This is the Last Time

"This Is the Last Time" is a song performed and composed by English piano rock band Keane released in October 13, 2003 as their second commercial single, first released with Fierce Panda Records and later in 2004 as a different version with Island Records. It appears as the second track of Hopes and Fears on its international version while the ninth on the British one and was officially released as the fourth single from that album. Although this song was one of the biggest hits in music in 2004, the single reached only 18, considerably less than other previous singles by the band. For an easier reference, similar to "Everybody’s Changing", fans had divided the two different singles in parts 1 and 2.

The Fierce Panda version was the first Keane record released outside the UK and one of the few singles available in the United States. This single sold around 4,000 copies and it's stated it charted at top 58, however this was ineligible for the chart due to the web-link the record contained. It was the only record ever co-released with White Light Records, Keane's own label, which soon disappeared because there was already a company with that name. This single is nowadays considered rare. However, the first release of "Everybody's Changing" is more appreciated.

A year after signing with Island Records, a reissue of the song was released, on November 22, 2004. This reissue featured all-new B-sides and cover, as well as a reworked version of the single and its music video. Additionally, a DVD was released featuring a cover showing a deer instead of the bull used on the single cover. This newer release includes a 2003 demo of the song, featuring Rice-Oxley on lead vocals.

Tim Rice-Oxley composed this song circa 2001 and was one of the first songs played without Dominic Scott, ex-guitarist of the band, being possibly about him. It was recorded at Les Essarts, Normandy, France, during the James Sanger sessions from August to November 2001. A newer version was recorded at the Helioscentric Studios in Rye, East Sussex.

With cymbals as introduction, in less than two seconds, both piano and vocal appear in the key of G maj; sixteen seconds and both bass and drums are added to remain until the fading of the song. Several effects are used through the song, including instrumental breaks and the acoustic intro, possibly emulating a car as the promo version cover art. The piano rock style is present during all the song.

The song means regret, confusion and separating, commented by Rice-Oxley:
“ ...You have a bond with someone but you don't want to stay with them forever, so you decide to go. But you're not saying "I hate you and I'm leaving"...you're trying to say "I think you're great but I've seen that there's something more perfect and magical out there for me and I need to find it. But I will always be your friend if you need me." I guess the feeling of conflict within yourself and the difficulty of making that decision is what the song is really about. It's not sarcastic or anything but it is certainly confusing.


B-side: "Can’t Stop Now" "Allemande"
Released: October 13, 2003
Format: CD Single
Recorded: Westside Studios
Genre: Piano rock
Length: 3:30
Label: Fierce Panda White Light Records
Writer(s): Tim Rice-Oxley (Main composer), Tom Chaplin, Richard Hughes, James Sanger
Producer: Andy Green, James Sanger, Keane

This is the last time
That I will say these words
I remember the first time
The first of many lies
Sweep it into the corner
Or hide it under the bed
Say these things they go away
But they never do
Something I wasn't sure of
But I was in the middle of
Something I forget now
But I've seen too little of

The last time
You fall on me for anything you like
Your one last line
You fall on me for anything you like
And years make everything alright
You fall on me for anything you like
And I no I don't mind

This is the last time
That I will show my face
One last tender lie
And then I'm out of this place
So tread it into the carpet
Or hide it under the stairs
Say that some things never die
Well I tried and I tried

Something I wasn't sure of
But I was in the middle of
Something I forget now
But I've seen too little of

The last time
You fall on me for anything you like
Your one last line
You fall on me for anything you like
And years make everything alright
You fall on me for anything you like
And I no I don't mind

The last time
You fall on me for anything you like
Your one last line
You fall on me for anything you like
And years make everything alright
You fall on me for anything you like
And I know I don't mind