It's Five O'clock
Aphrodite's Child
Reflecting on Time and Solitude: The Melancholy of 'It's Five O'clock'
Aphrodite's Child's song 'It's Five O'clock' delves into themes of solitude, introspection, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person walking through empty streets at five o'clock, a time often associated with transition, either from day to night or from work to rest. This setting creates a backdrop for deep reflection, as the protagonist's thoughts wander back to the years that have passed. The emptiness of the streets mirrors the internal emptiness and loneliness felt by the narrator, emphasizing a sense of isolation.
The recurring line, 'It is so hard to believe that it's me that I see in the window pane,' suggests a struggle with self-identity and acceptance. The reflection in the window serves as a metaphor for self-examination, where the narrator grapples with the reality of their current self versus their past. This moment of self-reflection is tinged with disbelief and perhaps regret, as the narrator finds it difficult to reconcile their present state with their memories and past experiences.
The night is personified as a friend, offering sympathy and solace to the narrator. This companionship with the night highlights the comfort found in solitude and darkness, where the narrator can escape the harshness of reality and find a semblance of hope and dreams. The night provides a safe space for the narrator to process their thoughts and emotions, offering a glimmer of hope and the possibility of new beginnings. Through its melancholic yet hopeful tone, 'It's Five O'clock' captures the universal human experience of reflecting on one's life journey and finding solace in moments of solitude.