Clocks

The lights go out and I can't be saved Tides that I tried to swim against Have brought me down upon my knees Oh, I beg, I beg and plead Singin' come out of things un said Shoot an apple off my head And a trouble that can't be named A tiger's waiting to be tamed, singin' You are You are Confusion that never stops Closing walls and ticking clocks Gonna come back and take you home I could not stop that you now know Singin' come out upon my seas Cursed missed opportunities Am I a part of the cure Or am I part of the disease? Singin' You are You are You are You are You are You are And nothing else compares Oh, no, nothing else compares And nothing else compares You are You are Home, home, where I wanted to go Home, home, where I wanted to go Home, home, where I wanted to go Home, home, where I wanted to go

Composer: Christopher Anthony John Martin / Guy Rupert Berryman / Jonathan Mark Buckland / William Champion

In-depth Analysis of 'Clocks' by LyricLens AI

Coldplay's iconic 'Clocks' delves into a poignant exploration of time, urgency, and existential dilemmas. The opening lines, "The lights go out and I can't be saved / Tides that I tried to swim against," immediately establish a sense of overwhelming struggle and helplessness against forces beyond one's control, perhaps representing destiny, time, or life's relentless pace.

Central Themes Explored:

Time and Pressure: The pervasive imagery of "ticking clocks" serves as a powerful metaphor for the relentless passage of time, the pressure of deadlines, and the anxiety of missed opportunities ("Cursed missed opportunities"). It suggests a feeling of being trapped by time's constraints.
Internal Conflict and Helplessness: Lines like "Am I a part of the cure / Or am I part of the disease?" highlight a profound internal struggle and a questioning of one's role and impact. The "tiger's waiting to be tamed" symbolizes unresolved internal issues or fears that need confronting.
Yearning for Home and Belonging: The repeated refrain "Home, home, where I wanted to go" offers a contrasting sense of yearning for comfort, belonging, and a place of peace amidst the chaos. It suggests that despite the external pressures, there's a deep-seated desire for an ultimate solace or resolution.

Emotions and Atmosphere:

The song evokes a blend of urgency, resignation, and a profound sense of introspection. The repetitive and almost hypnotic piano riff underscores the ticking of a clock, creating an atmosphere of both beauty and underlying anxiety. Ultimately, 'Clocks' is a meditative piece on the human condition, grappling with the unstoppable flow of time and the search for meaning and solace within it.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Clocks' by Coldplay

What is the main meaning behind Coldplay's 'Clocks'?

'Clocks' primarily explores themes of time's relentless passage, existential struggle, and the pressure of missed opportunities. It conveys a feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges while yearning for a sense of belonging or resolution.

What do the "ticking clocks" symbolize in the song?

The "ticking clocks" symbolize the constant, unavoidable march of time, creating a sense of urgency, anxiety, and the pressure to act or make decisions before opportunities vanish. It highlights the fleeting nature of moments and choices.

What does "Am I a part of the cure or am I part of the disease?" signify?

This line reflects a deep internal conflict and self-doubt. It questions the narrator's role in their own struggles or in the larger issues of the world, wondering if they are contributing to the solution or perpetuating the problem.

Fun Facts about 'Clocks':

'Clocks' is one of Coldplay's most recognizable songs and is famously built around its arpeggiated piano riff, which became one of the band's signature sounds.
The song won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2004, cementing its status as a modern rock classic.
'Clocks' was a late addition to the album "A Rush of Blood to the Head," with Chris Martin reportedly composing the main piano riff spontaneously.