Feels So Real
The Clockworks Lyrics
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By the glow of the lamps
The city's a lady
The city's a tramp
I said I'd be there by 6
But it's already 8
It's a state of the timesThat time's at the stake
When there's history to make
Tripping over bottle tops, skip round syringes
Trollies in the river and gates off their hinges
It feels so real to me
There's a laugh on a park bench
cnd doves on the scene
The city's the size of
The places you've been,
The people you've seen around
Sirens whine
cs hopefuls line
Up for the club
Looking for love
In the dark
Blind man's bluff of the heart
Tripping over bottle tops, skip round syringes
Trollies in the river and gates off their hinges
It feels so real to me
“You'll never find love
You'll never find love
No, you'll never find love
Until you buy these gloves”
Then through a chink in the night
The last of the light
Hits your delicate face and I smile
I smile
cnd it feels so real to me.
The lyrics of "Feels So Real" by The Clockworks present a vivid snapshot of city life, capturing both the romantic and gritty aspects of urban existence. The opening lines introduce an atmospheric buzz, juxtaposing the city's duality as both alluring and unrefined. Describing the city as a "lady" and a "tramp," the singer acknowledges the dual nature of urban life—its sophistication and thrill alongside its rough, unpolished edges. This personification of the city sets the stage for a narrative steeped in the complexities of modern life, where charm and chaos coexist, defining the human experience within a bustling metropolis.
As the lyrics progress, a sense of urgency emerges, which is symbolized by the singer's delay in arriving at a prearranged meeting. The reference to being late—“I said I'd be there by 6, but it's already 8”—highlights the chaotic nature of contemporary life, where time slips away amidst the pressures of making memories and seizing the day. The phrase "it's a state of the times, that time's at the stake" implies a critical commentary on how society often prioritizes progress—historically and personally—over punctuality and connection. The urgency of "when there's history to make" conveys a feeling of restlessness, as people rush to leave their mark, even while grappling with the fragility of time itself.
The imagery in the following lines paints a stark yet poignant picture of the urban landscape, filled with remnants of nightlife and its darker undertones. The mention of “bottle tops,” “syringes,” and “trollies in the river” evokes a vivid and disheartening tableau of urban decay—indicative of the struggles faced by those living in the city. This raw representation of the environment emphasizes the contrasting realities present in highly populated areas, where moments of beauty and moments of despair often collide. Despite these challenges, the repeated assertion that "it feels so real to me" suggests a deep engagement and emotional investment in the experience of city life, highlighting the complexity of feeling alive amid chaos.
The latter part of the song introduces an intriguing commentary on love and connection through the metaphor of a sign that states, “You'll never find love until you buy these gloves.” This line critiques the commercialization of intimacy and the often misguided belief that material possessions can somehow facilitate emotional connections. The imagery evolves as the singer observes doves in the park and hopeful souls lining up for a night out, all searching for love and belonging in the dark corners of the city. Ultimately, as light falls on the subject's delicate face, the moment is intimate and tender, culminating in a smile that signifies both realization and affection—a reminder of the beauty that persists in life's imperfection. The refrain “it feels so real to me” encapsulates the song’s overarching theme of authenticity, demonstrating that even within the disarray of urban experiences, there remains a profound sense of truth and connection to those fleeting yet meaningful moments in life.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a buzz in the air
A vibrant energy fills the atmosphere, hinting at life and excitement around.
By the glow of the lamps
The soft illumination from streetlights creates an enchanting, almost intimate setting.
The city's a lady
The city possesses an elegant, sophisticated charm that captivates its inhabitants.
The city's a tramp
Simultaneously, the city reveals a rough, carefree side, embodying both beauty and grit.
I said I'd be there by 6
I made a promise or plan to meet at a specific time, emphasizing commitment.
But it's already 8
Time has passed, underscoring a sense of delay or disappointment in adhering to plans.
It's a state of the times
Current circumstances reflect a broader trend in society, possibly hinting at chaos or unpredictability.
That time's at the stake
Time feels precious and precarious, as if something significant is hanging in the balance.
When there's history to make
In moments of urgency, we strive to create meaningful experiences that will be remembered.
Tripping over bottle tops, skip round syringes
Navigating through urban challenges and remnants of nightlife, reflecting the reckless side of the city.
Trollies in the river and gates off their hinges
Images of neglect and disarray that echo the chaotic nature of city life and its abandoned dreams.
It feels so real to me
This experience resonates deeply, creating an intense sense of authenticity and presence.
There's a laugh on a park bench
In the midst of urban life, moments of joy are shared, portraying connection and warmth.
cnd doves on the scene
Symbols of peace and hope, the presence of doves adds a serene and uplifting element to the environment.
The city's the size of
The scale of the city relates to personal experiences; it expands based on what one has encountered.
The places you've been,
Past experiences shape one’s perception of the world, making it feel larger or smaller.
The people you've seen around
Interactions with others transform the city; they create a community that defines its essence.
Sirens whine
The sound of emergency services serves as a reminder of urgency and alerts within the urban landscape.
cs hopefuls line
People gather in anticipation, demonstrating a collective longing for opportunity or connection.
Up for the club
Seeking nightlife and social engagement, embodying the desire for escapism or connection.
Looking for love
An inherent pursuit of affection and companionship amidst the complexities of life.
In the dark
Navigating through uncertainty, highlighting vulnerability in the search for romance.
Blind man's bluff of the heart
The unpredictable nature of love resembles a game, where emotions can be misleading and uncertain.
Tripping over bottle tops, skip round syringes
Once more, confronting the remnants of revelry and its darker aspects in the urban environment.
Trollies in the river and gates off their hinges
The city’s disarray speaks volumes about the lives lived here, signaling lost potential and neglect.
It feels so real to me
This sensory experience is profoundly authentic, marked by emotional intensity and vividness.
cnd a 20 foot sign says
Large advertisements dominate landscapes, symbolizing consumerism and societal expectations.
“You'll never find love
A cynical message suggesting that love is elusive and hindered by material constraints.
You'll never find love
Repetition emphasizes the harsh reality of searching for love in modern society.
No, you'll never find love
The relentless cycle of disappointment is highlighted, reflecting a broader existential struggle.
Until you buy these gloves”
Implying that love is conditional, tied to superficial materialism rather than genuine connection.
Then through a chink in the night
A fleeting moment of hope cuts through the darkness, suggesting possibility amid uncertainty.
The last of the light
A final glimmer or realization emerges before total darkness descends, symbolizing clarity.
Hits your delicate face and I smile
In witnessing this beauty, a spontaneous joy arises, showcasing genuine affection and connection.
I smile
A simple expression of happiness that signifies contentment and appreciation in that moment.
cnd it feels so real to me.
The overwhelming authenticity of this experience resonates deeply, anchoring emotions in the present.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrewschaal3348
I’m glad I know about this band!!! my new favorite band!
@orlangrimesmarin84
On ya boys, listening from Australia!
@subliminallyobsolete2352
They came to play OC California and haven't left my ears since. Love you peeps, you're going to be fucking huge! I can't wait to see you peeps come back 🙏🏻
@guitarshorts7651
Great tune lads. Looking forward to hearing more from you over the next year
@sineesimandl799
In that one clip at around 1:06 he somehow looks a lot like John Constantine hahahhaa love the song btw :))
@beautroutman6747
Listening from the U.S. !
@GhostFace079
I'm new to this band! Soooo Good!
@lizzielola9869
This lot deserve to be HUGE 🤩😎😍
@goncalblay3151
man i was hal-alseep while listening to music and then this came add came out bro I literaly woke up like what's this masterpiece
@patrickmurphy1803
Love it,rhyming syringes with hinges beautiful