Song Lyric Sunday – Too Much Thyme On My Hands

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Once again, it is time for Song Lyric Sunday! This week Jim Adams has asked us to write about a song that mentions a spice. At first, I didn’t think I would have too much trouble coming up with a song. As an Italian, I naturally looked for songs about garlic. I found a couple, but they were instrumentals. Those weren’t going to work – no lyrics. I then searched for rosemary and found a couple, but no doubt, someone else will be nabbing those. With that being said, I hope that Jim will allow a bit of leeway and allow me to use a bit of creativity.

Too Much Time (Thyme) on My Hands was written by Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw, who also sang lead on the track. I chose this one for two reasons. (1) The obvious pun above and (2) it was inspired by a little town in my home state of Michigan.

Tommy said that he drew inspiration from a real bar in Niles, Michigan, where he was living at the time. In an interview he said:

“I think officially it was called Mark’s Tavern, but everybody called it Mark’s Bar. It was the local watering hole. The drinks were good, and the drinks were cheap. You could go in there with 20 bucks and be a hero, you know – buying rounds of drinks. And you’d always run into somebody you knew in there. That was the basis of the song.”

According to songfacts.com Shaw was driving to the recording studio and the bassline popped into his head. When he arrived, he quickly had the band record what was in his head so he wouldn’t lose it. He found himself calling out chord changes as they played, which laid the groundwork for the track.

The song was featured on the 1981 album Paradise Theater and would reach number 9 on the charts. It would be only Tommy’s only top 10 single as a writer and vocalist with Styx.

PopMatters critic Dennis Shin rated the video as one of “20 ’80s music videos that have aged terribly,” criticizing its cheesiness, the “band’s period attire,” “mullets galore, perms, girls with feathered hair, and Joe Dirt in the baby blue jumpsuit on vocals.”

Years later, the video inspired an almost shot for shot remake by Jimmy Fallon and Paul Rudd, so it obviously had some sort of influence.

Tommy Shaw was very complimentary of the Fallon version. He said he was impressed with the vocals.

I suppose it is Thyme to post the lyrics. Thanks to Jim Adams for hosting once again!

Too Much Time on My Hands

Yeah, I’m sittin’ on this barstool
Talkin’ like a damn fool
Got the twelve o’clock news blues
And I’ve given up hope

On the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew
Is it any wonder I’m not crazy
Is it any wonder I’m sane at all

Well I’m so tired of losin’
I got nothin’ to do
With all day to do it
Well I’d go out cruisin’

But I’ve no place to go
And all night to get there
Is it any wonder I’m not a criminal
Is it any wonder I’m not in jail

Is it any wonder I’ve got
Too much time on my hands
Tickin’ away at my sanity
I’ve got too much time on my hands

It’s hard to believe such a calamity
I’ve got too much time on my hands
And it’s tickin’ away, tickin’ away from me
(Too much time on my hands)

Ti – ti – ti – ti – ti – tickin’ away
(Too much time on my hands)
Now I don’t know what to do
(Too much time on my hands)

With It
(Too much time on my hands)
(Too much time on my hands)
(Too much time on my hands)

Now I’m a jet fuel genius
I can solve the worlds problems
Without even trying
I’ve got dozens of friends

And the fun never ends
That is as long as I’m buying
Is it any wonder I’m not the president
Is it any wonder I’m null and void

Is it any wonder I’ve got
(Too much time in my hands)
Tickin’ away with insanity
I’ve got too much time on my hands

It’s hard to believe in such a calamity
I’ve got too much time on my hands
And it’s tickin’ away
Tickin’ away from me

Ti-ti-ti-ti-tickin’ away
(Too much time on my hands)
Now I don’t know what to do with myself

Mmm-mmmm
(Too much time on my hands)
Ti – ti – ti – ti – tickin’ away

Mmm-hmmm
(Too much time on my hands)

Too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands

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Published by nostalgicitalian

I'm just a guy who likes the classics. I love Old Time Radio Shows. I love Classic TV. I love Classic Movies. I love songs from the "Great American Songbook". I dig songs from the first decade of Rock and Roll. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to newer things. My musical taste ranges from Classical to Classic Rock and Country to Rap. I love a good book and am always looking for something to read. I tend to lean toward historical fiction, biographies, mysteries, and more. I have always believed that our past (and the things we've experienced in it) make us who we are today. That being said, after reading through some old My Space blogs (yeah, that's about how long it's been since I blogged regularly), I decided that I should once again write. Welcome to my blog. I hope you find it interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining in some way. CONTACT ME AT - nostalgicitalian@yahoo.com

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23 thoughts on “Song Lyric Sunday – Too Much Thyme On My Hands”

  2. Creative take! 😃 Based on the title, I thought I didn’t know the song but I recognized it right away once the clip started playing. Other than some of their songs from the radio, I’m not really familiar with Styx. While I probably prefer ’70s Styx, “Too Much Time on My Hands” isn’t a bad song. Jimmy Fallon’s music talent is remarkable. 😆

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    1. A great song with a local tie in for me.

      There are times I really appreciate Jimmy Fallon’s talent, there are times I find him annoying. I have found myself cracking up at his stuff, and cringing at other stuff. I appreciate all that he has done to appeal to younger folks on the Tonight Show (the games and such), but as an interviewer he bugs me. I have never liked when someone asks a question and then interrupts the answer. I feel he does that a lot. He’s naturally funny and I feel like he tries to “force it” sometimes.

      All that being said, I think his musical stuff is great.

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  5. Keith, Song Lyric Sunday only has suggestions and there are no rules and I loved your take on the theme going with this Stix song. It is a fun song with a great video, and I enjoyed listening to it again.

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  6. Keith, I have a special fondness for Styx for a few reasons that I will keep to myself. I remember this song well. It’s been awhile since hearing it. I like the part where it sounds like somebody’s clapping their hands. Gives it a nice touch. I am delighted by the Fallon/Rudd remake. Impressive and brings a smile to my face :)

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