The Clock
The Go-Betweens · Other Songs - The Go-Betweens
Candles and tambourines shine in the dusk
Monkees and spoonful float through the musk
Why when you come here
Does the rainbow turn black?
Spitting and burning, the vision attacks
But then the clock turns and it's now
And it's you
Ghosts from the river beg to get in
Staining my windows with pictures of sin
Sometimes the night time steals all your light
Then in the morning the birds lift and fly
But then the clock turns and it's now
And it's you
About The Clock
"The Clock" by The Go-Betweens stands as a defining track within the band's extensive catalogue of Australian indie rock. Released during their formative years, the song exemplifies the group's signature blend of melodic pop sensibilities with introspective, often melancholic lyricism. As a staple of their discography, it captures the emotional resonance characteristic of their work, particularly in the mid-1980s era when they were establishing their reputation as a major force in the Australian music scene. The recording features the band's distinctive vocal harmonies and guitar-driven arrangements, creating a sound that has influenced countless subsequent acts in the indie and alternative genres. It remains a frequently cited example of the band's ability to craft songs that are both commercially accessible and deeply personal, solidifying its place in their legacy.