Garage Rock

The song “Time Won’t Let Me,” which is about the urgency of, let’s say, love, was written by Outsiders member Tom King and his brother-in-law Chet Kelley. The single, backed with “Was It Really Real,” went to #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. It used elements of music from that time, both Merseybeat (i.e., a big beat) and a little Motown (i.e., the brass section in the arrangement). “Time Won’t Let Me” was also on their 1966 album titled Time Won’t Let Me, which was produced by Tom King for Capitol records. The song has remained very popular on Classic Rock radio stations.

The Outsiders formed in Cleveland, Ohio, and were a continuation of the rock band The Starfires. Personnel  on “Time Won’t Let Me” included Tom King (rhythm guitar, vocals), Sonny Geraci (vocals), Mert Madsen (bass, harmonica), Al Austin (lead guitar), Ronnie Harkai (drums), John Madrid (scream trumpet, and Gayle Guhde (keyboards). The lineup has been very fluid over the years.

Here are the lyrics to “Time Won’t Let Me” by The Outsiders:

“I can’t wait forever
Even though you want me to
I can’t wait forever
To know if you’ll be true

Time won’t let me
(Oh, no)
Time won’t let me
(Oh, no)
Time won’t let me
Wait that long

Can’t you see
I’ve waited too long
To love you
To hold you in my arms

Time won’t let me
(Oh, no)
Time won’t let me
(Oh, no)
Time won’t let me
Wow

I can’t wait forever
Even though you want me to
I can’t wait forever
To know if you’ll be true

Time won’t let me
(Oh, no)
Time won’t let me
(Oh, no)
Time won’t let me
Wait that long

It won’t let me wait that long
(Wait, wait, wait, wait that long)
It won’t let me wait that long
(Wait, wait, wait, wait that long)

Wait, wait, wait, wait that long
Wait, wait, wait, wait that long
Wait, wait, wait, wait that long”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Time Won’t Let Me” by The Outsiders.