"Time Is Running Out" is a song by the English alternative rock band Muse. It is the third track on their third studio album, '' Absolution''. The song was released as the second single from the album on 8 September 2003 in the United Kingdom and other countries. It was also the band's first Top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number eight, besting the number eleven peak of " Plug In Baby". The single was also later released in the United States on 6 April 2004. It proved to be the band's breakthrough hit on alternative rock radio in the country – hitting number nine on the ''Billboard''

Modern Rock Tracks Alternative Airplay (formerly known as Modern Rock Tracks (1988–2009) and Alternative Songs (2009–2020)) is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in ''Billboard'' magazine since September 10, 1988. It ranks the 40 most-played ...

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Production and influences

Bassist Chris Wolstenholme stated that making of "Time is Running Out" is "something we'd never really done before". The song is one of the last tracks they did on the album to record. The band recorded the song and finished it when they were in Ireland. They intended the song to be more funky and a little more groovy that made someone want to click the fingers. In an Interview, Wolstenholme also revealed that some parts of the song is heavily influenced by Michael Jackson's " Billie Jean".

Music video

The video, directed by John Hillcoat, depicts a number of military officials seated at a round table performing actions simultaneously, moving to the beat of the song, as Muse play the song on the table, with the officials apparently oblivious to Muse's presence. Eventually, the officers begin to start dancing on the table, seeming to go insane. They eventually end up crawling. It is partially based on '' Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb''.

Track listings

* UK 7", UK/Japanese/French CD #"Time Is Running Out" – 3:56 #"The Groove" – 2:38 #"Stockholm Syndrome" (video) – 4:59 (CD versions only) * UK DVD #"Time Is Running Out" – 3:56 #"Time Is Running Out" (video) – 3:58 #"Time Is Running Out" (making of video) – 2:00

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

External links

''Time Is Running Out'' lyrics – Official Muse website.
{{Authority control Muse (band) songs 2003 singles 2003 songs Song recordings produced by Rich Costey Songs written by Chris Wolstenholme Songs written by Dominic Howard Songs written by Matt Bellamy