Meaning of "Grandfather's Clock" by Sam Cooke

"Grandfather's Clock" uses the ticking of a clock to symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The grandfather's clock, standing for 90 years, represents the grandfather's life and his inevitable end. The clock's unwavering dedication to keeping time mirrors the grandfather's disciplined and consistent nature throughout his life. When the clock stops working upon the grandfather's death, it signifies the end of his time and the finality of mortality. The reference to the clock's alarm ringing at the time of the grandfather's passing suggests a spiritual connection between the clock and the grandfather, highlighting the idea of the clock symbolically accompanying him to the afterlife. The song delves into themes of mortality, the passing of time, and the cycle of life and death.