Rockin' Machine
Badfinger Lyrics


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A-one, two, buckle my blues...

I'm making it this time
I'm making it this time

I'm making it this time around
Before I lose my mind again
Before I lose my mind

At times she rules my mind
I sit here marking time
Well, I'm well in with the rockin' machine
Put me down, you don't know where I've been
Oh, I'm a rockin' machine

Lately, I've been thinking what makes a man
But I can't for the life of me
Get away from the rockin' machine
Oh, I'm a rocking machine




Oh, I'm a rocking machine
Oh, I'm a rocking machine

Overall Meaning

"Rockin' Machine" is a song by British rock band Badfinger, released in 1972. The opening lyrics of "A-one, two, buckle my blues" suggest that the singer is ready to face his troubles by working through them, ultimately preventing himself from losing his mind again. The repetition of "I'm making it this time" emphasizes the singer's confidence and determination, suggesting he's on the road to success. However, the line "At times she rules my mind" indicates that he's still struggling with personal issues, unable to fully detach himself from someone or something that consumes his thoughts.


The singer acknowledges "I'm well in with the rockin' machine", implying that he's invested in the industry and the lifestyle that comes with being a rock star. Despite the potentially damaging effects that come from living life as such, the singer still declares himself a "rockin' machine". The line "Put me down, you don't know where I've been" asserts that the singer's experiences are unique to himself; only he could understand what he's gone through to get where he is. The repetition of "Oh, I'm a rockin' machine" at the end of the chorus reinforces the singer's self-assuredness and suggests that he has fully embraced his rock star persona.


Line by Line Meaning

A-one, two, buckle my blues...
Preparing to fight my sadness with determination


I'm making it this time
I will succeed this time


I'm making it this time
I believe in my abilities to succeed


I'm making it this time around
I have learned from past failures and will succeed now


Before I lose my mind again
I must avoid repeating my past mistakes because they drove me to insanity


Before I lose my mind
I'm afraid of losing my sanity again


At times she rules my mind
I am still haunted by a former lover and cannot get over her


I sit here marking time
I am impatiently waiting for something to happen


Well, I'm well in with the rockin' machine
I am committed to success and find happiness in my rock n' roll life


Put me down, you don't know where I've been
Do not underestimate me or my struggles because you do not know my past experiences


Oh, I'm a rockin' machine
I am confident in my abilities and determination as a musician and person


Lately, I've been thinking what makes a man
I have been contemplating what qualities define a successful man


But I can't for the life of me
I cannot seem to figure it out


Get away from the rockin' machine
I cannot escape the rock n' roll lifestyle and its effect on my identity


Oh, I'm a rockin' machine
I am passionate and confident in my love for music and its impact on my life


Oh, I'm a rockin' machine
I am committed to my career in music and the rock n' roll lifestyle




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