Meaning of "Time (Clock Of The Heart)" by Boy George

The lyrics of "Time (Clock of the Heart)" convey a sense of longing and frustration in a relationship. The song begins with a plea not to rely on the speaker for comfort, as it would only lead to emotional turmoil. The imagery of being sunk in a river of tears suggests the depth of the emotional pain felt. The speaker acknowledges that the relationship could have been something great, but time and fear have prevented it from reaching its full potential. The line "time won't give me time" captures the paradoxical nature of time - it is both valuable and finite. The speaker feels the pressure of time passing quickly and realizes that the relationship has not progressed as desired. The phrase "time makes lovers feel like they've got something real" emphasizes the fleeting nature of romantic connections that may not have true substance. The repeated line "they've got nothing but time" suggests that although time may be available, it does not guarantee a fulfilling relationship. The second verse delves deeper into the emotional struggles of the speaker, as they express their fear of becoming distant and feeling the loss of the other person's affection. The phrase "time is like a clock of my heart" evokes the idea that time dictates the rhythm and pacing of emotions. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration and resignation. The speaker longs for a deeper connection with the other person, but external factors such as time and fear continue to hinder the relationship from progressing.