Heavily influenced by acts like Yazoo, Human League, Depeche Mode, Rational Youth and Robert Marlow, Richard Johansson and Leslie Bayne started the band in 1988 under the name Pole Position.
Robert Enforsen joined the band as lead vocalist in 1989, and the band released their first demo, at which point they changed their name to elegant MACHINERY, a name derived from the album by Data.
Due to Leslie Bayne's stagefright, Johan Malmgren joined the band as a tour musician in 1992. He later became a permanent member.
The band was very successful in Sweden, with a number of successful singles and various awards. In the rest of Europe, their biggest break into the mainstream was with the single Process, which reached number 5 in the Spanish charts.
elegant MACHINERY disbanded in 1999.
In 2001, the band temporarily reunited (with Johan temporarily replaced by Jarmo Ollila of Daily Planet) for their first-ever American appearance, followed by a performance in Mexico. Over the next few years, the band performed a number of times in Europe.
In October 2004, after a successful gig at Romo Night in Gothenburg, the band decided to work on new music. Johan, Richard, and Robert have been joined by original member Leslie Bayne, and plan to release a new single in 2006.
During the band's hiatus, Robert Enforsen worked on a number of side projects, including Enforce, Hype, Gobble & Gag, and Red Light District. Meanwhile, Johan Malmgren joined the Swedish band S.P.O.C.K as a keyboardist, programmer and composer. Johan and Robert also produced the debut album "Lost in a Maze" of the Swedish-British band Univaque in 2004.
Pantomime
Elegant Machinery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
why I should listen to
all those accusations thrown at me
There´s really no excuse
for what you´ve done to me
duplicity in your eyes reveals the truth
Every day just feels the same
breeding disease an aching shame
I don´t know why
I really do deplore
my simple minded words
still I don´t know why you act this way
You often criticized
but never realized
nothing about this matter was my fault
Every day just feels the same
breeding disease an aching shame
it doesn´t matter how I try
I don´t know why
Trying so hard
to watch my own mistakes
a pantomime in a silent world
am I watching for my own sake
Trying so hard
to watch my own mistake
Every day just feels the same
breeding disease an aching shame
It doesn´t matter how I try
I don´t know why
The lyrics of Elegant Machinery's song "Pantomime" provide a glimpse into the emotional struggle of an individual who is constantly subjected to accusations and criticisms without any real justification. The singer of the song seems to be tired of listening to these accusations that are thrown at him/her without any basis, and they are unable to comprehend why they need to defend themselves against such unfounded allegations. Despite their efforts to defend themselves, they are still met with duplicity in the eyes of the accuser, which reveals the truth of the situation.
The repetition of "Every day just feels the same, breeding disease an aching shame" reflects the frustration and helplessness of the singer who is trapped in a vicious cycle of accusations and criticism. They are unable to shake off the feeling of shame that comes with being constantly put down, and they feel like they are being slowly consumed by a disease. The line "a pantomime in a silent world" highlights the fact that the singer feels like they are stuck in a performance, where they are being watched by an audience but are unable to truly express themselves or defend themselves against the accusations.
In the end, the lyrics convey a sense of resignation as the singer realizes that they may never understand why the accuser acts this way towards them, and they may never be able to overcome the shame and negative emotions that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I have no reason why
I don't understand why things are happening the way they are.
why I should listen to
Why should I pay attention to what you say.
all those accusations thrown at me
All the blame that you put on me is not fair.
There´s really no excuse
What you did is inexcusable.
for what you´ve done to me
What you did to me was wrong and hurtful.
duplicity in your eyes reveals the truth
Your eyes show me that you are being two-faced and not truthful.
Every day just feels the same
My life feels stagnant and repetitive.
breeding disease an aching shame
This situation is causing me emotional and mental pain.
It doesn´t matter how I try
No matter what I do, I can't seem to change this situation.
I don´t know why
I don't understand the root of the problem.
I really do deplore
I thoroughly dislike and regret what I've said.
my simple minded words
The things I have said may have been naive or foolish.
still I don´t know why you act this way
I can't comprehend why you are behaving in this manner.
You often criticized
You frequently pointed out my flaws or mistakes.
but never realized
However, you never acknowledged or understood the real situation.
nothing about this matter was my fault
The events that took place were not my responsibility.
Trying so hard to watch my own mistakes
I am trying my best to avoid making any errors.
a pantomime in a silent world
I feel like I am acting out a play, but no one is paying attention.
am I watching for my own sake
I wonder if I am doing this for myself or for someone else's benefit.
Contributed by Parker V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.