a short site about The Divine Comedy

French version

Timewatching

Lyrics & Music: Neil Hannon

Published by: Damaged Pop Music / BMG Music Publishing Ltd.

Originally interpreted by: The Divine Comedy

Covered by: Pablo Jubany

 

To see the lyrics, click on the name of the version you are interested in (on the left).

 

Tabs/Scores

Informations

This song is an extraordinary example of how much Neil's music changed between 1991 and 1993 and how much maturity it gained.

It was written in 1990 or 1991 under the name 'Timewatch'. Then Neil added the –ING to avoid confusion with a BBC broadcast.

It was played during the ASAAL tour in 1996-1997. In 2002, Neil played it again sometimes.

The lyrics are roughly the same as 'Timewatch', but some words were added in the bargain to fit the melody better. Indeed, the arrangement of the song is utterly different (only cello) and makes it a very languorous song. The lyrics and the tune are taken from Nat King Cole's song 'When I Fall In Love' (in block letters, the lyrics that are similar to 'Timewatching'):

When I fall in love,
It will be forever
Or I'll never fall in love.

In a restless world like this is,
Love is ended before it's begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun.

When I give my heart,
It will be completely
Or I'll never give my heart.
And the moment I can feel that
You feel that way, too,
Is when I fall in love with you.

And the moment I can feel that
You feel that way, too,
Is when I fall in love with you.


On the Liberation version, the last verse starts almost in the same manner as the first one ("it could be forever"), whereas in A Short Album About Love, in the last verse Neil says "it will be forever" as in 'Timewatch'.