10:35

"10:35" by Tiësto and Tate McRae is a song that explores the theme of finding refuge and liberation from daily anxieties through connection and nightlife. The specific time, 10:35 PM, symbolizes a pivotal transition from the stress of the day into the freedom and excitement of the night. Lyrically, Tate McRae describes feelings of being overwhelmed by "darker thoughts" and fears, analogized as "monsters under my bed," and the negativity perpetuated by media. The arrival of 10:35 PM and the embrace of a loved one serve as a powerful antidote, a moment of solace and security that silences her worries. The recurring phrase, "thankin', thankin' God you found me," underscores a deep sense of gratitude for this relationship, which acts as a source of strength and happiness. The song champions the idea of escapism, not as a denial of problems, but as a necessary, rejuvenating break found in the joy of the present moment and the comfort of human connection. Tiësto himself explained that the time 10:35 represents the "changing point in the day" when the energy shifts, a concept he wanted to capture in the song's sound and feel.

The song chronicles a journey from daytime anxiety to nighttime euphoria, centered around the pivotal moment of 10:35 PM. The narrative begins with the protagonist feeling overwhelmed by daily life. She is plagued by dark thoughts, which she visualizes as “monsters under my bed.” The constant stream of negative news from the television amplifies her fears, making her feel as though the world is on the brink of collapse. This creates a palpable sense of unease and a longing for escape.

However, there's a powerful antidote to this anxiety: the anticipation of the night and, more specifically, the presence of a significant other. The time “10:35” marks the turning point, the moment when she can finally feel her partner’s arms around her. This physical closeness becomes a sanctuary, a place where the worries of the day can “drown.” The feeling is so profound that she finds herself repeatedly “thankin', thankin' God you found me,” highlighting a deep sense of gratitude for this connection that serves as her anchor.

As the song progresses into its second verse, the theme of escapism continues through the imagery of dreams. The protagonist travels to “places in my dreams,” exploring “never-ending alleyways.” While she doesn’t fully understand the meaning of these nocturnal journeys, they represent a subconscious exploration and a break from reality. The core message remains consistent: despite the confusion or fear she might encounter, the return to the thought of her partner’s embrace at 10:35 brings everything back into focus. It’s a recurring motif that reinforces the idea of love as a protective shield.

The chorus acts as the song's emotional and thematic centerpiece, repeatedly celebrating the liberating power of this specific time and the love it represents. The lines “So don't you worry about tomorrow, Don't you worry, just pass the bottle” further emphasize a desire to live completely in the present moment, casting aside future anxieties for immediate joy and connection. The night offers a space where she feels brave and unafraid, a stark contrast to her daytime state. Ultimately, the song is a celebration of finding a person who makes you feel safe, powerful, and free from the mental burdens of everyday life, all crystallized in that one magical moment: 10:35.

"10:35" was released on November 3, 2022, as a collaboration between Dutch DJ Tiësto and Canadian singer Tate McRae. The song was co-written by Tiësto (Tijs Verwest), Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Peter Rycroft (Lostboy), Amy Allen, and Scott Harris. The producers on the track were Tiësto, Ryan Tedder, and Lostboy. A significant part of the song's creation was its partnership with Dubai's ultra-luxury resort, Atlantis The Royal, which was nearing its 2023 opening. Tiësto was inspired by the resort's concept of a dual experience—the luxury of the daytime transitioning into the vibrant energy of the night. He chose the time "10:35" to represent this exact moment of transformation. The song was intended to capture the "essence, energy and electricity" of the resort. Tate McRae, who had spent some of her childhood in the Middle East, was considered a perfect vocalist to complement the brand's aspirational feel. McRae first teased the song on TikTok on October 21, 2022, in a video filmed at the resort. The official music video was also filmed on location at Atlantis The Royal, showcasing its opulent architecture and design, and was directed by Courtney Phillips.

The rhyme scheme in "10:35" is relatively straightforward, primarily using couplets (AABB) and simple rhyme patterns to maintain a catchy, pop-friendly structure. For instance, in the first verse, "head" rhymes with "bed," and "chest" with "end" (a slant rhyme). This simplicity makes the lyrics memorable and easy to sing along to. The song's rhythm is defined by a consistent four-on-the-floor dance beat, typical of the house and dance-pop genres, with a tempo designed for the club. The lyrical rhythm often plays against the steady musical pulse. Tate McRae's delivery in the verses is more conversational and syncopated, reflecting the lyrical theme of scattered, anxious thoughts. In the chorus, the vocal rhythm becomes more emphatic and aligned with the main beat, reinforcing the feeling of confidence and liberation. The repetition of "10:35" and the phrase "thankin', thankin' God you found me" creates a rhythmic hook that is both a lyrical and musical anchor for the track.

Musically, "10:35" is a quintessential Tiësto production, blending pop sensibilities with electronic dance music. The song is built on a driving house beat with a prominent, pulsating bassline that creates an infectious, danceable rhythm. Its structure follows a verse-chorus form that builds anticipation, moving from Tate McRae's more subdued, introspective vocal delivery in the verses to a euphoric, high-energy release in the chorus. The key of B♭ Minor lends a certain warmth and depth to the track. The production is clean and polished, characterized by layered synths, rhythmic hooks, and subtle FX that enhance the transitions, particularly the drop into the chorus. Lyrically, the song employs direct, relatable imagery ("monsters under my bed," "the TV make you think the whole world's about to end") to create a strong contrast between the verses' anxiety and the chorus's relief. McRae's crystal-clear vocals provide an emotional core that anchors the electronic instrumental, making the song both a club anthem and a personally resonant track.

"10:35" achieved significant commercial success and cultural penetration, becoming a staple on global radio and in DJ sets. It charted prominently worldwide, peaking at number 8 in the UK, number 5 in Ireland, and appearing on charts in numerous countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. The song was the sixth single from Tiësto's successful seventh studio album, "Drive," released in 2023. Its creation was uniquely tied to a high-profile brand partnership with the luxury Atlantis The Royal resort in Dubai, with the music video serving as a centerpiece for the hotel's launch campaign. This collaboration was featured in publications like Billboard and Hypebeast, highlighting a modern synergy between music and luxury branding. The track also found its way into other media, notably being included in the soundtrack for the video game F1 23. Numerous remixes were released, including a popular version by Joel Corry, further extending its reach within the electronic music community.

The song "10:35" is built around a central, powerful symbol: the time itself.

• 10:35 PM: This time is a metaphor for a gateway from anxiety to freedom. It's not just a point on the clock, but a symbolic moment of transition when the burdens of the day, described as "monsters under my bed" and fears fueled by the news, dissipate. It represents the beginning of the night's possibilities and the escape into a more joyful, carefree state of being.
• A Partner's Embrace: The feeling of being held ("I can feel your arms around me") symbolizes safety, security, and a shield from the world's chaos. The line "Let 'em drown me" is a metaphor for willingly surrendering to this feeling of love and protection, allowing it to overwhelm and silence the negative thoughts.
• Monsters Under My Bed: This classic image is used as a direct metaphor for internal fears and anxieties that feel childish but are nonetheless potent in adult life. It grounds the abstract feeling of dread in a relatable, tangible image.

The most significant recurring motif in "10:35" is the title phrase itself, "All I know it's 10:35." Its repetition throughout the intro and chorus functions as an anchor, a symbolic and literal marker of change. This phrase grounds the song's entire narrative, representing the moment of escape and emotional release. Another key recurring lyric is "And I can feel your arms around me," which is consistently paired with the title time, reinforcing the central theme that this specific connection is the source of comfort and security. The grateful exclamation, "And I'm thankin', thankin' God you found me," is also repeated in the intro and chorus, emphasizing the protagonist's deep appreciation for her partner who provides this sanctuary from her anxieties. These recurring elements work together to create a cohesive and memorable anthem about finding safety and joy in another person.