Devin Garrett Townsend (born May 5, 1972) is a Canadian musician and record… Read Full Bio ↴Devin Garrett Townsend (born May 5, 1972) is a Canadian musician and record producer from New Westminster, British Columbia. He was the founder, songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist in extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad from 1994 to 2007 and has had an extensive career as a solo artist, in which his work usually leans more towards a progressive metal style.

After performing in a number of metal bands in high school, Townsend was discovered by a record label in 1993 and was asked to perform lead vocals on Steve Vai's album Sex & Religion. After recording and touring with Vai, Townsend was discouraged by what he found in the music industry, and vented his anger on a solo album released under the pseudonym Strapping Young Lad. He soon assembled a band under the name, and released the critically acclaimed City in 1997. Since then, he has released three more studio albums with Strapping Young Lad, along with solo material released under his own independent record label, HevyDevy Records. Townsend's solo albums, a diverse mix of hard rock and progressive metal, have featured a varying lineup of supporting musicians. In 2002 he formed The Devin Townsend Band, a dedicated lineup which recorded and toured for two of his solo releases.

In 2007, Townsend disbanded both Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Townsend Band, taking a break from touring to spend more time with his family. After a two-year hiatus, he began work on a four-album series called The Devin Townsend Project, with each album written in a different style. The first two entries in the series, Ki and Addicted, were released in 2009. Townsend scheduled tours throughout Australia and North America in 2010 in support of the albums, and released the next two, Deconstruction and Ghost, in 2011.

Townsend's trademark production style, featuring a heavily multitracked wall of sound, has been compared to the styles of Phil Spector and Frank Zappa. His versatile vocal delivery ranges from screaming to an opera-esque singing, and his songwriting is similarly diverse. Townsend's musical style is rooted in metal, and his albums are written to express different aspects of his personality.

Ocean Machines*
Devin Townsend Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I see the world in a hole

I've known this feeling before...

I don't even know why I'm here...

I don't even know who I am

Oh my machine...

My machine...

I keep a watch out at night

(I've seen the world in a hole)

I'll go whenever it's right

(I've seen the light)

I don't even care who you are...

I don't even know why I'm here

(Chorus) I've found a way through the Ocean Machines

When it is time, we will know what it means

Life finds a way and that always will be...

When it is time we will see what we'll see...

I guarantee.

I went alone All I need...

Time, it's time, It's almost time

You come...you'll go...you'll never feel it.

(Chorus)

Signal!!!

I Guarantee.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Devin Townsend's song "Ocean Machines" are open to interpretation but to delve into the emotions conveyed by the lyrics, it seems to express a sense of confusion and a feeling of being lost in the world. The phrase "I see the world in a hole" may indicate a negative perception or outlook towards the world of the singer, where they feel overwhelmed and trapped. The repetition of "I don't even know why I'm here..." and "I don't even know who I am" creates a sense of uncertainty, confusion and a lack of purpose in the singer's life.

However, amidst this despair there is a glimmer of hope in the phrase "I've found a way through the Ocean Machines" which implies that the singer has found a way to cope with the struggles of life. The line "Life finds a way and that always will be" echoes the sentiment that no matter how bleak the situation, life will always find a way to persevere. Towards the end, the phrase "Signal!!! I Guarantee" is repeated which might mean that the singer has found solace in something or is about to embark on a new journey.

Overall, the lyrics to "Ocean Machines" might be reflecting on the human condition; the complex mix of emotions and experiences that make us human. It's about embracing the struggles, acknowledging the uncertainty, and finding ways to thrive amidst it all.

Line by Line Meaning

I see the world in a hole
I perceive the world as a place of darkness and negativity.

I've known this feeling before...
I have previously experienced the sense of the world being a dark place.

I don't even know why I'm here...
I am uncertain of my purpose for existing.

I don't even know who I am
I lack a clear sense of self-identity and purpose.

Oh my machine...
I turn to my own inner mechanisms as a source of strength and inspiration.

My machine...
I continue to rely on my own strengths and unique qualities to find my way.

I keep a watch out at night
I remain vigilant and aware in the face of the world's darkness and negativity.

(I've seen the world in a hole)
I have experienced firsthand the sense of the world being a dark and negative place.

I'll go whenever it's right
I am willing to follow my own sense of intuition and guidance when the time comes.

(I've seen the light)
I have experienced moments of enlightenment and clarity amidst the world's darkness.

I don't even care who you are...
I am indifferent to the identities and motivations of others in the world.

I don't even know why I'm here
I lack a clear sense of purpose for my existence in the world.

Chorus
I have discovered a way to navigate the darkness and negativity of the world through my own inner mechanisms and insights.

When it is time, we will know what it means
The true purpose and meaning of our existence will become clear in due time.

Life finds a way and that always will be...
Despite the challenges and difficulties of life, we will always find a way to persevere and continue on our path.

When it is time we will see what we'll see...
The mysteries and complexities of the universe will become clear in due time, according to a larger plan and design.

I guarantee.
I have absolute faith and conviction in this knowledge and insight.

I went alone All I need...
I have navigated the world and its challenges entirely on my own, relying only on my own strength and knowledge.

Time, it's time, It's almost time
The moment of clarity and purpose is nearly upon us, and we must be ready to receive it.

You come...you'll go...you'll never feel it.
Others may come and go in our lives, but they will never truly understand the significance and magnitude of our inner journey and insights.

Chorus
I continue to draw strength and inspiration from my own inner mechanisms and insights, which allow me to navigate the darkness and negativity of the world.

Signal!!!
I am ready to receive and interpret the signs and symbols of the universe that will guide me on my path.

I Guarantee.
I remain committed and steadfast in my faith and knowledge of the universe's larger purpose and design.

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