The Clock
Yorke Thom Lyrics
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But you just move the hands upon the clock
You throw coins in the wishing well
For us
You just move your hands upon the wall
It comes to you begging you to stop
Wake up
Throw coins in the wishing well
For us
You make believe that you are still in charge
The lyrics of "The Clock" by Thom Yorke are quite enigmatic and can be interpreted in various ways. One possible explanation is that the song is about the passage of time and how people often feel powerless to control it. The first verse suggests that time is running out for "us," but instead of doing something about it, the person addressed in the lyrics merely moves the hands of the clock and throws coins in a wishing well. The chorus implores this person to "wake up" and stop pretending to be in control of time.
Another possible interpretation is that the song is a commentary on society's obsession with productivity and efficiency. The phrase "move your hands upon the wall" could be a reference to clock-watching or a symbol of busywork that distracts from more important things. The line "you make believe that you are still in charge" suggests a disconnect between reality and perception, as people cling to the illusion of control even as time slips away.
Overall, "The Clock" is a haunting meditation on the nature of time and humanity's relationship to it. Its minimalist instrumentation and repetitive structure help create a sense of unease, echoing the song's themes of inevitability and powerlessness.
Line by Line Meaning
Time is running out for us
We are rapidly approaching the end of our time
But you just move the hands upon the clock
Despite the urgency, you are only superficially acknowledging the passage of time
You throw coins in the wishing well
You make hopeful gestures without taking meaningful action to change our situation
For us
In an attempt to appease us or give the appearance of caring about our fate
You just move your hands upon the wall
Your actions are mechanical and disconnected from the reality of our predicament
It comes to you begging you to stop
The severity of the situation is imploring you to take decisive action
Wake up
Realize the gravity of the situation and take action
But you just move your hands upon the clock
Despite the urgency, you are only superficially acknowledging the passage of time
Throw coins in the wishing well
You make hopeful gestures without taking meaningful action to change our situation
For us
In an attempt to appease us or give the appearance of caring about our fate
You make believe that you are still in charge
You are deluding yourself into thinking that you have control over the outcome when in reality you are not taking action to influence it
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS EDWARD YORKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lisabryant1062
Time is running out for us
But you just move the hands upon the clock
You throw coins in the wishing well
For us
You just move your hands upon the wall
It comes to you begging you to stop
Wake up
But you just move your hands upon the clock
Throw coins in the wishing well
For us
You make believe that you are still in charge
@TheSuckatash
Do you know why its not struggling or being affected by his guitar? Its because it flows out of him like a river.. its natural.. pure music. He doesn't have to think about cords, notes, pitch, words.. Thom is a rare talent.. Those of us who are able to appreciate his music are lucky. We are watching and listening to someone who has the same make up of a Mozart or Beethoven.. someone who can transcend cliche thoughts of how music "should" sound. What we are hearing is a manifestation of a soul.
@Gump1224
This is a truly indestructible performance.
@ManlyOBeeferton
+Tim I'm wondering what a destructible performance would be like.
@Gump1224
It would fall apart.
@Onmysheet
Yeah but I like the album version more.
@troygardner1610
That's not what the loving scuff marks on the guitar suggest
@MattmanFishgoose
I've love how he just seems to get lost in the music. He shakes himself out of it at the end of the song. Greatness
@thomasmusca8000
It's crazy to think that this man is the 3rd best guitarist in Radiohead. Can't wait for the new record
@jorgegaleano7054
+Thomas Musca That's crazy, man..
@halloweenvicg3
Ed is an amazing guitarrist but Thom is unique in guitar I think he might be the second best one, of course the first one being God aka Jonny Greenwood.