Can't call (one's) soul (one's) own phrase
Use most of one's time working for others
Jane has worked two jobs to raise her children. She can't call her soul her own.
He's been working a lot of overtime. He really can't call his soul his own.
a long time ago
actions are more important than words
To remain influential in a particular situation or a particular group of people for a long time
Time is running out.
This expression means something will occur in the near future.