In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
I'm Watching My Watch
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm wondering if and when you will call
I'm watching the door open hoping you'll come walking through
As I tell my troubles to the four walls
The hands of my watch slowly move and I cry
For time and romance are passing me by
I'm watching my watch every second seems to say
That the one who stole your heart away is gone
The hands of my watch slowly move and I cry
Watching my watch watching my watch watching my watch
In "I'm Watching My Watch" by Johnny Tillotson, the singer is heartbroken and waiting for a phone call that may or may not come. He is staring at his watch, counting the seconds as the hands tick by slowly, wishing that time would speed up and bring him some resolution. He's imagining his lost love walking through the door, but as each minute passes, it becomes increasingly clear that he's living in a fantasy.
The singer's obsession with his watch reflects his obsession with time itself. He can't escape the sense that his life is slipping away from him, and he's desperate to hold onto something, even if it's just the ticking of the seconds. The repetition of the lyric "Watching my watch" serves to underscore his sense of helplessness and isolation. He's ranting to the walls because there's no one else there to listen.
Musically, the song's minor key and ballad tempo contribute to the melancholy mood, while the simple piano accompaniment allows Tillotson's voice to take center stage. The song is a classic example of a lost love ballad, and it's easy to see why it became a hit for Tillotson.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm watching my watch it's a heartache after ten
I'm painfully aware of the time, as it's already late in the evening and I haven't heard from you
And I'm wondering if and when you will call
I'm constantly thinking about whether or not you'll reach out to me
I'm watching the door open hoping you'll come walking through
I'm anxiously waiting for you to show up, hoping that you'll surprise me
As I tell my troubles to the four walls
I'm stuck alone, with no one to confide in except for the walls around me
The hands of my watch slowly move and I cry
I'm emotional, and as time keeps ticking by, I become more and more upset
For time and romance are passing me by
I'm realizing that both time and opportunities for love are slipping away from me
I'm watching my watch every second seems to say
I'm hyper-focused on the time, and it feels like each second is taunting me
Silly fool you'll learn before this day goes on
I'm aware of how foolish I must look, and that I'll hopefully learn from this experience
That the one who stole your heart away is gone
I'm coming to terms with the fact that you've moved on and that I need to let go
Watching my watch watching my watch watching my watch
I'm obsessively checking the time, hoping that it will somehow bring you back to me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SHERMAN, WEISS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christophe Mingand
Hello from France. Johnny Tillotson is for me one of the most beautifull voice of USA, a great songwriter, and a very sensitive singer. He can sing everything with lot of talent. Thank you very much Mr Tillotson for all your work and sorry for my english. I love you really much. A fan from France, Christophe.
Harry Follick
"Watching My Watch" Is one of a number of great songs done by JT. I suppose(not sure) it is a ballad and his voice is just right for that type of music. His songs always tell a love story and they are enjoyable to listen.
barrygioportmorien1
I share your words Christophe, he's one of a kind...
Cheryl Daniels
Hes so elegant.
Marie Holt
Got a puzzle for you
If there's 10 letters of the alphabet B E B E G A D H E F
What could you do with them
Put your
To The
Christopher G
who's high ?