Farrelly’s “Sign of the Times” is an effective and emotive song that captures today’s turmoil and confusion in a poetic yet punchy way. The sense of tension and urgency is conveyed by the song’s lyrics, and what is being said by the song about our times is conveyed with strong emphasis. Hard-hitting imagery and straightforwardness when expressing deep issues and shocking events within society are utilized by Farrelly, so it is a strongly critical song about society today.

The track begins with a metaphorical ride on a horse that serves an important message. Farrelly immediately establishes a historical tone with a reference to the “redcoats” that conjures up visions of revolution-era battles. Not only is the line taken from historical precedent, but it also establishes an ominous tone, which is a signal that people must move before a chance is missed. The urgency conveyed by the lyrics is then fueled by a sense of looming danger, and Farrelly skillfully keeps tension throughout the song.

What Farrelly is actually doing throughout the song is talking about people looking for meaning or indications somewhere else—religion, stars, or the news. In talking about all those different attempts that people are making at making sense of things, what the artist is really doing is labeling a universal human desire for making sense of things during a time of uncertainty. Farrelly, however, is urging us “to open your eyes” and look around, and that truly, the “signs of the times” are right with us, now. It’s a great message about being present and paying attention to what’s actually going on around us, and not relying so much on outside sources of information.

The motif of urgency is repeated in verses about bombs falling and seeking protection. These are grim and startling images, and the audience is made acutely conscious of the gravity of what is being described. Farrelly’s use of such raw and fierce language must serve only to support a sense of a volatile and threatened world. And yet there is a strand of optimism running through these threats, with encouragement to “hang on tight” and wait for the “all clear,” so that survival and determination are within grasp even amidst desperate moments.

Farrelly illustrates throughout the song that individuals are seeking meaning or signs outside, either through religion or media. However, the message is direct: external reference points are perhaps not what is holding answers. Instead, the artist invites a change of perspective, invites individuals to open eyes and notice that answers are to be found in living life for what it is. The line “what you will see are the signs of the times” is an invitation for individuals to notice what is occurring within society.

The final few verses, which call people toward standing with leaders, are ominous. The reference to “the terror is coming” and warning people to close their minds so that they are shielded is open to interpretation as a comment on how people allow leaders to control what is said and done when things do not favor them. Farrelly’s lyrics would then seem to be a call for people away from blindly obeying leaders and relinquishing logical thought. 

Overall, “Sign of the Times” is an effective and strong description of the world of today. Farrelly’s words are incisive commentary about human reaction to threat, looking for meaning, and, above all, the importance of being open and alert to, and witnessing, what is about us. The song is successful at using historical reference and applying it to contemporary issues to form a timeless statement about being on one’s guard and open to what is going on. Farrelly simplifies the intricacies of contemporary war with straightforward, yet effective, terms and invites the listener to discover his or her own place within.