'Wasting Time' by The Red Clay Strays – Lyrics & Meaning

One of alt-country's most buzzed about bands, The Red Clay Strays, hit musical gold in 2023 as their viral hit, 'Wondering Why,' rocketed to the top of charts all across the globe.

Established in 2016, the five-piece from Mobile, Alabama – comprised of Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass) and John Hall (drums) – have only kicked it up a notch from their debut record, Moments.

Now, with the arrival of their sophomore album, Made by These Moments, the group find themselves at a unique position that's put them on major festival bills across the country, as well as on a sold out headlining run throughout much of 2024.

However, they've also learned a thing or two about themselves along the way, showcased on high-energy anthem 'Wasting Time.' It's a three and a half minute declaration of knowing that you deserve better for yourself and the life you're trying to make from the perspective a band rapidly shooting their way into stardom.

Helmed by award-winning producer and revered musician, Dave Cobb, 'Wasting Time' and the entirety of Made by These Moments channels a healthy dose of southern rock from top to bottom.

Taking much inspiration from beloved band Lynyrd Skynyrd, 'Wasting Time' is a country rock-tinged anthem fueled by hi-wire electric guitars and a drum kit turned all the way up to ten.

With a hard open of blaring guitars battling for the limelight, everything only intensifies as we creep towards the first verse. Accompanied by Coleman, who sings straight from the soul through a guttural growl, it's a convincing performance that shows each member of the band at their best.

"Another year 'round the sun and nothing's been done
I gotta get out of this state I'm in
My wheels have been spinnin', but I ain't been movin'
Gotta get back on track again
I've been stuck in a rut, just a-kickin' up mud
And I'm sick of waitin' 'round for the change
I got my foot on the gas, gonna make things happen
And do 'em all my own way"

We find Coleman considering the choices he's made so far in his life. Another year of his time on earth gone, and he's left feeling like he has nothing to show for it.

Noting that he needs to break out of this mindset, he's imploring himself to get back on the right track and start making some productive choices before it's too late. Tired of feeling like he's stuck stalling on the side of the road, he knows that if he wants to see changes in his life, he has to be the one to do something about it... which is exactly what he's going to do.

"Can't waste, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more
I can't wait, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more"

It's a simple chorus, mostly just repeating similar lines over and over again.

However, with the high-octane instrumentals around it, it comes off as more of a mantra than anything else as he wills himself to stop wasting time and do something with his life and his gifts.

"Well, livin' the dream ain't what it seems
I know this to be true
These fair-weather friends only grab your attention
When they want somethin' from you
You'll quickly see the difference between
Who's really on your sidе
And who wants a dime of your every dollar
Just to hang you out to dry"

The second verse takes on more of a personal perspective as Coleman reflects on the qualms he and his band mates have likely experienced as their career has all but blossomed almost overnight.

Explaining that "livin' the dream ain't what it seems," he speaks from personal experience about so-called friends who have only wanted to use him for his money or his status. When things go haywire, though, those "friends" are the first to walk out the door.

"Well, if ya want somethin' done and you want it done right
You gotta go do it on your own
I'm done wastin' time with these suits and ties
Tryin' to take a piece of my soul
They wanna tell me how to look and rip it straight from the book
Of how to formulate a star
Provin' a point over and over
They don't care who you are"

After a one-touch punch of an instrumental break, we continue to hear about how Coleman intends to make changes, specifically pertaining to his career and what everyone is requiring of him as an artist.

Stating that he's determined to do this his own way and pave his own path, he's breaking free from the suits and music executives who have tried to make him into something he's not.

Rather than being concerned with "formulat[ing] a star," he's going to live up to his own ideas and dreams for himself as opposed to confirming to what other people think he should be.

"Can't waste, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more
I can't wait, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more"

While not much has been said about 'Wasting Time' specifically over the months leading up to the album's release, the song does hold true to the larger theme and sentiment behind Made by These Moments.

"Made by These Moments shines a light on overcoming the battles we face in life like loneliness, depression and hopelessness." Underpinning the heart of the record as a whole, they added: "We hope you listen and recognize that our pain has a purpose.”

Another year 'round the sun and nothing's been done
I gotta get out of this state I'm in
My wheels have been spinnin', but I ain't been movin'
Gotta get back on track again
I've been stuck in a rut, just a-kickin' up mud
And I'm sick of waitin' 'round for the change
I got my foot on the gas, gonna make things happen
And do 'em all my own way

Can't waste, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more
I can't wait, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more

Well, livin' the dream ain't what it seems
I know this to be true
These fair-weather friends only grab your attention
When they want somethin' from you
You'll quickly see the difference between
Who's really on your sidе
And who wants a dime of your every dollar
Just to hang you out to dry

Can't wastе, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more
I can't wait, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more

Well, if ya want somethin' done and you want it done right
You gotta go do it on your own
I'm done wastin' time with these suits and ties
Tryin' to take a piece of my soul
They wanna tell me how to look and rip it straight from the book
Of how to formulate a star
Provin' a point over and over
They don't care who you are

Can't waste, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more
I can't wait, won't waste
Ain't wastin' time no more

--

For more on The Red Clay Strays, see below: