Clock In The Biscuit Tin

Album: The Singing Postman (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a typical Allan Smethurst composition; accompanying himself on his acoustic guitar he relates an undoubtedly true and somewhat humorous story. Written in waltz time, "Clock In The Biscuit Tin" begins "My granny once had an old biscuit tin."

    "Granny" was actually his great-grandmother; she is also featured in his uptempo song "Moind Yer Hid Boy."

    Unsurprisingly, a ticking clock placed in a small tin echoes mightily, which was probably the inspiration for the song, but as well as annoying him, it drove away the rats under the floorboards, and when the old woman died, she left him the clock.
  • Smethurst uses a little poetic license with the line "My granny died the day I was wed"; in spite of his talents and amiable nature, the Singing Postman was physically unprepossessing and died unmarried at the age of 73 after spending the last 20 years of his life in a Salvation Army hostel in "Grimsby," the fishing port immortalized by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.