The song "Watchmaker" by Hands Like Houses explores the themes of time, obsession, and the desire to control and manipulate it. The lyrics speak to the narrator's yearning to understand the inner workings of time and to learn the secrets of the "watchmaker," who symbolizes someone with knowledge and control over time. The song starts with the narrator pleading with the watchmaker to teach them the ways and secrets of time. They express a desire to learn the sciences of seconds, to dull their ears to the constant ticking, and to rewind time to relive every moment they may have missed. The narrator longs to pause and breathe, to be present in the moment rather than always focusing on the next thing. The mention of building "suspension into the springs" and having "hidden gears, secret faces, undiscovered hours" suggests a wish to create a sense of suspense and mystery in their own life. They desire to keep time and prevent it from passing too quickly. The lyrics also convey a sense of frustration and obsession with time. The narrator feels haunted by the relentless ticking, stolen and swallowed by the mechanical sounds. They are plagued by the pressure of time counting down, but with determination, they will confront and overcome it. The song portrays the narrator's longing for control and their realization that time is passing by, seemingly beyond their control. They compare themselves to a robin imprisoned in a carved clock or a tune locked in a music box, emphasizing the feeling of being trapped and restricted by the passage of time. Overall, "Watchmaker" tells a story of a person's fascination with time and their desire to understand and manipulate it. It explores themes of the relentless ticking of the clock, the need to live in the present moment, and the frustration of feeling trapped by time's passing.
