Mad Machine
Callow Youth Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I’m with ya, I can’t see ya, it’s just not the same
Used to be on good terms and now you drag me through the rain
Hard to not spend his last pocket, that’s not how it works
I tried to do my best and I’m just suddenly adverse

And I’ve gotta say, it won’t be today
We were walking hand in hand, now I’m asleep when I’m awake
It is sickening, how the corporation wins
I wonder if it’s worth the risk?
Well why can’t I see, what’s happening to me
Why can’t I see, what’s happening to me

The people at the top of the list, are making sure that they are quids in
Before they even look up and acknowledge you

Hooked up to a mad machine, is it red or is it green?
My friend the mad machine, or is it a vivid dream?
There’s so much more to life than this, is what she’s filling my head with
There’s so much more to life than this

When am with the mad machine, you suggest that it’s nothing
But I feel I’m corrected, I could be reborn
Empires fell we’re on the run, sometimes we’re running from no one
Outlooks changing, sleeper agents, time is soothing, speak in music
It’s not easy, don’t pretend, it’ll get you in the end
It’s not easy, don’t pretend, it’ll get you in the end

Hooked up to a mad machine, is it red or is it green?
My friend the mad machine, or is it a vivid dream?
There’s so much more to life than this, is what she’s filling my head with
There’s so much more to life than this, is what she’s filling my head with
Is what she’s filling my head with, is what she’s filling my head





It is sickening, how the corporation wins
I wonder if it’s worth the risk?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Callow Youth's song "Mad Machine" seem to explore themes of disillusionment with the way society operates and the feeling of being trapped in a system that is controlled by corporations. The singer expresses a sense of disconnect and frustration in their relationship, feeling like things have changed and they are being dragged through difficulties that they didn't anticipate. There is a sense of longing for a simpler time when things were better and easier to navigate.


The mention of spending his last pocket implies financial struggles and perhaps a sense of powerlessness in the face of challenges. The singer acknowledges that despite their efforts to do their best, they are suddenly faced with adversity and obstacles that they may not know how to overcome. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and uncertainty about the future, with the singer feeling lost and disconnected from their surroundings.


The recurring theme of being hooked up to a "mad machine" suggests a feeling of being controlled or manipulated by external forces, be it societal expectations, corporate influence, or personal struggles. The mention of red or green alludes to making choices or decisions, but not being sure which path to take. The singer questions the worth of taking risks and wonders why they can't see clearly what is happening to them, indicating a sense of being overwhelmed and not fully understanding their circumstances.


Overall, the lyrics of "Mad Machine" paint a picture of a person grappling with feelings of dissatisfaction, uncertainty, and a desire for more meaning and purpose in their life. The song seems to challenge the status quo and encourages listeners to break free from societal constraints and the influence of powerful entities, urging them to seek out a deeper, more fulfilling existence beyond the limitations imposed by the "mad machine" of modern society.


Line by Line Meaning

When I’m with ya, I can’t see ya, it’s just not the same
Being with you feels different than it used to


Used to be on good terms and now you drag me through the rain
Our relationship has taken a negative turn


Hard to not spend his last pocket, that’s not how it works
It's difficult not to spend everything I have, but that's not sustainable


I tried to do my best and I’m just suddenly adverse
I gave it my all but things turned against me


And I’ve gotta say, it won’t be today
Today is not the day for a positive change


We were walking hand in hand, now I’m asleep when I’m awake
Our relationship has lost its intimacy and connection


It is sickening, how the corporation wins
It's disheartening how corporations always come out on top


I wonder if it’s worth the risk?
Is the potential reward worth the possible consequences?


Well why can’t I see, what’s happening to me
Why am I blind to my own situation?


The people at the top of the list, are making sure that they are quids in
Those in power only care about their own financial gain


Before they even look up and acknowledge you
They don't even bother to acknowledge those below them


Hooked up to a mad machine, is it red or is it green?
Caught up in a chaotic situation, unsure of the outcome


My friend the mad machine, or is it a vivid dream?
Is this chaotic situation truly happening or just a dream?


There’s so much more to life than this, is what she’s filling my head with
I'm being encouraged to see beyond the current situation


When am with the mad machine, you suggest that it’s nothing
When I'm in chaos, you dismiss it as trivial


But I feel I’m corrected, I could be reborn
But I feel like this chaos is necessary for my growth


Empires fell we’re on the run, sometimes we’re running from no one
Despite the downfall of empires, we are still fleeing with no clear enemy


Outlooks changing, sleeper agents, time is soothing, speak in music
Perspectives are shifting, hidden intentions are at play, time heals, music communicates


It’s not easy, don’t pretend, it’ll get you in the end
It's difficult, so don't pretend otherwise, the truth will catch up eventually




Lyrics © Sentric Music
Written by: Alfie Turner, Connor Wilkinson, Nathan Wrigley, Tom Hilton, John Delf

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Mark Wilkinson

Absolute tune lads 🔥🔥

More Versions