More Machine Than Man is the cybergoth, electrofetish, and industrial multimedia project for the new millennium. This prolific collaboration works in the media of digital music, art film, print/web art, animation, and event promotion. MMTM has successfully established multimedia performances, with live music and performance art, as part of the goth/fetish/industrial club scene in North America.
More Machine’s music is dynamic, guitar driven industrial dance defined by undeniable hooks and pop sensibility. All of MMTM’s songs are dark celebrations of B&D relationships, sci-fi imagery, the fetish scene, pervy sensuality, and post-alternative rage. These songs are strongly reminiscent of electro-goth-industrial mainstays like KMFDM [mdfmk and Slick Idiot], early Ministry, Pitchshifter, Girls Under Glass, Meg Lee Chin, Lords of Acid, Rob Zombie, Bjork, NIN, Chemlab, and Garbage.
Self
More Machine Than Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I washed away the part that cried
I peeled away the skin that touched you
I bare now all that you desire
Now I’m
Self sufficient
Self serving
Devious
Insanely twisted
Encrypted
Back off I’m dangerous
Conniving
Contagious
Immorally corrupt
I’m a challenge ready now
To fight you for your wicked love
I killed the girl inside that loved you
I tore apart all that was true
I burned to black all that was fearing
The sinful life I’ll have with you
I’m your perfect counter part
Black and cold just like your heart
I’ll challenge you to test my will
Tempting your sadistic thrill
As sure as heaven’s angels fell
We’re a match that’s made in hell
The lyrics of More Machine Than Man's song "Self" are haunting and full of self-destructive passion. It's a song about a person who has gone through great lengths to transform themselves into an ideal lover that their partner desires. The first stanza sets the stage for this transformation. The singer tells their lover that they have gotten rid of everything that made them vulnerable and emotional - the heart, the tears, and the skin that would feel their touch. What's left is a calculated, calculated machine, geared to please their lover.
Throughout the song, there is an eerie repetition of the phrase "Self-sufficient, self-serving." The singer has destroyed any part of them that would feel joy or fulfillment outside of their partner. They are wholly dedicated to their lover, even if the relationship is toxic or abusive. The chorus of the song is the most intense part, where the singer lists all the negative characteristics that they have cultivated - devious, twisted, corrupt, conniving, and more. They are dangerous, and they dare their lover to challenge them.
The final stanza of the song reveals that the singer has killed the part of themselves that was in love with their partner. The love was true, but it was not worth anything if it meant being vulnerable to the world. The singer swapped that love for a life of sin with their partner. They are confident that they are everything their counterpart desires. Still, the last two lines hint that this love is a match made in hell - a place where the singer is willing to go if it means being with their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
I threw away the heart that loved you
I discarded the feelings of love I had for you
I washed away the part that cried
I got rid of the part of me that was emotional or showed vulnerability
I peeled away the skin that touched you
I removed any sense of intimacy or connection we may have shared
I bare now all that you desire
I am now completely focused on fulfilling your desires, with nothing left of my own
Self sufficient
I am self-reliant and do not need anyone else
Self serving
I am only concerned with my own interests and needs
Malignant
I have harmful intent and am dangerous to others
Devious
I am sneaky and untrustworthy, often plotting against others for my own benefit
Insanely twisted
My actions and thoughts are so twisted and warped that they are difficult to comprehend or justify
Encrypted
My intentions and motives are hidden and difficult to decipher
Back off I’m dangerous
I am warning others to stay away from me, as I am not to be messed with
Conniving
I am crafty and scheming, always looking for ways to manipulate others
Contagious
My negative influence can spread and infect those around me
Immorally corrupt
I am morally bankrupt and do not adhere to any ethical standards
I’m a challenge ready now
I am up for the challenge and prepared for whatever comes my way
To fight you for your wicked love
I am willing to compete with you for your twisted and depraved sense of love
I killed the girl inside that loved you
I destroyed the innocent and loving part of myself that cared for you
I tore apart all that was true
I dismantled anything that was sincere or genuine in our relationship
I burned to black all that was fearing
I extinguished any sense of fear or apprehension I had about being with you
The sinful life I’ll have with you
I am ready to embrace a life of immorality and corruption with you
I’m your perfect counter part
I am perfectly suited to be your partner in evil and wickedness
Black and cold just like your heart
I am as dark and emotionless as you are
I’ll challenge you to test my will
I will push you to see how much control I have over you
Tempting your sadistic thrill
I am provoking you to indulge in your twisted pleasures
As sure as heaven’s angels fell
Our connection is as inevitable and doomed as the fall of angels from heaven
We’re a match that’s made in hell
Together we make the ultimate pairing in evil and darkness
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mikel Ochoa de Eribe
Addicted to MMTM from the moment I first heard them!!!!
Thanks for your industrial vibes!!!