Jeremy has recently joined forces with Herb Graham, Jr. in groovalicious LA electro rock outfit, ONS.
On his three solo albums, the self-titled debut, Perfect Flux Thing, and Another True Fiction, Toback brings his gravel-edged voice to songs with a hint of folk, jazz and rock. Intelligent lyrically, and musically satifying, Toback remains an unappreciated singer-songwriter on growlers such as 1997's Eden Trampoline.
ClockWise
Jeremy Toback Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
turn sweet and cold
the gift of gab
has never swung so low
free chariot
build song from bone
restructure loss
and love is all we wrote
clockwise
divine a second to spell
clockwise
we are forever
clockwise
a spin to fill with god
clockwise
we are forgiven
in wake of kingdom
hallow circle
ring return to sound
manna of free rhyme
received as unmyth
disciple rhythm
reannounce this bliss
clockwise
divine a second to spell
clockwise
we are forever
clockwise
a spin to fill with god
clockwise
we are forgiven
guided by breath
fine twist of faith
we stumble stray
give in to regain path
with perfect grace
collision found
join ash and rose
and then we all fall down
clockwise
divine a second to spell
clockwise
we are forever
clockwise
a spin to fill with god
clockwise
we are forgiven...
The lyrics to Jeremy Toback's song Clockwise are full of imagery related to music, spirituality, and time. The first stanza refers to the struggle to find one's voice, both literally and metaphorically. The "gift of gab" is a common phrase that means the ability to speak well, but here it is described as swinging low, indicating a lack of confidence or skill. The next two lines talk about building something from bone and restructuring loss. This could be a reference to the process of creating music, which requires taking something personal and making it into something universal that others can connect with. The final line of the verse brings it back to the theme of love, which is a common topic in art and music.
The chorus of the song repeats the word "clockwise" several times, which adds to the sense of time passing and cycles repeating. The phrase "divine a second to spell" could mean taking a moment to appreciate the present, or it could refer to the act of creating something out of words, which is the same process as spelling. The rest of the chorus talks about being forever, filled with god, and forgiven. These are all spiritual themes that suggest a sense of transcendence or connection with a higher power.
The second verse introduces more mystical imagery, with talk of kingdoms and circles. The line about "joining ash and rose" suggests a balance between the dark and light aspects of existence. The final lines of the song suggest that even though we may stumble and fall, there is a sense of grace that can help us find our way back to the path.
Overall, the lyrics of Clockwise are full of rich symbolism and explore themes of spirituality, creativity, and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
on brink of voice
At the edge of speaking, about to find the words
turn sweet and cold
Emotions fluctuating dramatically
the gift of gab
The talent for speaking and communicating effectively
has never swung so low
But currently unable to perform well
free chariot
Unrestricted and in command of oneself
build song from bone
Creating something beautiful from within oneself
restructure loss
Finding a way to heal from something difficult
and love is all we wrote
Expressing feelings through art
clockwise
The passage of time
divine a second to spell
Finding meaning in every moment
we are forever
Our existence is infinite
a spin to fill with god
Connect with a higher power
we are forgiven
We have been absolved of our wrongdoings
in wake of kingdom
After a period of change or upheaval
queen banish crown
Eliminating something that once had power over us
hallow circle
A sacred space
ring return to sound
Reawakening passion and creativity
manna of free rhyme
The gift of poetic expression
received as unmyth
Treating our talents as real and valuable
disciple rhythm
Finding strength and structure in music
reannounce this bliss
Share our happiness with others
guided by breath
Using our life force to guide us
fine twist of faith
A small change in our beliefs that can lead to big transformations
we stumble stray
Making mistakes and getting lost along the way
give in to regain path
Surrendering control to regain clarity and direction
with perfect grace
Moving through life with balance and poise
collision found
A moment of impact, realization or truth
join ash and rose
Finding beauty and meaning in both the good and bad
and then we all fall down
Inevitably, we will all eventually face adversity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEREMY DAVID TOBACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind