Broken Clocks

SZA's 'Broken Clocks' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the grind of daily life, and the pursuit of personal freedom. The song's lyrics paint a picture of someone who is running from their past and the expectations that come with it, symbolized by the 'day job' and 'strip club'—places that represent routine and perhaps exploitation. SZA's declaration of 'never going back' is a powerful assertion of her determination to move forward and not be held back by her previous experiences or societal pressures.

The chorus, with its repeated lines about 'broken clocks' and 'burning daylight,' suggests a sense of timelessness and the futility of trying to adhere to conventional schedules or norms. SZA seems to embrace a life lived on her own terms, where time's constraints are acknowledged but not allowed to dictate her actions. The phrase 'still love' repeated throughout the song could signify a persistent sense of self-love or affection for others, despite the chaos and pressures of life. It's a reminder that beneath the hustle and the need to survive, there's an enduring core of love and humanity.

The song also touches on themes of memory and perception. The lines 'All that I've got, pieces and pages / Talking a lot, sorry I'm faded / Think I've forgot, you love me' suggest a fragmented recollection of past relationships and a sense of disconnection from others. The repetition of 'you love me' at the end of the song could be interpreted as a reassurance sought from others or a mantra to remind oneself of their worth in the face of adversity and the relentless passage of time.