The band have released a series of well-received albums: Mass Romantic (2000), Electric Version (2003), Twin Cinema (2005), Challengers (2007), Together (2010), Brill Bruisers (2014) and Whiteout Conditions (2017), In the Morse Code of Brake Lights (2019) and in March 2023 released Continue as a Guest.
The bands members include:
- Carl Newman - vocals, guitar, ebow, synthesizer, harmonica, pump organ, xylophone
- Kathryn Calder - vocals, piano
- Neko Case - vocals, tambourine
- John Collins - bass, guitar, synthesizer, ebow, vocals
- Joe Seiders – drums, backing vocals
- Todd Fancey - guitar
- Blaine Thurier - synthesizer
Current touring members:
- Nora O'Connor – backing vocals, percussion
- Adam Schatz – saxophone, synthesizer
Former Members:
- Kurt Dahle - drums, percussion, vocals
- Dan Bejar - vocals, guitar, synthesizer, melodion
- Fisher Rose – drums
- Simi Stone – violin, backing vocals, percussion
- Blaine Thurier - synthesizer
ClockWise
The New Pornographers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You call it clockwise
In the light of the [?]
In the struggle to rule the second string
In the valley of the little fingers
In the valley of the lead singers
We are not quite done, you
We call it clockwise
Power surges and the backups are fried
We alive but we brought [?]
In the hopeful hearts of glory and dead ringers
In the valley of the lead singers
We were not quite done yeah
You call it clockwise
Just hold the looking glass up to your eyes
See the savior [?]
See invaders of the black and dead ringers
In the valley of the lead singers
In the hopeful hearts of glory and dead ringers
In the valley of the lead singers
Low
Light
We were not quite [?]
We call it clockwise
Allow me here to accept the demise
[?] on your behalf
As you open stare every [?] in here
In the valley of the lead singers
In the hopeful hearts of glory and dead ringers
In the valley of the lead singers
The lyrics to The New Pornographers's song "Clockwise" speak to themes of time, power struggles, and the pursuit of fame in the music industry. The phrase "we were not quite young then" suggests a reflection on a past era, perhaps a time when they were on the cusp of success. The term "clockwise" is used as a metaphor for the progression of time and the cyclical nature of life. It implies that everything is moving in a predetermined direction, going through the motions until ultimately coming full circle.
The mention of "the struggle to rule the second string" alludes to the competitive nature of the music industry, where artists vie for recognition and success. The "valley of the little fingers" and "valley of the lead singers" symbolize the hierarchy and divisions within the industry. It's a reference to the less celebrated musicians and the dominant frontmen or lead singers. The song suggests that despite being in the midst of this struggle, they are not quite finished yet, indicating a lingering drive for success and recognition.
As the song progresses, it touches on themes of perseverance and the sacrifices made in pursuit of fame. The lines "power surges and the backups are fried" and "alive but we brought [?]" indicate the challenges faced along the way. The lyrics also allude to the transient nature of fame, with references to glory and dead ringers. The "hopeful hearts of glory" represent the aspirations and dreams of those in the music industry, while the "dead ringers" refer to those who imitate or mimic success without truly achieving it.
Overall, "Clockwise" offers a reflection on the music industry, the passage of time, and the struggles faced by musicians in their pursuit of recognition and success.
Line by Line Meaning
We were not quite young then
We were not completely inexperienced or naive at that time
You call it clockwise
You refer to it as moving in a regular, predictable, or expected manner
In the light of the [?]
Considering the uncertain or unknown circumstances
In the struggle to rule the second string
In the competition to gain control or prominence in a secondary position
In the valley of the little fingers
In a place where insignificant or unimportant individuals reside
In the valley of the lead singers
Amongst the main vocalists or prominent figures
We are not quite done, you
We have not yet completed our task or journey, in reference to you
We call it clockwise
We describe it as progressing in a particular direction or pattern
Power surges and the backups are fried
Intense bursts of energy cause damage to the alternative plans or resources
We alive but we brought [?]
We are still alive, yet we have faced difficulties or challenges
In the hopeful hearts of glory and dead ringers
Within the optimistic aspirations for success and those who closely resemble or imitate others
We were not quite done yeah
We had not completely finished yes
Just hold the looking glass up to your eyes
Simply examine or observe the reflection or reality before you
See the savior [?]
Witness the one who rescues or delivers
See invaders of the black and dead ringers
Observe those who intrude upon or challenge the dark and imitations of others
In the hopeful hearts of glory and dead ringers
Within the optimistic aspirations for success and those who closely resemble or imitate others
In the valley of the lead singers
Amongst the main vocalists or prominent figures
Low
Not high or elevated
Light
Illumination or brightness
We were not quite [?]
We were not completely something or someone
We call it clockwise
We describe it as progressing in a particular direction or pattern
Allow me here to accept the demise
Permit me to acknowledge or come to terms with the end or failure
[?] on your behalf
Representing or in the place of you
As you open stare every [?] in here
While you openly gaze at every individual or situation in this place
In the valley of the lead singers
Amongst the main vocalists or prominent figures
In the hopeful hearts of glory and dead ringers
Within the optimistic aspirations for success and those who closely resemble or imitate others
In the valley of the lead singers
Amongst the main vocalists or prominent figures
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Allan Carl Newman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind