Clocks Go Forward

James Bay's 'Clocks Go Forward' is a poetic exploration of love and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of changing seasons. The song opens with imagery of the sun setting and the absence of diamonds in the trees, replaced by golden leaves. This transition from day to night and summer to autumn symbolizes the inevitable changes in life and relationships. The 'long days in the heat haze' fading away suggest a shift from a period of warmth and vibrancy to one of introspection and quietude.

The recurring theme of hiding under sheets and heavy covers as the night draws in speaks to a desire for intimacy and comfort amidst the cold and darkness. Bay's use of 'slow hearted lovers' implies a deep, enduring connection that withstands the test of time and seasonal changes. The repetition of 'again, again, again' emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the reassurance that warmth and light will return, just as the clocks will move forward once more.

The song also touches on the resilience of love, even when external conditions are harsh. The line 'gonna keep my summer clothes 'cause there's still a field of green underneath the falling snow' suggests an optimism and belief in the enduring presence of love and life, even in the bleakest of times. The closing lines, urging to 'stay warm, close your eyes, let time fly,' encapsulate the essence of the song: finding solace and strength in each other as time moves forward, bringing new seasons and new beginnings.