Not Enough Time by INXS
2FL Insight
By Jav Rivera
2FL Insight is a series of short posts highlighting film, television, music, art, or literature. Visit 2nd First Look’s official website for full-length articles & recommendations: www.2ndFirstLook.com.
SONG: “Not Enough Time”
ALBUM: Welcome to Wherever You Are (1992)
ARTIST: INXS
Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, “Not Enough Time” at first glance comes across as a standard love ballad. But where Farriss and Hutchence’s song differs from stereotypical love songs is in the delivery. Hutchence’s voice sounds more grief-stricken than affectionate, the music more gospel-like than romantic. Lyrically, it’s not just about one person loving another, it’s about the limited amount of time to share that love. The section of the lyrics listed below say it all.
“We will make time stop For the two of us Make time stop And listen for our sighs Not enough time for all that I want for you Not enough time for every kiss And every touch and all the nights I wanna be inside you”
When you consider these elements, “Not Enough Time” is more of a plea than a love letter. And as catchy — and well-composed — as the music may be, it’s those few words that make this song stand out for me. When I was in my teens, I didn’t fully understand the line “Make time stop.” In fact, I took it as just a chorus with a cool melody. When I took some time to really hear the words, the song suddenly became much more meaningful. And with the death of singer/songwriter Michael Hutchence, the song took on another meaning altogether. Essentially, it’s because of those few lyrics that has made “Not Enough Time” my absolute favorite INXS song.
If you don’t already know the tune, press play on the music video above. And if you do know it, take a second listen. What’s your favorite part from “Not Enough Time”?
