The phrase "as time goes by" functions as much more than a simple temporal marker in the English language. It is a vessel for nostalgia, a cornerstone of cinematic history, and a recurring motif in television and music that spans nearly a century. Whether encountered in a linguistic context to describe the gradual progression of events or as the haunting melody played in a smoky Rick’s Café Américain, this expression carries a weight that few other idioms can match.

Understanding the Meaning and Usage of As Time Goes By

In its most fundamental linguistic sense, "as time goes by" is an adverbial phrase meaning "as time passes" or "with the passage of time." While it is often used interchangeably with "over time," the two carry distinct nuances that affect the tone of a sentence.

What is the difference between as time goes by and over time?

While "over time" is frequently utilized in scientific, historical, or professional contexts to describe a functional change (e.g., "Technology has improved over time"), "as time goes by" leans heavily into the emotional and narrative. It is the preferred choice for literature, poetry, and reflective conversation.

When a person says, "As time goes by, I miss my hometown more," they are not just stating a chronological fact; they are invoking a sense of longing and the organic, often uncontrollable nature of memory and emotion. It suggests a journey or a slow, rhythmic progression rather than a clinical observation of change.

The Musical Genesis: Herman Hupfeld and the 1931 Original

Long before it became synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood, "As Time Goes By" was a modest hit on the Broadway stage. It was written in 1931 by Herman Hupfeld for the musical Everybody’s Welcome.

Hupfeld, a songwriter who spent much of his time at the piano in the Robin Hood Inn in Montclair, New Jersey, captured a sentiment that was surprisingly modern for its time. In its original publication, the song was set in the key of E-flat major. While performed by Frances Williams in the original show and recorded by Rudy Vallée later that year, the song enjoyed respectable but not overwhelming success. It was the reintroduction of the piece a decade later that would elevate it to immortality.

The Casablanca Connection: A Cinematic Legend

The true cultural explosion of the song occurred in 1942 with the release of Casablanca. Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film used "As Time Goes By" as its emotional backbone.

Why was the song so important in Casablanca?

In the film, the song serves as a leitmotif—a recurring musical theme associated with the lost love between Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund. When Ilsa enters Rick’s bar and asks the pianist Sam (played by Dooley Wilson) to "Play it once, Sam, for old times' sake," the melody bridges the gap between their romantic past in Paris and their cynical present in war-torn Morocco.

An interesting historical footnote: Dooley Wilson was actually a drummer, not a pianist. During the filming, the piano music heard by the audience was actually being played by studio pianist Elliot Carpenter, who sat behind a curtain while Wilson mimicked the hand movements on screen. Furthermore, Wilson was unable to record a commercial version of the song at the time due to the 1942–44 musicians' strike. Consequently, RCA Victor reissued Rudy Vallée’s 1931 recording, which reached the top of the charts eleven years after its initial release.

Debunking the Play It Again, Sam Myth

One of the most famous misquotes in cinema history is "Play it again, Sam." In reality, that specific line is never uttered in Casablanca. Ilsa says, "Play it once, Sam," and later, Rick commands, "Play it!" The misquote became so pervasive that it later served as the title for a Woody Allen play and film, further cementing the song's place in the public consciousness through the lens of parody and homage.

The Forgotten Lyrics: Einstein and Third Dimension

Most people are familiar with the chorus that begins with "You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss." However, the original 1931 composition by Hupfeld included an introductory verse that is almost always omitted in modern performances and was notably absent from the Casablanca version.

The original intro reflects the anxieties and scientific fascinations of the early 1930s:

"This day and age we’re living in gives cause for apprehension, With speed and new invention and things like third dimension. Yet, we get a trifle weary with Mister Einstein’s theory..."

By removing these lines, the film focused the song entirely on the "fundamental things"—love, jealousy, and passion—removing the specific historical markers of the 1930s and making the song feel truly timeless. The decision to skip the intro allowed the lyrics to resonate as a universal truth rather than a commentary on the era of Albert Einstein and the "third dimension."

The British Sitcom: As Time Goes By (1992–2005)

The phrase found a second life in the world of television through the beloved British romantic sitcom As Time Goes By. Starring Dame Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer, the show premiered in 1992 and ran for nine successful seasons.

What is the premise of the As Time Goes By TV series?

The series tells the story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, two former lovers who were separated in the early 1950s after a letter went missing while Lionel was serving in the Korean War. They reunite by chance 38 years later.

The show uses the song "As Time Goes By" as its theme music, perfectly encapsulating the series' themes of rekindled romance, the irony of lost time, and the idea that "the fundamental things apply" regardless of age. It was a groundbreaking show in its quiet, witty portrayal of romance among the "silver-haired" demographic, proving that the sentiment of the 1931 song was as relevant in the 1990s as it was in 1942.

The Enduring Legacy in Pop Culture

The influence of "As Time Goes By" extends into the branding of major media institutions. Since 1999, an instrumental version of the song’s closing bars has accompanied the Warner Bros. Pictures studio logo. It serves as a tribute to the studio's legacy and its production of Casablanca, arguably the most famous film in its library.

The American Film Institute (AFI) ranked "As Time Goes By" as the second-greatest movie song of all time, surpassed only by "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. Its impact is also seen in the sheer volume of covers by legendary artists across genres, including:

  • Frank Sinatra: Whose rendition brought a sophisticated, melancholic swagger to the tune.
  • Billie Holiday: Who infused the lyrics with her signature soulful depth.
  • Louis Armstrong: Whose gravelly vocals added a layer of warmth and weary wisdom.
  • Natalie Cole and Carly Simon: Who kept the song alive for newer generations of listeners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who wrote the song As Time Goes By?

The song was written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931 for the Broadway musical Everybody’s Welcome.

Did Dooley Wilson actually play the piano in Casablanca?

No. While Dooley Wilson was a talented musician (a drummer), the piano playing in the film was performed by Elliot Carpenter.

What does the phrase as time goes by mean in a sentence?

It is an idiom used to describe something that happens or changes gradually as minutes, days, or years pass. For example: "Their friendship only grew stronger as time went by."

Is the song used in the Warner Bros. logo?

Yes, since 1999, various arrangements of the song have been used in the production logos for Warner Bros. Pictures and Television.

Summary

From its origins as a Broadway tune to its status as the soul of Casablanca and the namesake of a classic British sitcom, "As Time Goes By" remains one of the most significant cultural artifacts of the 20th century. It reminds us that while the world changes with "speed and new invention," the core human experiences of love, memory, and longing remain unchanged. As the lyrics suggest, no matter what the future brings, the fundamental things will always apply.