ClockWise
thomTide Lyrics


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As the years chip ‘way at boulders
So they do the folks whose shoulders
We stand on, can’t stand much taller
Hold your kin don’t let them fall

You offered one cent, but we take two
Ev’n our heroes made mistakes too
In their days of know’n no better
We must learn we can’t forget

Hold on the hands of time
He pulls us clockwise
He reminds us to
Love and fail while we may
Blaze a trail we’re on our way to ya

On our way to ya
On our way to ya

On our way to ya
On our way to ya

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song "clockWise" by thomTide create a powerful metaphorical image, likening the relentless passage of time to the gradual wearing down of boulders. This imagery evokes the concept that while nature and time can slowly erode physical structures, the same temporal force affects individuals and their legacies, particularly those of the people upon whose shoulders we stand—our ancestors, mentors, and loved ones. It asks us to consider the fragility of human life and the transient nature of existence. The poignant call to "hold your kin" emphasizes the importance of nurturing and supporting our loved ones, suggesting that while we may be shaped by the struggles and accomplishments of those who came before us, we also carry the responsibility to uplift each other amidst life's inevitable challenges.


The next stanza dives deeper into the theme of imperfection and growth. The phrase "You offered one cent, but we take two" suggests that while our predecessors may have given us the basics—perhaps wisdom or opportunity—we have the capacity to seek more, to aspire to greater heights. The line acknowledging that even our heroes have made mistakes offers a nuanced understanding of historical figures; it reminds us that no one is flawless, and that part of our growth lies in recognizing that errors are an inherent part of the human experience. The mention of "days of know’n no better" speaks to the idea of evolving understanding and the value of learning from the past, urging listeners to avoid forgetting the lessons gleaned from both triumphs and failures.


In the chorus, the music takes on a reflective tone with a focus on the unstoppable movement of time, personified through the metaphor of a hand that pulls us "clockwise." This metaphor can signify the cyclical nature of life, moments of joy and sorrow, and the importance of embracing these experiences fully. The line instructing us to "love and fail while we may" underlines the idea that both love and failure are essential parts of our journey. By encouraging us to be daring and adventurous, the lyrics reinforce a message about the significance of taking risks in pursuit of our dreams, recognizing that each moment brings us closer to our goals—be they personal aspirations or communal connections.


Finally, the repeated phrase "On our way to ya" encapsulates a sense of determination and hopefulness. It conveys a journey—both literal and metaphorical—towards a destination that holds personal significance, be it love, understanding, or realization. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and forward momentum, suggesting that while the past shapes us, the future is a space filled with possibilities. The aspirational journey laid out in the final phrases serves as a reminder that even through the trials and tribulations inspired by the passage of time, each step we take together brings us closer to the warmth of connection, purpose, and ultimately, a collective destination where dreams and relationships flourish.


Line by Line Meaning

As the years chip ‘way at boulders
Over time, the relentless passage of years gradually erodes even the hardest of obstacles.


So they do the folks whose shoulders
Similarly, the burdens and experiences of time also shape and affect those who came before us.


We stand on, can’t stand much taller
We owe our stability and growth to those who have supported us, but realize that they've reached their limits.


Hold your kin don’t let them fall
It is vital to support and protect your loved ones, ensuring they do not stumble or fail.


You offered one cent, but we take two
While you may give a little, we tend to ask for or expect even more in return.


Ev’n our heroes made mistakes too
Even those we idolize and consider heroic have been flawed and have erred in their actions.


In their days of know’n no better
There were times when these heroes acted without the wisdom of hindsight or a full understanding.


We must learn we can’t forget
It is essential for us to internalize lessons from the past so we do not repeat same errors.


Hold on the hands of time
Cling tightly to the present moment as it is fleeting and should be cherished.


He pulls us clockwise
Time moves forward, progressing in a direction that we must follow, regardless of our desires.


He reminds us to
Time serves as a constant teacher, imparting wisdom through its inevitable flow.


Love and fail while we may
We should embrace love and accept the possibility of failure as part of the human experience while we still can.


Blaze a trail we’re on our way to ya
We are forging our own paths and making progress towards a destination, indicating focus and determination.


On our way to ya
We are actively moving forward, driven by purpose and intention towards a meaningful goal.


On our way to ya
Our journey continues forward, reaffirming our commitment to reach what we value.


On our way to ya
Each repetition signifies our unwavering resolve to pursue what lies ahead.


On our way to ya
This refrain emphasizes the momentum of our journey towards a cherished destination.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lee Rutledge

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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