Clocks have been an ever–present theme in music throughout the ages, featuring prominently in both traditional folk tales and modern pop songs. From indie rock like “Moving clocks run slow by we were promised jetpacks” to Coldplay’s hit single “Clocks,” clocks have been used as a metaphor in music to reflect our lives and past experiences.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular songs about clocks from different eras, how their themes reflect life’s ebbs and flows, and the messages they convey. So, sit back, relax, and experience some of the best music about clocks that time has to offer.
20 Top Songs About Clocks
1. Snow Patrol’s “Somewhere a Clock Is Ticking”
First on our list of songs about clocks is this evocative and emotional piece of music that touches on themes of heartache, loss, and longing “Somewhere a clock is ticking” by Snow Patrol.
The song creates an impactful listening experience by blending together ascending melodies and reflective lyrics to create a unique musical composition.
The song received high praise from Billboard Magazine, which remarked that it “is highlighted by gorgeous strings that ferry [the listener] through its lamenting tale.”
This powerful song, with its melancholy undertones and intense emotional intensity, really captures the heart and soul of what it means to be human.
It doesn’t matter if you’re listening to “Somewhere a Clock is Ticking” by yourself in your room or out in a crowded club; its eerie beauty is sure to leave an impression either way.
Listen to this track today if you’re looking for something that will truly move you, and you won’t be disappointed. You won’t regret it.
2. Dean Martin’s “That Old Clock On The Wall”
Next on our list of songs about clocks is this hit song by Dean Martin “That Old Clock on the Wall,” which released in 1966. It was released by Reprise Records as the B side to his hit song “Somewhere There’s A Someone.”
The folkloric tale in the song is about a man who compares his own heart to a clock that never stops beating (or ticking!) for his true love.
Martin draws on imagery of time as well as memories throughout the entirety of the song to create a mood that is melancholy and reflective.
Despite the fact that the song’s lyrics aren’t particularly complex, “That Old Clock on the Wall” has become one of Dean Martin’s most well-known songs, and many of his fans still sing along to the song’s indelible tune to this day.
3. Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Bird’
“Stop the Clock”
This song, which is both moving and powerful, does an excellent job of evoking the emotions of heartbreak, loss, and disappointment in a clear and concise manner.
Stop the Clocks is one of the most well-known and well-loved of all of Gallagher’s songs, and for good reason: it has catchy lyrics and a memorable melody.
No matter how long you’ve been a fan or if you’re just learning about it for the first time, this emotional masterpiece is guaranteed to move you in ways that you never imagined were possible.
You need look no further than Stop the Clocks if you’re looking for a song that perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to feel completely lost and alone in a broken world. This song does a great job of capturing that feeling.
4. Moving clocks run slow by we were promised jetpacks
This was one of the most memorable songs in indie rock history.
This song is widely considered to be among the most famous songs about clocks because it has driving guitars, catchy vocals, and a chorus that stays in listeners’ heads long after they have stopped listening to the song and pressed “stop” again.
It was included on We Were Promised Jetpacks’ second studio album, “These Four Walls,” which was released in 2009, and it didn’t take long for the song to become recognized as one of the band’s signature tracks.
This impressive tune continues to amaze and captivate listeners all over the world.
5. Donots’ Stop The Clocks
The explosive and high-energy rock song “Stop the Clocks” was written and performed by the German band Donots.
This track captures the energy and intensity of the band’s live performances with its pounding drums and screeching guitar riffs.
But more than that, the song “Stop the Clocks” conveys a profound message about the fleeting nature of life and the human propensity to lose track of what’s truly essential in the process of living it.
The song “Stop the Clocks” is an anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of Donots’ music. If you are a fan of hard rock or just looking for an immersive listening experience, “Stop the Clocks” is the song for you.
6. Coldplay’s “Clocks”
This song is widely considered to be among the most famous songs about clocks by the illustrious British band Coldplay.
Clocks shot to the top of the charts for Coldplay almost immediately after its release and continues to be one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
This song flawlessly encapsulates the band’s signature mix of melancholy and hope, from the evocative piano riff that opens it to the infectious vocals that carry it forward.
Clocks was a hit with the audience, but it also received praise from music critics, who praised the song’s lyrics for their ability to stand the test of time and its innovative production techniques.
It continues to be a highlight of Coldplay’s impressive musical legacy and is a song that fans, both old and new, absolutely have to listen to today.
7. Bill Haley and His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock”
One of the songs that has had the most influence on popular music throughout its history is “Rock Around the Clock.”
The catchy tune, which was written by Bill Haley in 1955, became an instant hit all over the world, which helped to establish rock and roll as a preeminent force in music for many years to come.
Although Haley wrote “Rock around the clock” with the sole intention of having fun and writing a danceable jam, his composition has proven to be much more than just a simple tune. In fact, it has become one of the most popular songs in the world.
Since it was first released, this groundbreaking song has had a significant impact on a wide variety of musical practices and has influenced countless artists and styles since its release.
Nearly 65 years after it was first performed, “Rock Around the Clock” is still influencing new musical subgenres, ranging from jazz to punk rock, and thereby leaving a legacy that will endure.
This catchy tune is still causing excitement and bringing people together all over the world a very long time after it first captivated audiences.
8. Broken Clocks – SZA
SZA’s Broken Clocks is a track with a soulful and R&B-influenced sound that takes listeners on a journey through the heart of a relationship that has gone bad.
Broken Clocks is able to convey a wide range of complex feelings through its mesmerizing vocals and intricate harmonies. These feelings range from heartbreak and despair to determination and hope.
Broken Clocks is the perfect song to listen to when when you need need something to listen to, when you need something that moves you both musically and emotionally.
Whether you’re going through your own difficult breakup or simply want to get lost in an engaging musical landscape, Broken Clocks is the perfect song to listen to.
9. Show Me the Skyline, Clocks & Calendars
Show Me the Skyline’s “Clocks & Calendars” is a song that delves into the complexities of time and how we experience it.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how important it is to make the most of every moment by touching on a variety of topics, ranging from the fleeting nature of youth to the anguish that results from being separated from the person you love.
This song stands out as one of the band’s most potent and emotionally resonant works thanks to its pulsating rhythms and a vibe that is reminiscent of a movie soundtrack almost entirely.
The song “Clocks & Calendars” is sure to resonate with you in some way, whether you’re feeling restless or reflective. Because of this, it is the ideal anthem for anyone who strives to live their life to the fullest.
10. The Coral’s clocks and calendars
The self-titled debut album that The Coral released in 2002 featured the song “Calendars and Clocks.” The band is classified as an independent band.
It is a lovely, moving meditation on the passing of time.
This ballad, which was inspired by the singer’s own life experiences and losses, employs imagery from timepieces and the natural world to evoke feelings of melancholy and bereavement.
The combination of bongos, clean guitars, and lush vocals results in a moving musical tapestry that perfectly captures the bittersweet feelings that are evoked by memories of loved ones who have passed away.
This song ultimately reminds us to cherish each day as we race against the relentless ticking of clocks and calendars, reflecting on our fleeting existence in the constantly changing universe.
11. RUFUS DU SOL – Two Clocks
Big harmonies, hypnotic beats, and subtle melodies come together in RÜFÜS’s Two Clocks to create an eclectic blend of sounds and rhythms that captivates the attention of the listener.
The effect is mirrored in the song’s lyrics, which evoke a sense of gentle anticipation as they describe the transition from dusk to nightfall. This effect is mirrored in the song’s lyrics.
The song as a whole paints a picture of a strange and magical world in which time seems to move at its own pace, and there are hints of both excitement and unease throughout the entirety of the track.
Whether you listen to it by yourself or with others, Two Clocks will leave you wanting more because it will take you to a dreamlike realm that is both alluring and unsettling in equal measure.
12. John Prine’s song “Clocks and Spoons.”
Clocks and Spoons, an album by the country music legend John Prine, investigates topics related to time and age by contrasting the calmness of time with the turbulence and unpredictability of life.
In his hit song from 1972, John Prine admits that he has tried to halt the passage of time by staring intently at clocks, but he warns that doing so will only make the ticking of the clock seem even more relentless.
He then reflects on how quickly we all get older, given that new people are constantly being born while others pass away.
In the end, Clocks and Spoons serves as a reminder that no matter how much we try to control or fight against time, we will all be swept away by it at some point in our lives.
This sobering reminder of our own mortality proves to be an experience that is both powerful and moving, and it does not matter how old or how young you are.
13. The Ergs-04-The Clocks, The Clocks
The Ergs!, a punk rock band that became popular in the early 2000s, are responsible for the enduring popularity of the song “The Clocks, The Clocks.”
This raucous and fast-paced track is full of crunchy power chords and is punctuated by shout-along vocals, which makes it the ideal anthem for a night out in the punk scene.
The raw energy and upbeat rhythm of the song “The Clocks, The Clocks” are sure to get stuck in your head, and it won’t be long before you find yourself moving around to the beat.
Check out this timeless classic by The Ergs if you’re looking for some authentic, unadulterated punk music to get the next party or road trip started off on the right foot!
14. Joe Bonamassa’s Time Clocks
Joe Bonamassa, a legendary figure in the world of blues guitar, is the artist behind the song “Time Clocks.”
This ferocious ballad has blistering riffs, catchy melodies, and soaring solos, all of which are sure to get your feet moving and make you want to tap your toes.
As you listen, an almost hypnotic feeling will come over you due to the driving rhythm created by the bass and drums. This feeling will draw you deeper into the music.
Blues music enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to give Time Clocks a listen because the band successfully blends classic blues sound with contemporary influences.
If you’re searching for a classic rock/blues song about clocks, Bonamassa’s Time Clocks is unquestionably worth a listen.
15. The Clocks Aren’t Ticking Backwards – Your Demise
Your Demise’s song “The Clocks Aren’t Ticking Backwards” is a fast-paced, angst-filled metal track that captures the voice of the young, disenchanted generation to a tee. “The Clocks Aren’t Ticking Backwards” is one of the band’s most popular songs.
The unease and disillusionment that so many young people experience in today’s society is perfectly conveyed by the song, which features driving guitars and anguished lyrical content.
Its defiant tone is especially striking because it explores the inevitability of death and the fact that the clocks simply don’t care whether you’re living your best life or not; they’re going to keep on ticking regardless.
There is no denying that “The Clocks Aren’t Ticking Backwards” is an undeniably powerful track that deserves the attention of music fans all over the world, regardless of whether you can relate to its message or simply enjoy listening to its raw intensity.
16. Culture Club – Time (Clock Of The Heart)
Time is an element that is fundamental to and indispensable to the human experience.
The ticking of the clock dictates every moment of our lives, whether we are rushing to make it to an important meeting or simply trying to find a moment to relax. The clock ticks no matter what we are doing at any given moment in time.
However, time can also be interpreted as something that is more ethereal and abstract than simply keeping track of the hours and minutes.
For instance, in this timeless hit “Time (Clock of the Heart),” Culture Club deftly taps into a more conceptual understanding of time by employing metaphorically suggestive lyrical imagery to evoke what they refer to as “the clock of the heart.”
This well-known song is still relevant in the modern era because it serves as a subtle meditation on the importance and significance of time in all of our lives. It is characterized by a pulsing bassline, catchy hooks, and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia.
If you’re searching for a song that magnificently captures both the allure and the potency of the passage of time itself, look no further than “Time (Clock of the Heart)”. This is one of the songs about clocks that reflects on a lot of things.
17. James Bay’s “Clocks Go Forward”
James Bay, a singer and songwriter, issued the song “Clocks Go Forward” in 2014 as the second single to be taken from his first studio album, titled “Chaos and the Calm.”
Because of its soothing melody and infectious chorus, Clocks Go Forward became an instant hit shortly after it was released.
The song has an ethereal quality that immediately draws listeners in. It is characterized by swirling synthesizers, and the vocals are ethereal as well.
It also demonstrates Bay’s unique singing style and songwriting abilities, with lyrics that are insightful as well as expressive.
Overall, Clocks Go Forward is a fantastic illustration of James Bay’s one-of-a-kind style, which is what makes it one of the most cherished hits of his career to this point.
18. Stop the Clocks – Enter Shikari
“Stop the Clocks” is a song that was written and performed by Enter Shikari, a band from the United Kingdom. It was released in 2021 as a single from the band’s studio album titled “Moratorium (Broadcasts From The Interruption).”
“Stop the Clocks” is a frenetic and energizing track that perfectly captures the carefree energy that the band exudes thanks to its heavy electronic production and crunchy guitar riffs.
This song takes you on an exciting journey through sounds both familiar and new, and there’s no doubt that “Stop the Clocks” will make your pulse race and your feet move.
From its playful opening synth tones to its intense climax, this song takes you on an exciting journey through sounds both familiar and new.
19. Clocks And Timepieces – Search The City
You are going to absolutely adore Clocks and Timepieces by Search the City if you are a fan of music that is underrated and that it is likely that your friends are not already listening to.
This is an outstanding example of the emo genre, and it focuses on the unavoidable passage of time and the challenges that this presents in the context of unrequited love.
It begins slowly, with some electronic dance music drum samples, before the hard-hitting guitars come bursting in with that classic mid-2000s alternative sound, followed by some beautifully harmonized vocals.
This song has held up incredibly well over the years, and fans of emo and alternative music are sure to enjoy exploring this track, as well as others on what is arguably the band’s best album, which was released in 2008 and is titled “A Fire So Big The Heavens Can See It.”
20. “Running The Clocks” – “Our Last Night”
The mesmerizing combination of heavy metal instrumentation and melodic vocals can be heard throughout Running The Clocks by Our Last Night.
The lyrics are gloomy and depressing, and they paint a vivid picture of the struggles associated with being alone, which ultimately lead to self-destruction.
The vocalist sings about his desire to keep running from his problems even though he is inevitably heading towards destruction as the heavy guitar riffs, bass licks, and pounding drums provide the backdrop for his lyrics.
Nevertheless, in spite of the generally gloomy atmosphere of the song, there is undeniably a sense of optimism woven throughout.
Even though the speaker appears to have accepted what will happen to him in the end, it is abundantly clear that he has not yet given up on himself.
