Cyndi Lauper was one of the memorable faces of music in the 1980s. She was an integral part of the scene, and her music was hugely appreciated by fans and music critics alike. She brought a unique style and a unique kind of music to the era, which I will always be thankful for.
I like many of her songs, but I feel “Time After Time” was her best. The meaning behind Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 hit “Time After Time” may not immediately be obvious. However, I hope that very soon, you will have a better appreciation for the song. So, let’s get straight to it and take a closer look at what “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper means.
Chart Success
“Time After Time” was written in 1983 as a joint project between Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman. Some of you might know Rob Hyman; he is a singer/songwriter and the famous founder of the Rock group, The Hooters.
The song was released on January 27th, 1984, as the second single from her phenomenally successful debut album, She’s So Unusual. The single followed the 1983 debut release of the hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” That went to #2 on the US Billboard charts and went platinum in three countries.
A hard act to follow…
Thankfully, her first record of 1984 was also a huge success and topped her previous release by reaching #1 on the US charts. It also charted in the Top 10 in all the major record-buying countries.
Cyndi Lauper had another monster hit on her hands. And, in the space of just two records, she became one of the most recognizable female performers of the 80s. When I now look back, I can’t help but feel that Cyndi Lauper was one of the major faces of the decade.
All those years ago, I was sufficiently impressed by Cyndi to go out and spend my hard-earned money on the album, She’s So Unusual. Happily, I was not alone, as another 16 million or so people around the world did the same thing.
As debut albums go, this was one of the biggest in music history…
The album went to #1 in Canada, #4 in the US, and #16 in the UK. Although the chart positions don’t seem especially impressive, this was a record that hung around and just kept on selling.
Eventually, it went eight times platinum in Canada, six times platinum in the US, and it also went platinum in Switzerland. Additionally, gold discs were awarded in the UK, Germany, and France. The figures are astounding.
Recording and Video
“Time After Time” would not have happened if it had not been for the persistence of the producer, Rick Chertoff. The majority of her debut album, She’s So Unusual, had already been recorded. But Chertoff was insistent that Cyndi continued working. So, he had her meet up with Rob Hyman and record another song.
Happily, Lauper and Hyman hit it off immediately…
They had a common bond of going through problems in their relationships. At the time, Hyman had just recently broken up with his partner. Likewise, Cyndi was experiencing all kinds of difficulties with her boyfriend, and manager, David Wolff. The pair channeled this commonality and consequently came up with the song.
Interestingly, the title, “Time After Time,” was only assigned as a stopgap until a proper title could be agreed upon. However, it ultimately became such an integral part of the song that they decided to keep it.
Another interesting fact…
Once the song was completed, her record company, Epic Records, was so impressed they wanted it to be the lead single. On this occasion, Cyndi Lauper dug her heels in and insisted that “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” should be her debut release. She reasoned that introducing her solo career with a slow emotional ballad was not the image she wanted to portray. She might well have been right.
The video was recorded using her mother, father, and boyfriend. Maybe they were brilliant actors, or maybe they did it for free? Regardless, it was a thought-provoking video that showed her in a series of flashbacks with her boyfriend in various parts of New Jersey.
The filming was all done on location, which made it feel all the more real. That included the emotions during the final part of the video when she left her boyfriend at Morrison Train Station. Apparently, the tears in the video were for real, and I can believe it. It was a deeply emotional video, and I still get goosebumps watching it.
The Meaning Behind Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 Hit “Time After Time” – Lyrics and Meaning
The song starts by mentioning the ticking of a clock. This held significance to Cyndi Lauper. It took her back to when she was still together with her ex-boyfriend, David Wolff. He had accidentally broken her alarm clock, and she was forced to replace it with an old one that had belonged to her mother.
The new alarm clock ticked very loudly. So, she was forced to put it in another room, or all she could hear at night was it ticking. It is a wonderful way to add a personal feel to the song and introduce the concept of time. Plus, it adds a timestamp of her life before her split with her boyfriend, which is mirrored in the main theme of the song.
The reference to time continues in the second verse…
There she talks about the second hand unwinding. Once more, it introduces the feeling of time and the importance of it in the confines of her relationship and what she wants to achieve.
Interestingly, she pulled the line following a random comment from Rick Chertoff. He noticed that the hands of his watch were running backward. A strange coincidence that Cyndi Lauper decided to use it in the song. She commented that all things were fair game during the creative process.
Falling Into the Chorus
I find the story behind the development of the chorus to be the most interesting aspect. It rests at the heart of what the song “Time After Time” means. Having already worked out the first verses, she was struggling with the main lines for the chorus. She kept repeating phrases like “falling” and “catching.”
The concept of falling, and being caught, in a metaphorical sense, was woven into the lyrics. Then, the idea of ending each of these lines with “Time after time” popped into her head. And the iconic title of the song was born.
The song has an extremely touching and sad meaning…
Essentially, it’s about a young woman who feels uncertain about herself. And, to some extent, is someone with little belief. The also song indicates that the singer is someone who feels unworthy of being loved and that she is unworthy of the person she is with.
She hints at herself being not the easiest person to be with. However, the main theme of the song makes it abundantly clear that despite all her flaws, and failings, her boyfriend is always there for her. He is always there to catch her when she falls. Always there to pick her up. And always there to lend a hand and support her.
The song and the video show the deep level of the couple’s relationship…
They have been together for a long time and have a strong bond. It is also clear that they have been through a lot of problems and helped each other through them. The love they have for each other makes the song all the sadder since she ultimately leaves him. The reasons are never made clear, most likely because she has no idea herself, other than it is an inexplicable fundamental urge.
The latter half of the song is the saddest part. She reassures her boyfriend that although she will not be there in person, she will always be there in spirit and watching over him. This adds a layer of spirituality. It hints that our loved ones will eternally be watching over us even if they have passed into the spirit world.
The fact that she still loves her boyfriend, cares for him, and wants him to be OK, is heart-wrenching. For two people in love to be torn apart like this is an awful thing. Especially when neither party can readily explain why it is happening. It is a beautiful and sad song. It’s also my favorite Cyndi Lauper song of all time.
Enjoy Learning About Music and Musicians?
If so, take a look at our comprehensive features on Is The Song Black Betty Racist, Did Elvis Write Any Songs, Is Stan Based On A True Story, The Meanings Behind Wade In The Water, the Best Album Covers of All Time, and Different Types of Rock Music for lots more interesting musical information.
Also, you want to listen to all that music. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Smart Speakers, the Loudest Portable Bluetooth Speakers, the Best Wireless Outdoor Speakers, the Best Bluetooth Speakers With Radio, the Best Waterproof Speakers, and the Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers you can buy in 2023.
The Meaning Behind Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 Hit “Time After Time” – Final Thoughts
I have to be honest; before I wrote this, it had been a long time since I had either listened to or even thought about this song. On my first re-listen, I was a little apprehensive. I was worried it would not sound so great now and might ruin my affection for it. However, I needn’t have worried because it sounds as good today as it did 40 years ago. That, in my book, is the mark of a great song and a great piece of music.
Also, I have to confess that 40 years ago, when I was infinitely more stupid and insensitive, I had not given much thought to the lyrics and meaning of “Time After Time.” Thankfully, I now have slightly more sense and have had the time to delve deeper into this beautiful song.
Therefore, I hope my analysis of the meaning behind Cyndi Laper’s “Time After Time” has helped to make more sense of it. If you have any comments to add, or maybe you disagree with some of my thoughts, let me know in the comments below.
Until next time, happy listening.
