Telling Time Rap Lyrics
Telling Time Rap
[Daniel]Good morning, boys and girls! Look who it is! It's Mousie! Say, "Hello, everybody."
[Daniel as Mousie]
Hello everybody
[Daniel]
Hi,?Mousie.?Did I hear?you’re having trouble telling time?
[Daniel as Mousie]
Yeah, I?can't tell time at all
[Daniel]
Well that's okay, because me and this are gonna help you. Do you know what this is?
[Daniel as Mousie]
Yeah, it’s a loops machine. It makes loops and bows
[Daniel]
No, no, no, no, not bows. It makes beats. Here, check it out, ready?
[beat plays]
Yeah, you like that?
[Daniel as Mousie]
Yeah!
[Daniel]
Now Mousie, can you tell me the sound a clock makes?
[Daniel as Mousie]
Oh, sure
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
[Daniel & Daniel as Mousie]
Perfect! Okay ready, now it's my turn
Tick tock
[Daniel & Daniel as Mousie]
Bm ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts ts
Tick tock, tick tock
Bm ey ey, now let's lay down a rolling bass line
Tick tock, tick tock
Bawm, dayden dayden dow dow, du dayden dayden dow
Tick tock, tick tock
Bawm, dayden dayden dow dow, du dayden dayden dow
Tick tock, tick tock
Well, it's about time
And it's about space
And don't ask me why, but a clock has a face
And in case you don't understand
Let me expand
I know it sounds crazy, but this face has hands
Song Overview
Song Credits
- Featured: Rob McClure
- Producer: Kevin McCollum
- Composer: Karey Kirkpatrick, Wayne Kirkpatrick
- Release Date: 2022
- Genre: Rap / Broadway
- Album: Mrs. Doubtfire
- Label: Broadway Records
- Language: English
Song Meaning and Annotations
“Telling Time Rap” is Daniel Hillard’s wild, whimsical lesson plan brought to life — a blend of beatbox bravado and children’s TV parody that feels like Sesame Street got a DJ residency. It’s not just educational theater; it’s dad energy dialed up to eleven.
A Classroom Beatdown (Of Time!)
The premise? Daniel is teaching kids how to tell time. But this isn’t your standard chalk-and-board drill. Instead, he unleashes a one-man musical — complete with alter ego “Mousie” — and a loop station.
“Do you know what this is?”
“Yeah, it’s a loops machine. It makes loops and bows.”
It’s silly. It’s charming. It’s peak Daniel.
Tick-Tock Goes the Rhythm
Through layered beat loops and rhythmic chanting — “Tick tock, tick tock” — Daniel breaks down the anatomy of a clock:
“It’s about time / And it’s about space / And don’t ask me why, but a clock has a face.”
The song fuses humor and hip-hop in a way that’s both cringeworthy and undeniably catchy. It walks the tightrope between parody and sincerity — and balances better than expected.
More Than a Gimmick
Underneath the slapstick, “Telling Time Rap” is about a father trying to connect. Daniel’s using the tools he has — humor, performance, improv — to stay present in his children’s lives. It's a metaphor wrapped in a drum loop: time is passing, and he’s desperate to hold onto it. Each tick-tock is a heartbeat of longing.
Similar Songs
- “Alphabet Aerobics” – Blackalicious
Like “Telling Time Rap,” this song turns education into performance. While “Alphabet Aerobics” escalates through complex alliteration, Daniel’s rap simplifies concepts for kids. Both are linguistic workouts — one for lyrical stamina, the other for timekeeping fundamentals. - “My Shot” – Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Both tracks showcase characters asserting identity through rhythm and rhyme. “Telling Time Rap” is Daniel's shot to prove he can be a cool, present parent. Though Miranda’s stakes are historical revolution, the emotional urgency resonates in both. - “It’s Your Birthday” – The Laurie Berkner Band
Aimed at children, but musically inventive, much like Daniel’s approach here. Both songs recognize that kids’ music doesn’t have to be dull. Daniel’s DIY musicality channels the same playful spirit — a rap battle meets recess.
Questions and Answers
- What is the “Telling Time Rap” about?
- It’s a comedic, musical lesson on how to read an analog clock, wrapped in Daniel’s zany performance style. Underneath, it’s about a dad trying to stay involved and relevant to his kids.
- Why does Daniel use a loop machine?
- It allows him to build beats live, adding layers to the rap in real time — a fun, dynamic way to engage kids and demonstrate creativity on the fly.
- Who is Mousie?
- Mousie is a squeaky-voiced puppet persona Daniel uses to teach — think Mr. Rogers meets beatboxing sock puppet. He acts as a childlike stand-in, helping Daniel break down time concepts simply.
- Is the song purely comedic?
- No. While the humor is front and center, it reveals deeper layers of Daniel’s personality — his need to entertain, connect, and prove himself as a parent despite his flaws.
- How does this fit into the broader musical?
- This number highlights Daniel’s improvisational genius, while reinforcing the central tension: his antics are delightful, but they often come at the cost of structure and trust.
Fan and Media Reactions
“This was like Schoolhouse Rock meets Hamilton — hilarious, weird, and kinda genius.” – @clockwatcher33
“My kid now says 'Bm ts ts ts' every time we look at a clock. Thanks, Daniel.” – @parentplayhouse
“Rob McClure has that perfect dad-chaos energy. His timing — pun intended — is impeccable.” – @musictheaternerd
“This rap is living rent-free in my brain. Educational earworm alert.” – @hookedonbroadway
“The Mousie puppet was unexpected and weirdly perfect. 10/10 would watch again.” – @kidsrulestage