The Temper
The Clockworks Lyrics

In "The Temper," The Clockworks weave a narrative of heartbreak and emotional turmoil, conveyed through the imagery and raw emotions of a man grappling with the end of a relationship. The opening lines introduce a woman whose disinterest is palpable as she gives him a look that suggests her detachment from whatever he might be offering. The phrase "buying the bull he was selling" serves as a metaphor for their emotional disconnect, indicating that she sees through any facades or romantic advances he might attempt. The heartache is deepened by the phrase "Silence convicted the crime," where the lack of communication and farewell amplifies the pain of their separation, leaving the singer with unresolved feelings and a sense of loss as she departs without a word.

As the song progresses, the man reflects on the harsh reality that comes with the ending of this relationship. The lines express a visceral realization about the absence of joy and affection that once quickened his pulse—the smiles that now belong to another person. This painful awakening emphasizes the struggle of moving forward, as the happiness he once took for granted has now slipped away irretrievably. The emotional burden is heavy, and the singer feels stricken by the loss, compelled to confront both his sorrow and the jealousy that arises from the thought of someone else filling the emotional void she left behind. This acknowledgment hints at vulnerability and poignancy, capturing the essence of heartbreak that transforms love into a memory tinged with bitterness.

The emotional depths continue to unfold as the lyrics portray the internal conflict within the singer. The repeated mantra of "It's a struggle not to cry" underscores how the pain of loss weighs on him, illustrating the fragility of his emotional state. He describes himself as "broken" and "close to dying," signifying the overwhelming impact the lost connection has on his psyche. When her name surfaces in conversations, it triggers an uncontrollable fury that reflects not only his anger but also his sense of helplessness in the face of grief. The powerful imagery of "the fury that he couldn't temper" signifies a struggle with emotions that are hard to manage, suggesting that his temper has manifested itself in ways that complicate his healing process. This lyrical intensity showcases the rawness of heartbreak and the complexity of human emotions.

In the final verses, the singer’s loneliness becomes tangible as he observes untrustworthy figures around him, likening them to characters in an Agatha Christie story. This comparison implies a sense of disillusionment with his environment, where trust and sincerity seem elusive. He reveals a more mundane side of his existence through the imagery of reheating leftover food while mindlessly watching television reruns. This mundane reality starkly contrasts with the fog of loss he is enveloped in, deepening the sense of alienation he feels. The refrain echoes back, reiterating the struggle to control his emotions—highlighting that no external blame can suffice for his pain. Ultimately, this reflection brings a sobering conclusion to the narrative, leaving listeners with a poignant reminder that heartache, complex feelings, and the inability to temper one's emotions are shared human experiences, wrapping the song in both melancholy and relatability.