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.
Watching You
Elegant Machinery Lyrics
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Watching you
Standing in the dim light
Watching you
Hiding in the dark night
Watching you
While the rain is falling
It's not easy to conceal
Things I've said and things I've done
Exceptions from the rules
Although I'm trying to reject
I still wonder what to expect
When she's standing there, so innocent
Looking at me with a smile on her face
REPEAT CHORUS
It's a hard rain
Watching you, what more do I need?
You should know the way I feel
It's not easy to reveal
Words of love or words of pain
Kept inside my heart
After all I'm trying to accept
That there is something incorrect
When she's standing there, with a hold on me
Smiling while bringing me down to my knees
REPEAT CHORUS
It's a hard rain
Watching you, what more do I need?
REPEAT CHORUS
It's a hard rain
Watching you, what more do I need?
The song "Watching You" by Elegant Machinery is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and emotional turmoil. The chorus repeats a hauntingly beautiful melody that captivates the listener and sets the tone for the entire song. The lyrics speak of watching someone from afar, hiding in the shadows while she stands in the dim light. This adds a sense of mystery and nuance to the song, emphasizing the singer's reluctance to reveal his true feelings.
The lyrics are also heavily introspective, as the singer grapples with his emotions and tries to come to terms with the pain and confusion he is feeling. He talks about the struggle to conceal his true feelings and the difficulty of speaking honestly about his love and pain. Furthermore, he speaks about how the person he is watching has a hold on him and is bringing him down to his knees.
The recurring images of the hard rain, dim light, and dark night add to the sense of despair and isolation that the singer feels. They also enhance the feeling of longing and secrecy that permeates the song. Overall, "Watching You" is a poignant and powerful song that explores the depths of love and unrequited desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching you
OBSERVING YOUR EVERY MOVE
Standing in the dim light
STANDING IN THE SHADOWS, UNDETECTED
Watching you
OBSERVING YOUR EVERY MOVE
Hiding in the dark night
FORMING YOUR SHADOWS AS A HIDDEN WATCHER
Watching you
OBSERVING YOUR EVERY MOVE
While the rain is falling
WHILE UNSEEN AND UNHEARD AMIDST THE RAIN
You should know the way I feel
MY TRUE EMOTIONS SHOULD BE KNOWN BY YOU
It's not easy to conceal
HIDING MY EMOTIONS IS DIFFICULT
Things I've said and things I've done
WORDS AND ACTIONS I'VE TAKEN IN THE PAST
Exceptions from the rules
DEVIANCES FROM EXPECTED BEHAVIOR
Although I'm trying to reject
DESPITE MY ATTEMPTS TO DENY
I still wonder what to expect
AND STILL HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE
When she's standing there, so innocent
WHEN SHE IS PRESENT, WITHOUT GUILT
Looking at me with a smile on her face
OBSERVING MY RESPONSE TO HER STANDING THERE
It's a hard rain
THE RAIN THAT FALLS IS HEAVY
Watching you, what more do I need?
WHAT ELSE COULD I POSSIBLY WANT, EXCEPT TO KEEP WATCHING YOU?
Words of love or words of pain
WORDS OF AFFECTION OR DISCOMFORT
Kept inside my heart
KEPT HIDDEN FROM THE OUTSIDE
After all I'm trying to accept
STILL I CONSIDER ACCEPTING
That there is something incorrect
UNDERSTANDING THAT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT
When she's standing there, with a hold on me
WHEN SHE HAS MY ATTENTION AND INFLUENCE
Smiling while bringing me down to my knees
DESPITE THE IMPACT, HER SMILE REMAINS
It's a hard rain
THE RAIN THAT FALLS IS HEAVY
Watching you, what more do I need?
WHAT ELSE COULD I POSSIBLY WANT, EXCEPT TO KEEP WATCHING YOU?
It's a hard rain
THE RAIN THAT FALLS IS HEAVY
Watching you, what more do I need?
WHAT ELSE COULD I POSSIBLY WANT, EXCEPT TO KEEP WATCHING YOU?
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.