Discover the story of the song > That Was Then But This Is Now – Abc

The lyrics are about how the past can't be held onto and that people change over time. The protagonist is saying that the past should not be seen as some sacred thing to hold onto. They acknowledge that they themselves have changed as well. They compare the situation to fruit that has gone rotten on a tree branch, meaning that it is no longer good or valuable. They also mention making sacrifices like the Aztec priests, possibly implying that they have had to give up a lot in their life. They talk about how everyone is falling down and struggling, but they can't complain and must keep going. They mention eating apple crumble, possibly as a metaphor for taking pleasure in small things in life. They say that because of everything that has happened, people's hearts have become hardened and burnt, and that certain countries need to be watched over like babies. Overall, they are saying that the past doesn't matter and that things are different now.