Meaning of "Clocked In" by Black Flag

The lyrics of "Clocked In" convey feelings of entrapment, frustration, and the loss of personal freedom that can come from working a monotonous job. The imagery of being tied to a clock and unable to escape symbolizes the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of repetitive work that drains the narrator both physically and mentally. The idea of having to be on time just to collect a reward speaks to the societal pressure of fulfilling expectations and conforming to the demands of a job, even when it feels soul-crushing. The mention of a boss barking orders and feeling unable to push back against authority adds to the sense of powerlessness and lack of control. The repeated chorus of "Buzzer sounds, gotta move" highlights the relentless nature of the job, where the narrator feels like they are on autopilot, moving through the motions without a sense of purpose or fulfillment. Ultimately, the desire to "knock that fucker off the wall" suggests a yearning for freedom and escape from the confines of the job, highlighting the struggle to maintain a sense of self in a dehumanizing work environment.