17 Best Songs about Clocks that Remind us Time is Ticking Away

‘Time’ is a fundamental aspect of our lives, and it is a concept that has been explored in various forms of art, including music. Throughout history, clocks have been used as a symbol to represent the passage of time, reminding us of the inevitable march of time and the importance of making the most of every moment. In this article, we will explore some of the best songs about clocks that encapsulate this sentiment.

The songs on this list vary in genre, style, and era, but they all share a common theme of time and clocks. Some of the songs take a more philosophical approach, reflecting on the meaning of time and the fleeting nature of life, while others use clocks as a metaphor for love or societal pressures. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, pop, or hip-hop, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, join us as we take a musical journey through time and explore some of the best songs about clocks that remind us that time is ticking away.

1. Clocks – Coldplay

“Clocks” is a timeless classic by British rock band Coldplay. Released in 2002 as the lead single from their second album “A Rush of Blood to the Head”, the song became an instant hit, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2004. The song is known for its distinct piano riff, which is played throughout the track and serves as the foundation for the soaring melodies and dynamic instrumental interludes. Frontman Chris Martin’s emotive vocals and poetic lyrics convey a sense of urgency and a desire to seize the moment, capturing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present. With its anthemic chorus and epic production, “Clocks” has become a staple of modern rock and a defining song of Coldplay’s discography. Its enduring popularity and widespread appeal continue to inspire new generations of fans and cement its place in music history.

2. Moving Clocks Run Slow – We Were Promised Jetpacks

Moving Clocks Run Slow is a song by the Scottish indie rock band We Were Promised Jetpacks. The track features soaring guitar riffs and driving drums that create a sense of urgency and energy throughout the song. The opening lines, “When the first light shows its face, / And the day begins to break, / I’ll be gone,” set a tone of impending departure and an urgent need to escape. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being trapped in a mundane routine and the desire to break free from it. The chorus, “Moving clocks run slow, / And I just can’t keep up with you,” captures the frustration of feeling left behind while others seem to be moving forward. The track showcases the band’s ability to create a dynamic sound that shifts between moments of quiet introspection and explosive energy. Moving Clocks Run Slow is a standout track from the band’s 2009 debut album, These Four Walls, and remains a fan favorite to this day.

3. Stop the Clocks – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

“Stop the Clocks” is a melancholic, mid-tempo rock ballad by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, released in 2011. The song features a simple, yet catchy melody that is supported by an ethereal arrangement of acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and strings. Gallagher’s vocals are emotive and introspective, delivering lines about the fleeting nature of time and the desire to hold onto precious moments. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of nostalgia, regret, and longing, with lines like “Remember how we felt alive / I remember you and me, we used to spend the time / And all we had to learn, was how to live without each other”. Overall, “Stop the Clocks” is a beautifully crafted song that captures the essence of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting prowess.

4. Stop the Clocks – Donots

“Stop the Clocks” is an energetic, upbeat rock song by the German punk rock band, Donots, released in 2008. The song features a driving guitar riff, pulsating drums, and catchy vocal hooks, all of which contribute to the song’s infectious energy. The lyrics touch on themes of defiance and living in the moment, with lines like “Stop the clocks, let’s live this night forever / Stop the clocks, let’s live this moment like it’s never been done”. The chorus is particularly anthemic, with a sing-along quality that is sure to get audiences pumped up. Overall, “Stop the Clocks” is a perfect example of Donots’ ability to blend punk rock energy with pop sensibilities, resulting in a song that is both fun and thought-provoking.

5. Clocks Go Forward – James Bay

“Clocks Go Forward” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by the British singer-songwriter James Bay, released in 2018. The song features Bay’s signature soulful vocals, accompanied by a sparse arrangement of piano and strings. The melody is gentle and delicate, perfectly capturing the introspective nature of the lyrics. The song touches on themes of loss, grief, and the passage of time, with lines like “As the clocks go forward, and the night slips easy away / I’m thinking of you, in the last moments of the day”. The chorus is particularly poignant, with Bay’s vocals soaring over a swelling string section. Overall, “Clocks Go Forward” is a masterful display of James Bay’s songwriting and vocal abilities, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.

6. Broken Clocks – SZA

“Broken Clocks” is a soulful R&B ballad by the American singer-songwriter SZA, released in 2017. The song features a mellow, downtempo beat that perfectly complements SZA’s smooth, sultry vocals. The lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery and the search for inner peace, with lines like “All I got is these broken clocks / I ain’t got no time / Just burning daylight”. The chorus is particularly catchy, with SZA’s vocals soaring over a lush, atmospheric arrangement. The song’s production is top-notch, with a subtle use of vocal layering and instrumentation that adds depth and texture to the track. Overall, “Broken Clocks” is a standout track from SZA’s critically acclaimed debut album, showcasing her impressive range as a singer and songwriter.

7. Two Clocks – RÜFÜS

“Two Clocks” is a dreamy, atmospheric electronic track by the Australian band RÜFÜS, released in 2021. The song features a pulsating beat and ethereal synthesizers, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape that transports the listener to another world. The vocals are delivered with a soft, contemplative quality, and the lyrics touch on themes of uncertainty and the passing of time, with lines like “Two clocks ticking on, we don’t know where we’re going / The time is always wrong, but we keep on moving”. The chorus is particularly memorable, with a soaring melody that is both uplifting and introspective. Overall, “Two Clocks” is a testament to RÜFÜS’ ability to create immersive electronic music that is both introspective and danceable, with a sound that is uniquely their own.

8. Clocks and Calendars – Show Me the Skyline

“Clocks and Calendars” is an upbeat, catchy pop-rock song by the American band Show Me the Skyline, released in 2009. The song features a driving beat and infectious guitar riffs, creating a sound that is both energetic and fun. The vocals are delivered with a youthful, exuberant quality, and the lyrics touch on themes of time, change, and the fleeting nature of youth, with lines like “Clocks and calendars, don’t let them fool you / Time is moving faster than you think it’s gonna”. The chorus is particularly memorable, with a sing-along quality that is sure to get audiences dancing. Overall, “Clocks and Calendars” is a perfect example of Show Me the Skyline’s ability to craft catchy, upbeat pop-rock songs that are both relatable and fun.

9. Clocks and Spoons – John Prine

“Clocks and Spoons” is a folksy, lighthearted song by the late American singer-songwriter John Prine, released in 1972. The song features Prine’s distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar playing, accompanied by a jaunty rhythm section and playful harmonica. The lyrics are whimsical and humorous, touching on themes of time, music, and creativity, with lines like “Clocks and spoons and empty rooms / It’s raining out today / I just missed the morning mail / But I try again someday”. The chorus is catchy and upbeat, with a sing-along quality that is sure to bring a smile to listeners’ faces. Overall, “Clocks and Spoons” is a charming and fun song that showcases John Prine’s wit and charm as a songwriter and performer.

10. Grandfather Clocks – Mike Irish

“Grandfather Clocks” is a hauntingly beautiful folk ballad by the American singer-songwriter Mike Irish, released in 2017. The song features Irish’s soulful vocals and acoustic guitar playing, accompanied by lush string arrangements that add depth and emotion to the track. The lyrics touch on themes of memory, family, and the passage of time, with lines like “Grandfather clocks, they chime so sweetly / As if to remind me of all that we’ve lost”. The chorus is particularly poignant, with a simple yet powerful melody that lingers long after the song has ended. Overall, “Grandfather Clocks” is a masterful example of modern folk music, showcasing Mike Irish’s talents as both a singer and a songwriter, with a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

11. Time Clocks – Joe Bonamassa

“Time Clocks” is a blues-rock track by the American guitarist and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa, released in 2018. The song features Bonamassa’s virtuosic guitar playing, accompanied by a tight rhythm section and powerful horn arrangements. The vocals are delivered with a gritty, soulful quality, and the lyrics touch on themes of regret, lost opportunities, and the inexorable march of time, with lines like “Time clocks ticking, running out of time / All your chances, left behind”. The chorus is particularly memorable, with a driving rhythm and a powerful melody that is sure to get audiences moving. Overall, “Time Clocks” is a masterful example of Bonamassa’s talents as a guitarist and songwriter, with a sound that is both classic and contemporary.

12. Stop The Clocks (Single Edit) – Enter Shikari

“Stop the Clocks” is an energetic and politically charged single by the British rock band Enter Shikari, released in 2018. The song features the band’s trademark blend of post-hardcore and electronic music, with heavy guitars, driving beats, and glitchy synth lines. The vocals are delivered with a passionate intensity, and the lyrics touch on themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the need for change, with lines like “All we need is a fire to light / And the courage to ignite it / We’ll stop the clocks, we’ll make time stand still”. The chorus is anthemic and catchy, with a sing-along quality that is sure to get audiences pumped up. Overall, “Stop the Clocks” is a powerful statement from Enter Shikari, showcasing their talent for blending raw emotion with innovative musical styles.

13. Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley

“Rock Around The Clock” is an iconic rock and roll song by American musician Bill Haley, released in 1954. The song features Haley’s distinctive vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics celebrate the joys of dancing and partying, with lines like “When the clock strikes twelve, we’ll cool off then / Start rockin’ ’round the clock again”. The song is credited with helping to popularize rock and roll music around the world, and it remains a classic of the genre to this day. Its energetic sound and catchy chorus have made it a staple of movies, TV shows, and commercials, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

14. Clocks And Timepieces – Search The City

“Clocks and Timepieces” is a powerful alternative rock track by the American band Search the City, released in 2008. The song features a driving rhythm section, soaring guitar riffs, and emotive vocals that deliver lyrics about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The chorus is particularly impactful, with a memorable melody and lyrics that touch on themes of regret and the passage of time, with lines like “Every day we get older / Every night we get colder / With clocks and timepieces to measure our lives”. The song is a standout track from Search the City’s debut album, and it showcases their talent for blending high-energy rock with introspective lyrics and powerful melodies.

15. Calendars and Clocks – The Coral

“Calendars and Clocks” is a haunting and introspective indie rock track by British band The Coral, released in 2010. The song features a slow, deliberate tempo and atmospheric instrumentation that creates a dreamy, almost surreal mood. The lyrics touch on themes of memory, time, and loss, with lines like “I’ve seen my youth decay / And it feels like yesterday / But it was years ago”. The chorus is particularly memorable, with a haunting melody and lyrics that reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the constant passage of days, months, and years. The song is a standout track from The Coral’s album “Butterfly House,” and it showcases their talent for blending introspective lyrics with beautiful melodies and evocative instrumentation.

16. Running The Clocks – Our Last Night

“Running The Clocks” is a high-energy post-hardcore track by American band Our Last Night, released in 2019. The song features driving guitar riffs, thundering drums, and intense vocals that deliver lyrics about the struggle to keep moving forward in life, even when it feels like time is working against you. The chorus is particularly impactful, with a catchy melody and lyrics that encourage the listener to “keep running the clocks” and never give up. The song is a standout track from Our Last Night’s album “Let Light Overcome,” and it showcases their talent for blending aggressive rock with uplifting lyrics and powerful hooks.

17. Clocks Forward – Psalm Trees x Guillaume Muschalle

“Clocks Forward” is a dreamy and atmospheric instrumental track by Dutch producer Psalm Trees and French pianist Guillaume Muschalle, released in 2019. The song features a slow, gentle tempo and a lush arrangement of instrumentation that includes delicate piano melodies, warm synth pads, and subtle electronic beats. The overall effect is a calming and introspective mood that evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The title of the track reflects its thematic focus on the passage of time and the changing of seasons, with the melancholic piano lines and swirling synths symbolizing the movement of the clock hands and the shift from one season to another. The song is a standout track from Psalm Trees and Muschalle’s collaborative album “Waves,” and it showcases their talent for creating rich and emotive instrumental music.