Meaning of "Clocks and Spoons" by John Prine

"Clocks and Spoons" is a contemplative and introspective song that captures a feeling of emptiness and longing. The repeated references to clocks, spoons, and empty rooms evoke a sense of solitude and a lack of fulfillment. The clocks symbolize the passage of time, highlighting the narrator's realization of how quickly life moves and how little control they have over it. The spoons represent dependency and addiction, suggesting that the narrator may be grappling with personal struggles or vices that contribute to their sense of emptiness.

The line "it's raining out tonight" reflects a somber atmosphere and sets the tone for the entire song. It conveys a sense of melancholy and the idea that the narrator's surroundings mirror their internal state. The act of turning out the light at the end of the day signifies a desire to escape reality and seek solace in darkness, further emphasizing the narrator's longing for a better place.

The chorus, "Shoot the moon right between the eyes, I'm sending most of me to sunny countryside," reveals a yearning for a change of scenery and a fresh start. The moon symbolizes dreams and aspirations, and by shooting it "right between the eyes," the narrator expresses a determination to achieve their goals and find happiness. The phrase "sunny countryside" represents a place of peace and tranquility, contrasting with the narrator's current emptiness and longing for something more fulfilling.

In the second verse, the imagery of "runnin' through sky of blue rollin' in the sun" suggests a desire for freedom and a break from the monotony of everyday life. The narrator longs to experience the joy and abundance of life, which they feel they are currently missing out on.

The lyrics also touch upon a sense of regret or nostalgia. The lines "Don't know how I did that now wonder where it's gone, must have spent the way I went waitin' for the dawn" hint at a missed opportunity or wasted time. The narrator reflects on past choices and ponders how differently things could have turned out. The longing for the past reinforces the theme of searching for solace and fulfillment.

Ultimately, "Clocks and Spoons" speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with emptiness, longing, and a yearning for change. The lyrics capture a longing for simpler, happier times and the desire to escape from the mundane and find a place of peace and fulfillment.