The lyrics bespeak a sub-mediocre knowledge of grammar
I used to live in New York City
Everything there was dark and dirty
Outside my window was a steeple
With a clock that always said 12:30
With a clock that always said 12:30
Clocks don't speak. Here is how that line ought be spoken/heard:
..with a clock that always read 12:30
Now, I'm not saying I am glad that Mama Cass died because she sang these lyrics without objection, but come on...she had it coming, right?