Meaning of "Hourglass" by Michael Franks

The lyrics of "Hourglass" by Michael Franks delve into the concept of time as a vessel through which love is experienced and measured. The speaker personifies the hourglass as a sensual entity that holds the essence of their relationship, with each grain of sand representing a moment of love shared. The symbolic importance of the hourglass is highlighted through the speaker's confession that they couldn't live without it, emphasizing the interconnectedness of love and time. The imagery of exploring the hourglass' geography and being surrounded existentially by its sand reflects a deep emotional attachment and dependency on the passage of time to define the depth of their love. The lyrics evoke a sense of gratitude for the continuity and cyclical nature of love, suggesting that time and love are intertwined in an eternal cycle of affection and growth. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of appreciation for the interconnectedness of love and time, where each moment shared is a precious grain of sand in the hourglass of life.