Machinehead
Bush Lyrics
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Breathe in
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in
Tied to a wheel fingers got to feel
Bleeding through a tourniquet smile
I spin on a whim, I slide to the right
For our love, for our fear
For our rise against the years and years and years
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
Green to red machine head
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
Green to red
I walk from my machine
I walk from my machine
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in
Deaf dumb, dirty
Starting to deserve this
Leaning on my conscience wall
Blood is like wine
Unconscious all the time
If I had it all again
I'd change it all
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
Green to red machine head
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
Green to red
I walk from my machine
I walk from my machine
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out
Breathe in, breathe in, breathe in
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
Green to red machine head
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
Green to red
Better than the rest, better than the rest
Machine head
I walk from my machine
I walk from my machine
The song "Machinehead" by Bush is a complex commentary on the experience of disconnection and disillusionment in modern life. The repeated refrain of "breathe in, breathe out" is a reminder to the listener to pause and take stock of their surroundings, to become aware of the mechanistic rhythms of their everyday existence. The singer describes himself as being "tied to a wheel", suggesting that he is a cog in a greater machine, just another participant in an anonymous, faceless system. He is bleeding through a "tourniquet smile", indicating that while he may appear calm and collected on the surface, he is slowly being bled dry by the unfeeling forces around him.
The chorus of the song takes on a more defiant tone, with the singer proclaiming that he has a "machine head", something that is "better than the rest". This can be interpreted as a celebration of individuality, an assertion that even in a world that seems to be moving in lockstep, there is still room for unique voices to be heard. The reference to the machine head changing from green to red is a nod to the intensity and passion that often animates acts of rebellion against the status quo.
The bridge of the song takes a more introspective turn, with the singer contemplating the fact that he is often "unconscious all the time". This can be seen as a reflection on the ways in which people can become numb and disengaged from the world around them, lost in their own thoughts and emotions. The closing repetition of the phrase "better than the rest" can be read as a mantra, a reminder to listeners that while they may feel small and insignificant at times, they are still capable of remarkable things.
Line by Line Meaning
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out
The singer is focusing on their breath as a simple yet essential act of self-regulation
Breathe in
Repeat of previous line
Tied to a wheel fingers got to feel
The singer feels trapped or constrained but still has control over their movements
Bleeding through a tourniquet smile
The artist is putting on a fake smile to hide their pain
I spin on a whim, I slide to the right
The artist's movements are spontaneous and unpredictable
I felt you like electric light
The singer experienced a strong, powerful feeling towards someone or something
For our love, for our fear
Whatever the singer is experiencing is related to strong emotions of both love and fear
For our rise against the years and years and years
The artist is taking a stand against something that has been going on for a long time
Got a machine head, it's better than the rest
The artist has machine-like qualities that make them superior to others
Green to red machine head
The artist's machine head is functioning smoothly, going from green (good) to red (bad)
I walk from my machine
The singer is separating themself from their machine-like qualities
Deaf dumb, dirty
The artist feels disconnected and disempowered in their current state
Starting to deserve this
The singer is beginning to feel like they deserve what they are experiencing
Leaning on my conscience wall
The singer is seeking guidance from their own conscience or moral beliefs
Blood is like wine
The singer is comparing their own suffering to the richness of wine
Unconscious all the time
The artist is not fully aware or present in their experiences
If I had it all again, I'd change it all
The artist regrets their past experiences and would do things differently if given the chance
Better than the rest, better than the rest
Repeat of previous lines about the singer's superiority
Machine head
The singer's machine-like qualities are a core part of their being or identity
I walk from my machine
Repeat of previous line about separation from machine-like qualities
Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out
Final repetition of focusing on breath
Breathe in, breathe in, breathe in
Final repetition of focusing on breath
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Gavin Rossdale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patguy19
This song has kept me alive all these years, thanks to all that solid advice on breathing.
@debasershow6177
Underrated comment
@edwinhollandjr6003
lol... spectacular
@happygoteddy4307
#truth đ
@franciscorobertodelima3502
2022
@VegasBeccaRothstein
You deserve an award my friend! Best comment ever!!
@rickybobby6579
I was 97 years old when this song came out. I'm 126 years old now, and it still slaps
@SummerofJoy
I remember my first hundred.
@christinasmith7566
đ
@angelofwar9223
Heck yeah dudes