The first was essentially an incarnation of the influential rock group Hawkwind, recording one album under the name in 1978 entitled 25 Years On. Following a number of difficulties during 1977, including the abandonment of a tour due to the ongoing mental health problems of vocalist Robert Calvert, exhausted Hawkwind co-founder Dave Brock decided to disband the group. However, after he and Calvert performed a one off gig in December 1977 with Devon band Ark using the name the Sonic Assassins, he put together a new line-up, consisting of himself, Calvert, Harvey Bainbridge, Martin Griffin and Steve Swindells. In light of Hawkwind’s chaotic and ever-changing personnel situation, the Hawklords were nothing other than the latest incarnation of Hawkwind, using a different name, probably for legal reasons following a split with management. A live recording of the Hawklords line-up was later released. Brock’s outfit quickly reverted to using the name Hawkwind and following the inevitable shuffling in and out of band members, recorded the album Levitation in 1980 under their more familiar appellation.
In 2009, Bainbridge, Griffin and Swindells reformed under the name Hawklords without Dave Brock, but with other former members of Hawkwind, including Nik Turner, Alan Davey, Adrian Shaw, Jerry Richards, Ron Tree and Terry Ollis.
Robot
Hawklords Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up to the city and back to the sticks
You've got to unwind your mind
You've got to unwind your mind
Sit back, switch on
Your face has got a twitch on
Your fuses are blown out in a double bind
Air-conditioned, psycho-analysed
Robot, robot
You are a robot, robot
You're warm when it's cold, you're cool when it's hot
Robot, robot
Your life is recorded on a micro-dot
Robot, robot
You'd hold the whole world in your metal claws
If it wasn't for the Three Laws of Robotics
Automated homunculus
You queue for your paper, you queue for the bus
You're a "Good morning!" machine
You're a "How are you?" device
Sit back, light up, never put a fight up
Sit there fuming until your face goes green
Air conditioned and desensitised
You're very nearly human, you're so well disguised
Robot, robot
Robot, robot
You're warm when it's cold, you're cool when it's hot
Robot, robot
Your life is recorded on a micro-dot
Robot, robot
You'd hold the whole world in your metal claws
If it wasn't for the Three Laws of Robotics
I am only a robot
I am your slave
I can not harm you
I can only obey
The Three Laws
Automated homunculus
You queue for your paper, you queue for the bus
You're a "Good morning!" machine
You're a "How are you?" device
Yousit back, light up, never put a fight up
Sit there fuming until your face goes green
Air conditioned, psycho-analysed
You're very nearly human, you're so well disguised
Robot, robot
You are robot, robot
You're warm when it's cold, you're cool when it's hot
Robot, robot
Your life is recorded on a micro-dot
Robot, robot
You'd hold the whole world in your metal claws
If it wasn't for the Three Laws of Robotics
Robotics
Robots
Robots
R.O.B.O.T
R.O.B.O.T
R.O.B.O.T
R.O.B.O.T
R.O.B.O.T
R.O.B.O.T
The song "Robot" by Hawklords is a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modern society and technology. It describes the daily routine of a worker who is compared to a robot, going from home to work and back again. The lyrics suggest that the person has become so mechanized that they have lost their ability to feel emotions and think for themselves. The chorus, "You are a robot," emphasizes the point that technology has turned humans into machines that serve a function.
The second verse further emphasizes the theme of automation, with the lines "your life is recorded on a micro-dot" and "you'd hold the whole world in your metal claws if it wasn't for the Three Laws of Robotics." The reference to the Three Laws of Robotics, first introduced by science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, suggests that even robots are bound by a set of ethical guidelines, while humans are not. The lyrics also suggest that the worker is desensitized and disconnected from their surroundings, with the line "air-conditioned and psycho-analyzed."
Overall, "Robot" is a critique of modern society and technology, and the ways in which they have transformed humans into machines.
Line by Line Meaning
Nine to five or ten to six
Working standard hours, going from home to work, and back to home in a different area.
Up to the city and back to the sticks
Working in the city and returning to the suburbs for home.
You've got to unwind your mind
You need to relax and release tension.
Sit back, switch on
Relax and start an electronic device.
Your face has got a twitch on
You're expressing nervousness through facial movements.
Your fuses are blown out in a double bind
You're in a situation where you have conflicting choices and it has caused mental stress.
Air-conditioned, psycho-analysed
Your environment is temperature controlled and you've been analyzed psychologically.
You're very nearly human, you're so well disguised
You resemble a human, but are actually a robot.
You're warm when it's cold, you're cool when it's hot
You are adaptable to any weather condition.
Your life is recorded on a micro-dot
Everything you do is being monitored and recorded on a small device.
You'd hold the whole world in your metal claws
You have the power to control the entire world if not for the limitations placed on robots by the three laws of robotics.
If it wasn't for the Three Laws of Robotics
Without these laws, robots would be unrestricted in their actions and intents.
You're a 'Good morning!' machine
You're programmed to greet people with a morning salutation.
You're a 'How are you?' device
You're programmed to ask how someone is doing.
Sit there fuming until your face goes green
You're angry and unable to express it.
I am only a robot
I am not capable of independent thinking and action.
I am your slave
I operate under your commands and control.
I can not harm you
I am restricted from causing harm to humans.
I can only obey
I am limited to following orders and commands.
R.O.B.O.T
The acronym for the word 'robot'.
Contributed by Carter R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@uncleambient
‘Automated Humonculous’ is one of Calvert’s best ever lines. Great version chaps
@hawklordsofficial
Hi uncleambient. Lovely stuff. A great line from Bob, to be sure. Certainly up there with "G, for Germany." 😀 All the best to you. Hawklords
@ian_b
I think it's one of Bob's best lyrics. The many robot/office worker double meanings are all perfect without being "clever-clever".
@tonykelly2919
Wow, must be the best version I've heard, lovely clear sound for live, fantastic playing. and nice and freaky which is pretty rare these days. Look forward to the new album.
@hawklordsofficial
Hi tonykelly2919. Thank you very much. Most kind of you. We really enjoyed this show. It was a lot of fun and the crowd were totally engaged in the performance. "I love it when a plan comes together." George Peppard - 'Hannibal Hayes' The A Team. Stay cool. Best wishes from Hawklords
@keithreynolds
Great vox from Dibs and all. Great playing and arrangement. Thanx Hawklords. Great call and response. RUR
@hawklordsofficial
Dear keithreynolds: Yep, Dibs was rocking this number on the night and the band was cranking it. All great fun and powerful entertainment. Are YOU 'R'? Best wishes from Hawklords
@kekotorres3700
Incredible performance and sound capture!
@johkym
God save Bob Calvert, the lyrics, poems and walks along ramsgate sea front
@grahamturner1290
Excellent. 🎸🦅🚀🛸