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Tom Jones’ New Song (And Video), “24 Hours:” What’s It All About? Please Tell Us What You Think
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
There’s been lots of comment on the title song from Tom’s new CD, 24 Hours.
We think we kind of jumped the gun asking what you think about it (although your comments are welcome). We should have asked what we’re asking now:
What does it mean? What’s it all about?
We’re put the video here in case you want to refresh your memory and the lyrics are at right.
Have a look. Have a read. Maybe do it again. Then, tell us what you think.
You can pre-order 24 Hours by clicking the link at right.
September 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Wow – how serious! I think it’s his autobiography in song form. Love it!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Here is my take on this song. I don’t think this is one of the songs that is telling a story about Tom’s life. Picture this – this man is on a ship at sea and he has been lashed – that is why he talks about the “salty skin on my back,sweat it pours like rain. I can feel the attack..” Also, the drumming feels a bit “military” to me and listen to the bell…sounds to me a bit like a ships bell. Then, after his punishment, he has been condemned for “what I did I can’t take back..” So, “the footsteps..” take him away to his fate.
Okay, your turn.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I think it is life winding down…its all of our fate…death.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I think it’s a darker, less poetic version of “My Way”
September 24th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I think it is definitely coming to terms with death and what it will feel like and looking back on your life and knowing you can’t change anything now. Also, the last sentence about “I’m leaving to a place where I’ll see your face” possibly refers to his dear departed Mother.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I don’t really read anything into it. I think that Tom just liked the song. It’s thoughtful and provocative. He knew that everyone would ask him why he chose it.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
The person in the song has committed a capital crime and is expecting execution.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Deborah, I think you might just be right.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
All comments are interesting – I think that the song is all about TOM and his last minute – with the songs on his cd TOM reflects on his life – the last song is his farewell – many people write their autobiography – TOM is telling his story in this album
September 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
The comments all refer to death. I agree with BeBe..Tom is telling his story in this album.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
If this is one of the songs where Tom Jones reflects on his life, then this song, 24 HOURS, may be about his brush with death when he could have, again, could have suffered a mild heart attack. Think about it, for those who have gone through it with loved ones or by themselves would know the signs. I sure hope I am wrong, but after reading the lyrics to the song, I immediately thought of that. I wish Tom Jones would really offer his insight about this particular song. I’ve always loved his songs. I’ve listened to them and never gave it a second thought, but this song, 24 HOURS, just caught my attention with much concern. To keep a positive outlook on this, it’s just a song. Through the Grace of God, may Tom Jones live to be 200 yrs old. Here’s to a long and happy life, Sir Tom, now, please sing a happier tune next time.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
THF: First, we want to let people know that “mild heart attack” you suggest is merely conjecture. There is no evidence anywhere of that and we want everyone to understand this.
We’re relieved you said, in the end, it’s “just a song.” And, look, it’s interesting and provocative and has engendered a lot of discussion. Isn’t that the point of this entire project? Looks like it’s a success to us and we’ve only heard a teeny bit.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Tom stated he was being reflective about his life on this CD, and seems to be relating what might be told in an “official” bio some day. There may be even more discussion on some of the other songs.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Hmmmm, after another listen, my previous comment, I’m changing. Actually, I think it is in the same vein as Green Green Grass of Home.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I love the video and song 24 Hours. We love our Sir Tom Jones in LA, OC and San Diego, California. Hope to hear results on the radio.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:12 am
This song makes me wonder something : Does Tom fear death ?
Does this song reflects his actual thoughts ?
September 25th, 2008 at 1:57 am
I think Tom is reflecting on his life and not all that happy of some of the things he has done. He is also awear that death may not be far away.
September 25th, 2008 at 5:45 am
I agree with many thoughts here, but BeBe said: “the last song is his farewell” that is exactly what I thought. Also what Terry said: “the last sentence about “I’m leaving to a place where I’ll see your face” possibly refers to his dear departed Mother.” sounds plausible to me. My thoughts are that this song is definitely about Tom. The song almost makes me cry. It would be very very sad if this was his farewell song, but at least he would have done it with style! The video and the song are simple, emotional and beautiful. Amazing.
September 25th, 2008 at 8:05 am
After much thought – Tom looking very serious singing about death – but then he was happy and healthy looking on Canadian Idol in August – I would have to say this is just a trip down a different path for him – I hope he stays happy and healthy for a long time or I for one will be very bored.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I agree with some of the other comments, but I’m going to go out on a limb here. Maybe it’s metaphorically about Tom’s career….
Salty skin on my back
Sweat it pours like rain
(Talking about performing, we all know how Tom sweats when he performs)
I can feel the attack but I’m numb to pain
The cold is creeping in and it chills my veins
(the negative comments about his age & music, time to retire. He’s heard it all before, but he loves singing and performing so he doesn’t care what they say. He keeps doing his thing, stays true to himself, but wonders — how much longer…?)
I got one more minute, 24 hours to go
(one more minute of singing, of fame – one more minute being figurative rather than literal)
No redemption in my heart
(Tom has no regrets. Made some good choices, some bad, he’s okay with that)
No illusions or facades
(He’s not pretending to be anyone but himself. What you see, is what you get)
What I did I can’t take back
There’s no use in wishing that
(His history is out there, what’s done is done, so why go on about it)
The bell is ringing now and the clock counts down
(could be time is coming to start thinking about retiring, but how fast is that clock ticking?)
I got one more minute, 24 hours to go
Angels won’t help me now
This fate is all mine
(The choices are in Tom’s hands)
Darkness is fading out and so is my time
(He’s had a fabulous life and career, but everyone’s time comes to an end. At some point, he’ll have to retire, the question is when? Darkness=end of his time career-wise)
Hear the footsteps at my door
I don’t struggle anymore
(Footsteps=Young singers/acts: Tom doesn’t try to compete at their game, he stays true to himself. It’s worked)
As I take my final breath
I don’t feel what lies ahead
I’m leaving to a place where I’ll see your face
(As he finishes his last show, whenever that day comes, he’ll be fine. He’s had a great career and he’ll have great memories to look back on and be surrounded by wonderful family and friends)
I had one more minute 24 hours ago
One more minute 24 hours ago
(one more minute of popularity and/or fame: Minute=who knows if that’ll be a day, month, week or year with the public and the changing music market)
Let the sawing begin!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:38 am
When I said it was about the winding down of ones life, I didn’t take it literally just like “Green Green Grass of Home” doesn’t mean he’s facing execution. Its just a song. Doesn’t mean there is anything looming. Its just that as we all age we are more reflective.
Tom has sung some funky lyrics over the years. Fans don’t care what the song is about–we love Tom’s music! TJ’s got a enough hot engery and talent for years and years and years and years and years!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am
In case anyone wonders what I meant by that typo its “hot energy”.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
All of this death talk is depressing me! Come on now – would a guy that said the following – possibly be thinking about taking his last breath? “The fire is still in me,” Jones told The Associated Press in a recent interview, speaking by phone from his home in Los Angeles. “Not to be an oldie, but a goodie. I want to be a contender.”
September 25th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
OK, my friends, if Tom Jones is reading all of our views and comments on his song, 24 HOURS, I think he would be touched to know how much he is REALLY, REALLY LOVED, and amazed how that particular song has deeply affected all of us. The thought of Tom Jones and death is something we refuse to make that connection with. Folks, it’s only a song where Tom Jones has used his emostions as a canvas and his voice as the paint brush to create the colors and strokes of surrealism. Is it real or is it only a vision of the mind and heart. That is a True Master at work. I doubt very much that Tom Jones is ready to take his last breath, but only ready to exhale more of himself through more songs, performances and other artistic means of expressing himself in the ways only he can do and no one else.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Thank you TJFriend for your positivity, it’s cheering me up.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Here’s part of a comment from auspop.blogspot.com, an Australian blog, that we thought was interesting:
“We don’t quite know what to make of this new track by Wales’ most famous export, Sir Thomas Jones – we don’t know whether it’s complete and utter crap or whether it’s one of the most amazing things we’ve heard in a while (and from what we can ascertain, he wrote this track himself).. Adding to the confusion is the stark video (below) which is black and white, one take, with that artistic spasmodic loss of focus on Tom, who’s looking longingly at something off-camera (perhaps a nice trifle). Tom’s new album, of the same name, is due for release in the UK on November 25.”
September 26th, 2008 at 9:48 am
THE VOICE is still beautiful, strong, and pure. No techno crap.
OK, next question…what does what “Give a Little Love mean”? lol
September 26th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I believe the song is about someone who has committed a heinous crime and is now waiting to be executed. The lyrics are morbid and the music is very haunting, like a death march. Like someone else mentioned though, it’s only a song.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Well, I think Tom Jones is really showing off his VOICE, when he is singing 24 Hours. I think the song is about a man who has committed a crime and is going to be executed. He has got one more minute, 24 hours to go. No hidden meaning and certainly nothing personal. Tom Jones is known for one thing on this CD, his VOICE, and yes, it is only a song. Thanks for your ear.