Cry, the clock said
Gary Numan · Dance [1981]
It's over
Feelings change
How are you
How am I
Cry, the clock said
I know little of romance
And these little tract houses
I know seven less of you
And if you should ever think of me
Maybe as a game you lost
Well someone I know lost the whole damn world
No more this talk of they're out to get me
Just slide out of Sydney and I can never go back
How could I be surprised
How could I even believe
Cry, the clock said
I'll forget who you are
I'll forget one of these days
Cry, the clock said
Cry, the clock said
Gary Numan's "Cry, the clock said" stands as a defining track from his 1981 album Dance, capturing the artist's evolution into a more experimental and atmospheric soundscape. Moving beyond the rigid new wave structures of his earlier Tubeway Army period, this recording showcases Numan's ability to blend electronic textures with a melancholic, driving rhythm. The song reflects the introspective and often dystopian themes prevalent throughout his mid-career discography, emphasizing his status as a pioneer in synthesizer-based rock. By integrating complex production techniques with his distinctive vocal delivery, Numan created a work that resonates with fans of post-punk and electronic music. This track remains a significant song in his extensive catalogue, illustrating his continued willingness to explore darker, more nuanced sonic territories during a pivotal era of his career.