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.
Words Of Wisdom
Elegant Machinery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While wasting our remains
So forceful, yet so graceful
With strength within our vains
Deciples of the old way
Returning with the tide
From a time, once dignified
As we speak those ancient rhymes
To preserve this faith within
Which reflects what we once knew
An image breaks the silence
A vision speaks within
We move in syncopation
With eagerness and a grin
We are the perfect picture
With profiles carved in stone
Through your faith we have grown
Listen to the words of wisdom
As we speak those ancient rhymes
To preserve this faith within
Which reflects what we once knew
The lyrics of Elegant Machinery's song Words of Wisdom speak to a longing for the past and an urge to preserve traditional wisdom. The first verse describes this nostalgia as a memory that the lyrics are ascending from, while also acknowledging the waste and destruction that has been left behind. Despite the forcefulness and grace of the past, the lyrics imply that the strength of those times still lives on within us, with every person being a disciple of the old way. The repetition of the line "from a time, once dignified" emphasizes the loss that is being mourned.
The chorus of the song speaks directly to the listener, urging them to listen to the words of wisdom that the song is presenting. These "ancient rhymes" will help to preserve a faith that reflects what was once known, hinting at a sense of greater purpose and fulfillment that has been lost. The second verse builds on this sense of purpose, with the image that breaks the silence and the "perfect picture" that is being created by the people moving in unison. The lyrics suggest that this very unity and faith have allowed for growth and development.
Line by Line Meaning
Ascending from a memory
We are remembering things from the past and using them to move forward.
While wasting our remains
Though we may not have much left, we are not giving up and making the most of what we have.
So forceful, yet so graceful
We are strong and determined, yet we move in a way that is elegant and refined.
With strength within our veins
We are filled with a sense of power and purpose that keeps us going.
Disciples of the old way
We are followers of tradition and wisdom from the past.
Returning with the tide
As time goes by, we are coming back around to the things that have always been important to us.
From a time, once dignified
We are looking back at a time when things were more honorable and respectable.
Listen to the words of wisdom
We have something important to say, so pay attention.
As we speak those ancient rhymes
We are sharing old truths and insights that have stood the test of time.
To preserve this faith within
We want to keep this important belief system alive and thriving.
Which reflects what we once knew
This faith reflects a deep understanding of the world and our place in it that we used to have.
An image breaks the silence
We are using our imaginations and creative abilities to make a statement.
A vision speaks within
We are inspired by something that we can see in our minds' eye.
We move in syncopation
We are in harmony with one another as we work to achieve our goals.
With eagerness and a grin
We are excited and happy to be doing what we're doing.
We are the perfect picture
We are like a flawless work of art or a well-oiled machine.
With profiles carved in stone
Our perfection has been solidified and made permanent over time.
Through your faith we have grown
We have grown and become stronger thanks to the faith and support of others.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Evi
I adore this band!!!!!!!!!
ThedaBaratheon
This is soo good! I love it.
Lampenschirm
My childhood. Thank you daddy
ThedaBaratheon
I honestly love it.
Peruvian Artist in Miami
This is a great song ,"Listen to the words of wisdom" ,thats true!
antias123
My first Synthi song for years. That is far 10 yaers ago. I like this tune very. thankßs.
Arielle363
friggin hell. This is so awesome!
Miranda Fulk
Somehow I was watching an old lady who labelled herself as the "YouTube Grandma" and I stumbled across this as a recommended video. I am on the weird side of YouTube again. Luckily, this is not a bad song. Or band.
Vivianhiro Bertuzzoshi
PURE SYNTHPOP!!! EM rules!
cypresspeter2008
sounds so retro