ClockWise
Jarrod Gipson Lyrics

In "Clockwise," Jarrod Gipson explores complex themes of love and longing, emphasizing the paradoxes intertwined within relationships. The opening lines, "Cross my heart and hope to die, I'll cut the cord, sever the tie," suggest a strong commitment to severing ties with someone, implying a desire for emotional freedom and resolution. However, this decision is quickly accompanied by confusion, highlighting the internal struggle that arises when deep feelings persist despite a desire for separation. The phrase "how can there be love without you" encapsulates the central conflict; love is portrayed not just as an attachment but a fundamental part of existence, much like breathing. Moreover, the imagery of their hearts synchronizing and "turning clockwise" symbolizes a cyclical connection, where love feels inextricably linked to identity and existence—pointing to an unavoidable, almost mechanical nature of their affection for one another.

As the song progresses, Gipson vividly illustrates the intensity of physical desire, blending sensual imagery with emotional yearning. The repeated lines "Tattoo your kiss upon my heart" and "girl bite my lip, come make your mark" signify a deep desire for intimacy and permanence in a relationship fraught with conflict. The metaphor of tattooing implies that the marks of love leave indelible scars, suggesting both beauty and pain. The verses plunge into visceral experiences where physical passion is interwoven with emotional connection, as seen in the lines "I wanna go up in flames, I wanna feel your body." Here, the flames serve as a metaphor for passionate love, portraying an eagerness to embrace both pleasure and destruction, echoing the tumultuous nature of their relationship.

The juxtaposition of the desire for separation with the urge to reconnect highlights the complexity of love. The lines "We fight again say we need space, it's time to go our separate ways" convey tumult and frustration inherent in their bond. Despite external pressures and advice suggesting distance, the singer finds themselves "running right back to you again," reflecting an unwavering commitment to their partner regardless of conflicts. The contrast between societal expectations of regret and the singer's unwavering affection emphasizes that true love often defies conventional logic, suggesting that their connection is profound and transcendent, capable of enduring strikes and separations. The refrain of love as never being "history" reinforces the idea that their bond continues to live and evolve, despite any turmoil they face.

In the latter parts of the song, the yearning becomes palpable, evidenced by the repetition of the desire to "find you" and "get lost skin to skin, heart to heart." This reflects a deep yearning not just for physical intimacy, but a more profound emotional reconnection. The frequent repetition serves to intensify the singer's longing, as if each call to find their partner is both a plea and a promise—an acknowledgment of their shared past while also anticipating a future together. The cyclical nature of the lyrics, repeated phrases, and the imagery of getting closer further convey the feeling of an inescapable bond that continually draws them back together. Ultimately, Gipson encapsulates a love that is fierce, complicated, and intricately bound by both pleasure and pain, suggesting that true intimacy is often born from navigating the chaos of emotional entanglements.