And The Clock Goes Round

[BiteUrLip]

Music: Elton John

Lyrics: Bernie Taupin

Producer: Caleb Quaye

I came down here just to waste some time

To get a little rest and to ease my mind

I didn't calculate it when I walked in the door

I only thought I'd stay for a minute or more


First I saw the lights on the ceiling dim

The stale perfume yeah, and the beer can tins

My first impression was to get outside

But then I saw you crying, crying by the fireside


chorus:


The pendulum swings

Going to and fro

And the clock goes round

Says it's time to go

And the clock goes round

And the hours fly past

Slow down hands you're moving much too fast


Now it's gone kind of quiet but I seem to see

That the only people here in the room are you and me

But I don't mind girl, girl that's all right

As long as you're gonna be with me, gonna be with me all night


(repeat chorus)


(repeat chorus)

[BiteUrLip]

It's a good song for an early demo.

4 stars.

[dougs]

"And The Clock Goes Round" from REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO:

"And The Clock Goes Round" has finally made its appearance in fully performed and produced version on the June 12, 2021 release of REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO on vinyl for RECORD STORE DAY 2021.  The "demo" of the song got its first release on Elton's JEWEL BOX (Disc 4) 2020 release.  The new REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO vinyl release is the album that was supposed to be Elton & Bernie's official debut album - in 1968.  It was shelved and EMPTY SKY had the honour of being their debut album in 1969.   The band line-up for "And The Clock Goes Round" is Elton on keyboards, Dee Murray on bass, Dave Hynes on drums and Caleb Quaye on guitars.  Caleb also produced the album & song.

"And The Clock Goes Round" is a fairly punchy and rhythmic 3-minute piano driven song.  There are most definite Beatles' influences within the tune, especially heard in the chorus where the song takes on a much different feel.  Supporting the title, the drums take on a tick-tock sound, as well.  Considering that the song was written shortly after SGT PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND and that EJ was taking in everything around him, it is not a surprise to hear these influences in his songs.  The sound quality of "And The Song Goes Round" is certainly at its best on the new vinyl release in contrast to the JEWEL BOX demo and the previously available (on YouTube) "unofficial" band versions.

There is such a freshness in these early recordings by Elton and band.  Lots of hope and aspirations.  The songs reflect the incredible music that was being released at the time.  "And The Clock Goes Round" is one of the stronger songs from REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO and is a pleasure to listen to.  Hearing this one is a clear indication that Elton, Bernie, and team were headed in the right direction...

Rating: 4 stars (REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO version)

Doug

[BiteUrLip]

This album's GOTTA make itself into the mp3 format. It's so stupid that they're releasing new material and try to force to buy the vinyl. I won't buy. I want MP3!! 

[dougs]

re:  "And The Clock Goes Round" from REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO:

In case you haven't seen the story behind the REGIMENTAL SGT ZIPPO album on eltonjohn.com, here are a couple of facts about "And The Clock Goes Round" to enjoy:

* recorded April 4, 1968
* take 3 of the song was chosen
* bassist Dee Murray commented about the day in his diary stating "Good session!"
* clock sound effects were used in the making of the song
* the Dick James Studio where the song was recorded was a 4-track studio - how times have changed!

* the piano demo version appeared on Elton's DIAMONDS album in 2020
* the full band version now appears on the recently released RECORD STORE DAY 2021 vinyl version

Doug

[BiteUrLip]

Ah, despite my beliefs, a 12 track album is available as mp3 files! It's called The World Of Regimental Sgt. Zippo.

[newloneranger]

Its ok for an early song.

3 stars