Meaning of "Hourglass" by A Perfect Circle

The lyrics of "Hourglass" delve into a commentary on the state of society and its various political systems. The repetition of the line "Aristocrat breaks down to Democrat breaks down to Oligarch breaks down to Republicrat breaks down to" suggests a cycle of power and corruption that plagues different political ideologies. The use of the hourglass as a symbol emphasizes the limited time humanity has left to rectify these issues before it collapses completely. The imagery of the "Tokyo kitty, swallow, rose, and canary" represents innocence and vulnerability, contrasting starkly with the corrupt forces that consume and destroy them. The ticking clock and countdown further heighten the sense of urgency and impending doom.

The lyrics also touch upon the lack of hope within this crumbling society. The phrase "No hope left in the hourglass" suggests a loss of faith in the possibility of change or improvement. The repetition of the numbers in the countdown ("ten, nine, ready; Hate, seven, six; five, four, three, two") underscores the idea of diminishing time and escalating negativity. It signifies a descent into chaos and despair, further solidifying the lack of hope in the face of systemic corruption.

Overall, "Hourglass" serves as a scathing critique of political systems and their inherent flaws. It highlights the destructive nature of power and the loss of hope that accompanies it. The lyrics serve as a warning of the consequences that arise when corruption goes unchecked and society collapses under its own weight.