"clocks" is pretty much the most lyrically pretentious song on "tunes for bears." i wrote it when i was coming to grips with my newfound agnosticism ("god fell down," "what do you see that makes you believe?" etc.). it's about humanity's (& my) thirst for purpose being met with meaninglessness & absurdity in a silent universe full of suffering.

"clocks don't know what time it is and i wish that they did" = clocks are a metaphor for human rationality, our innate compulsion to impose order on the chaotic world. i'm wishing the world was a different, more hospitable place.

"my heart beats" acknowledges my own humanity/thirst for meaning, along with my feeling of helplessness in the face of suffering - "empty streets are dark at night for kids."

the "smile"/"joy"/"warmth" verse (stuff that gives life meaning, hope, & pleasure) is meant to be juxtaposed with the "silence"/"heavy-handed" verse (meaningless & suffering).

that said, i don't have a dead brother. or abusive parents. so those metaphors seem a bit...much. teen angst i guess?

my brother tyler recorded this INCREDIBLE cover with his buddy jack. equal parts electro & alt. country, it's one of the most unique takes on the cover record.

tyler has always been a hero of mine, creatively & personally. in classic older brother fashion, he introduced me to TONS of my favorite music & movies, guiding & shaping my tastes. he's also a tireless craftsman when it comes to his art, & i aspire to his discipline, rigor, & hunger for mastery. his short film "hush" recently got funded on kickstarter - www.kickstarter.com/projects/604942573/hush-a-short-film - so keep an eye out for that. i'm so thankful he's in my life & that he contributed a cover! love you, ty