Skip to content

Arithmetic arithmetock Turn the hands back on the clock…

“Arithmetic arithmetock Turn the hands back on the clock How does the ocean rock the boat? How did the razor find my throat? The only strings that hold me here Are tangled up around the pier.” quote by Tom Waits
Download Open image
“Arithmetic arithmetock Turn the hands back on the clock How does the ocean rock the boat? How did the razor find my throat? The only strings that hold me here Are tangled up around the pier.”

Tom Waits

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The lyrics juxtapose surreal images to convey feelings of entanglement and existential uncertainty.

In simple terms: Strange metaphors express feeling stuck and confused.

Key Takeaway

Embrace ambiguity and seek clarity.

Themes

art existentialism creativity music

Mood

melancholic enigmatic

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • songwriting
  • visual art
  • therapy
  • philosophical discussion

Key Concepts

surrealism identity conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal “strings” hold you back?
  • How can you untangle them?
A Different Perspective

Interpretation may be subjective and obscure concrete meaning.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Tom Waits

Explore all 328 Tom Waits quotes

More Arithmetic quotes

Browse all 233 Arithmetic quotes