MUDD’s “Time Goes By (Nothing’s Changed)” is a haunting evocation of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The words create a melancholic, defeatist tone but are also ultimately very self-reflective thereby making it possible for listeners to consider their own perspectives on life, temporality and impermanence.

The paint changing colors metaphorically refers to minute changes that take place in our lives although not readily noticeable, thus this song starts with such exciting imagery. In relation to this, the line “how long has it been since I felt something on my skin,” may imply an aloofness from the world, as though a sense of numbness has set in over time.

The chorus line ‘I was born to die and I’m floating away,’ captures exactly how fleeting our lives can be. It feels like someone who has come to terms with life lasting only a short period; hence he/she accepts this stoically. The recurring theme of “Time goes by, nothing’s changed” emphasizes the sense of stability inherent in change that suggests even after some time lapses, everything remains fundamentally unaltered. These themes are manifest in lyrics such as: ‘no point in doing what we’re told.’ In other words, the singer is questioning why things must be done as they are.

On the whole, “Time Goes By (Nothing’s Changed)” is a ruminative reflection on the passage of time and humanity’s existential truths. MUDD achieves a level of self-examination and silent resignation whose effect lingers long after the track has ended.