1 Meaning
Add Yours
Follow
Share
Q&A

My Grandfather's Clock Lyrics

My grandfather's clock was too large for the shelf
So it stood ninety years on the floor
It was taller by half than the old man himself
Though it weighed not a pennyweight more

It was bought on the morn of the day that he was born
And was always his treasure and pride
But it stopped, short never to go again
When the old man died

Ninety years without slumbering
His life seconds numbering
It stopped, short never to go again
When the old man died

My grandfather said that of those he could hire
Not a servant so faithful he found
For it wasted no time and had but one desire
At the close of each week to be wound

And it kept in its place, not a frown upon its face
And its hands never hung by its side
But it stopped short, never to go again
When the old man died

It rang and alarmed in the dead of the night
An alarm that for years had been dumb
And we knew that his spirit was pluming for flight
That his hour for departure had come

Still the clock kept the time with a soft and muffled chime
As we silently stood by his side
But it stopped short, never to go again
When the old man died

Ninety years without slumbering
His life seconds numbering
It stopped short, never to go again
When the old man died
1 Meaning

Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.

Add your thoughts...
Cover art for My Grandfather's Clock lyrics by Johnny Cash

It is little known, that this song has many variable cover versions and sequels world wide. In my country (Czech Republic, Europe) a country band named "Taxmeni" made a cover version in Czech language. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2VS3s2Vjig

This cover version has an additional, joyful strophe, not matching the original song. However, I will try to translate it, according to the original melody:

Passed that fearful night, came a morning clear and bright And the house surrounds by a voice of child. Our new-born son the first time had seen the sun And the life seems to him cheer and fun. Tears of joy, and for more, new clock stands there on the floor, Instead of the old one that's in the bin; It will run long - never to stop before The next century's gone.

 
Questions and Answers

Ask specific questions and get answers to unlock more indepth meanings & facts.

Ask a question...