Time" by
Depeche Mode are about an adult trying to protect a young girl from the negative influences of the world. He feels obligated to shield her before other people influence her and make her become like everyone else. It's about time running out and him needing to act quickly to reach her and save her.
The lyrics make it clear that the girl is only 15 years old and good-looking. The speaker wants to take her under his wing because he believes someone should. It is pointed out that other people have convincing ways to influence the girl and make her do what they want.
The speaker fears that the other people will manipulate and exploit the girl. He can almost see them waiting to corrupt her and take advantage of her. He calls her "my little girl" and expresses his concern for her.
The lyrics also express ambivalent feelings. The speaker admits that sometimes he can understand the other people who want the girl because she is good-looking and they need something to occupy themselves. But when he looks at her, he condemns them and realizes that he himself has similar thoughts.
The lyrics end by saying that it should be better and that it's just a question of time. He wishes for things to improve for the girl and for him to act in time to save her.