Bad Brains are a punk rock band formed in Washington, D.C., USA in 1977. Th… Read Full Bio ↴Bad Brains are a punk rock band formed in Washington, D.C., USA in 1977. They are regarded as one of the pioneers of hardcore punk, though band members have objected to the term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk, heavy metal, hip-hop and soul. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement.

Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting diverse guitar styles into their songs.

Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the "classic" lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically.

Discography:
• Bad Brains (1982)
• Rock for Light (1983)
• I Against I (1986)
• Quickness (1989)
• Rise (1993)
• God of Love (1995)
• I & I Survived (2002)
• Build a Nation (2007)
• Into the Future (2012)
• Mind Power (TBA)

Gene Machine
Bad Brains Lyrics

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You wanna see me hang around
Don't bother me
You wanna know if I'll get down
Can't you see

(Gene Machine)
Stick it in
Shove it up

Are they still humans?
(Dream Machine)
With brown eyes
brown hair
Created scientifically

You wanna see me hang around
Don't bother me
You wanna know if i get down
Oh can't you see
Come on open up your eyes
Truth is there to see
There is to be in reality

(Gene Machine)
Are they issues?
Dial-A-Gene...Buy-A-Gene
Take a second look did one just pass by way?
Gene Machine
Gene Machine

You never know one
when you see her
Quite aware
Mistaken identity
Oh. Gene Machine

Under H.I.M.
we pray not take the other

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bad Brains' song "Gene Machine" touch on themes of identity, genetic manipulation, and societal conformity. The song seems to question the nature of humanity in an age where scientific advancements allow for the manipulation of genes and the creation of "perfect" individuals.

The opening lines, "You wanna see me hang around, Don't bother me, You wanna know if I'll get down, Can't you see," suggest a detachment from societal expectations and an unwillingness to conform. The singer refuses to be defined or judged by others' standards.

The chorus, "Gene Machine, Stick it in, Shove it up, Are they still humans? Dream Machine, With brown eyes, brown hair, Created scientifically," delves into the concept of genetic engineering. The term "Gene Machine" seems to refer to those who have been manipulated or altered genetically in some way. The lyrics ask whether these modified individuals can still be considered human and whether their existence is the result of scientific experimentation rather than natural processes.

The second verse continues to challenge societal norms and encourages the listener to open their eyes to the truth. The reference to "issues" and "Dial-A-Gene...Buy-A-Gene" suggests a commodification of genetic modification, where people can purchase specific genetic traits. The line "Take a second look, did one just pass you by?" questions whether we can even recognize these modified individuals and highlights the blurred lines between natural and artificially-created humans.

The lyrics close with the plea, "Under H.I.M., we pray not take the other," suggesting a desire for unity and acceptance rather than division based on genetic differences. It seems to emphasize the importance of embracing diversity and not allowing genetic manipulation to create a hierarchy or separate individuals.

Overall, "Gene Machine" explores the ethical and philosophical implications of genetic engineering while urging listeners to question societal norms and embrace diversity. It calls for a deeper examination of what it means to be human in a world where our genetic makeup can be altered.

Line by Line Meaning

You wanna see me hang around
You are interested in my presence

Don't bother me
I don't want to be bothered

You wanna know if I'll get down
You want to know if I will engage in certain activities

Can't you see
Can't you understand

Stick it in
Insert it

Shove it up
Forcefully place it upward

Are they still humans?
Are they still considered human beings?

With brown eyes
Having eyes that are brown in color

brown hair
Having hair that is brown in color

Created scientifically
Produced through scientific means

Come on open up your eyes
Please start being aware