Machan’s reputation as an accomplished professional has earned her the respect of her musical peers, some of the most illustrious of which join her on Motion of Love. The CD features guest appearances by jazz greats John Medeski, John Scofield, and Randy Brecker, and Brazilian percussionist Portinho, as well as strong musical contributions from Government Mule’s Danny Louis (who also just happens to be Machan’s husband!) Not to be overlooked is Machan’s first-class guitar playing that sets thetable for this feast of talent.
It’s no surprise that Machan has followed a musical path. Her mother was a Japanese jazz vocalist who met Machan’s father when he booked her trio, which also featured pianist Toshiko Akioshi, into a post WWII officers club in Yokohama. Raised in the US, by the age of twelve Machan had taught herself to play the guitar, emulating her early musical heroes such as Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, and had begun to perform in venues around her hometown. By the age of 16, she was supporting herself as a performer. She studied jazz theory and vocal performance at William Patterson College, and soon found herself sharing the stage with artists ranging from Pink Floyd to George Benson to Sting. The lessons she learned from her experiences in the world of pop superstardom resonate for her now that she’s committing her self to her solo career: “The guys in Pink Floyd were mega rock stars yet they were down to earth and wonderful to work with. They taught me that success doesn’t mean you have to be out of touch with reality or change who you are. You decide who you want to be and what to do with that kind of power.”
A few years back, following an extensive tour with Sting, Machan finally felt the confidence to strike out on her own as a performer. “Even though I had some great experiences, working as a background singer wasn’t what I really wanted to do. When I was younger, I hadn’t found my direction or my voice as an artist, so I hid behind other artists.” Machan began to find her own way with her debut self-titled release, which reflected the singer’s myriad influences, softly weaving her inviting vocals around warm Brazilian rhythms and adult pop melodies, spiced with hints of jazz and world music. “Now I feel like I’m back on the path that I started down when I was a teenager. I’ve come back to my own main road now, and I am so happy to feel back on track.”
Motion of Love sustains the mellifluous momentum of Machan’s signature sound, enhanced by an even greater depth and meaning. “I hope that people will feel like I’ve shared more of myself with them, this time out,” she explains. “I hope that my music will touch or inspire them in some way. After all, isn’t that what everyone wants – to contribute and make a difference?”
Love'em Leave'em
Machan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Checking out every boy and girl
When ya gonna settle down
Oh Oh
There you are at every scene
Acting cool but being mean
Where you gonna go from hereOh Oh
Oh you never gonna find love
Oh if you don't mind love
Oh you never gonna find love this way
Love 'em leave 'em
Seems like you don't need 'em
Love 'em leave 'em
Then you go
Love 'em leave 'em
Feel them up and breathe them
Love 'em leave 'em
So it goes
Following behind you
A trail of broken hearts will find you
Everybody pays the price, whoa, whoa
I don't think you been thinkin'
You were getting away with murder
But you're the only one who died
Yeah yeah yeah
Love 'em leave 'em
Seems like you don't need 'emLove 'em leave 'em
Then you go
Love 'em leave 'em
Feel them up and breathe them
Love 'em leave 'em
So it goes
But don't be asking for sympathy
'Cause you know the reasons why
You're laying in your bed at night and cryin'
Love 'em leave 'em
Seems like you don't need 'em
Love 'em leave 'em
Then you go
Love 'em leave 'em
Feel them up and breathe them
Love 'em leave 'em
So it goes
The lyrics to Machan's song "Love 'em Leave 'em" speak about a person who travels the world, encountering different people along the way. The lyrics suggest that this person is not interested in settling down and instead enjoys the thrill of constantly moving on from one person to another. The song emphasizes the idea that if one doesn't open themselves up to love and commitment, they will never truly find it. The repetitive refrain of "love 'em leave 'em" conveys the person's nonchalant attitude towards relationships, indicating that they don't believe they need anyone or anything beyond fleeting connections.
The lyrics also imply that this person's behavior has consequences. The line "Following behind you, a trail of broken hearts will find you" suggests that the person leaves behind a trail of heartbroken individuals as a result of their actions. Despite seemingly getting away with their behavior, they eventually find themselves alone and longing for something more meaningful, as indicated by the line "You're laying in your bed at night and cryin'."
Overall, the lyrics explore themes of love, commitment, and the consequences of avoiding emotional intimacy. It reflects on the idea that true fulfillment and happiness can only come from developing deep and authentic connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Travelin' around the world
Going from place to place, exploring different countries and cultures
Checking out every boy and girl
Observing and showing interest in people of all genders
When ya gonna settle down
Asking when you will finally choose a place to call home
Oh Oh
Expressing a sense of anticipation or realization
There you are at every scene
Always present and involved in various situations
Acting cool but being mean
Projecting an image of composure and confidence while treating others poorly
Where you gonna go from here
Questioning what the next step or destination in life will be
Oh Oh
A repetition of the previous sense of anticipation or realization
Oh you never gonna find love
Stating that love will remain elusive
Oh if you don't mind love
Unless you are receptive to love and open to its possibilities
Oh you never gonna find love this way
Declaring that the current approach to relationships won't lead to finding love
Love 'em leave 'em
Engaging in short-term relationships without commitment or emotional attachment
Seems like you don't need 'em
Giving the impression that you are independent and don't rely on others for happiness
Then you go
Moving on from one relationship to another
Love 'em leave 'em
Continuing the pattern of temporary romantic encounters
Feel them up and breathe them
Engaging physically and emotionally with partners, but only temporarily
Love 'em leave 'em
Repeating the cycle of not forming lasting connections
So it goes
Indicating that this pattern is the accepted way of life
Following behind you
People getting emotionally involved with you and becoming attached
A trail of broken hearts will find you
Leaving a path of hurt and heartbreak behind you
Everybody pays the price, whoa, whoa
All parties involved suffer the consequences of your actions
I don't think you been thinkin'
Expressing doubt about your consideration or awareness
You were getting away with murder
Getting away with causing emotional harm and pain
But you're the only one who died
Emphasizing that ultimately, you are the one who loses out in the end
Yeah yeah yeah
An exclamation or affirmation
But don't be asking for sympathy
Advising against seeking pity or understanding from others
'Cause you know the reasons why
Because you are aware of the motives and intentions behind your actions
You're laying in your bed at night and cryin'
Experiencing feelings of regret and sadness when alone and reflecting on your choices
Love 'em leave 'em
Continuing the cycle of temporary relationships
Seems like you don't need 'em
Giving the impression that you can exist without emotional connections
Love 'em leave 'em
Persisting in the pattern of brief encounters
Then you go
Moving on without forming lasting bonds
Love 'em leave 'em
Engaging physically and emotionally for a short time before moving on
Feel them up and breathe them
Connecting with others on a temporary and superficial level
Love 'em leave 'em
Continuing the pattern without seeking commitment or emotional attachment
So it goes
Confirming that this way of life is accepted and expected
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind