"Only Time" is a philosophical inquiry into the unknown. It suggests that humans are often powerless generally to predict the future—whether love will grow, where life will lead—and that the only true answer comes from waiting.

"Who can say where the road goes
Where the day flows, only time"

It offers solace not by promising happy endings, but by accepting uncertainty as a fundamental part of existence.

Released in 2000 on the album A Day Without Rain, the song became indelibly linked to the events of September 11, 2001. Its mournful yet comforting tone made it the unofficial anthem of healing in the weeks following the tragedy.

Media outlets used it extensively in tributes, cementing its place in history as a song of collective mourning and resilience. Enya donated the proceeds from the single to firefighters' families.

The song reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100—a rare feat for a New Age track.

The song features Enya's signature production style, created with producer Nicky Ryan. They layered Enya's voice hundreds of times to create a lush, synthetic choir.

A simple pizzicato string motif provides a steady, clock-like pulse, reinforcing the theme of time passing, while vast reverb creates a cathedral-like space.

Written by Roma Ryan, the lyrics are poetic questions posed to the universe.