The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine
Simon & Garfunkel Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do people have a tendency to dump on you?
Does your group have more cavities than theirs?
Do all the hippies seem to get the jump on you?
Do you sleep alone when others sleep in pairs?
Well, there's no need to complain
We'll eliminate your pain
We can neutralize your brain
You'll feel just fine
Now
Buy a big bright green pleasure machine

Do figures of authority just shoot you down?
Is life within the business world a drag?
Did your boss just mention that you'd better shop around
To find yourself a more productive bag?
Are you worried and distressed?
Can't seem to get no rest?
Put our product to the test
You'll feel just fine
Now
Buy a big bright green pleasure machine

You better hurry up and order one
Our limited supply is very nearly gone

Do you nervously await the blows of cruel fate?
Do your checks bounce higher than a rubber ball?
Are you worried 'cause your girlfriend's just a little late?
Are you looking for a way to chuck it all?
We can end your daily strife
At a reasonable price
You've seen it advertised in Life
You'll feel just fine




Now
Buy a big bright green pleasure machine (pleasure machine)

Overall Meaning

The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine by Simon & Garfunkel is a satirical song that critiques American consumer culture and the advertising industry. The song starts off by posing a series of questions to the listener, highlighting various problems they might be facing such as feeling inferior to their peers, having a dull job, and struggling in relationships. The lyrics suggest that the solution to these problems is to buy a big bright green pleasure machine, which will neutralize their brain and make them feel just fine.


The repeated urging to buy the pleasure machine seems to be making fun of the way products are constantly advertised to consumers as a solution to all their problems. The song also satirizes the way products are marketed as having miraculous effects that can solve any problem. The word "pleasure" in the song's title suggests that the product is designed to provide immediate and superficial gratification, rather than addressing deeper issues.


Overall, the song portrays a world in which people are encouraged to consume more and more, without addressing the root causes of their problems. Simon & Garfunkel's use of humor and irony highlights the absurdity of consumer culture, and questions the ways in which products are marketed to people.


Line by Line Meaning

Do people have a tendency to dump on you?
Do individuals treat you unkindly, and you think it happens often?


Does your group have more cavities than theirs?
Are you part of a team or group that seems to be less successful than rival teams or groups?


Do all the hippies seem to get the jump on you?
Is it that people who follow hippie culture always seem to be ahead of you?


Do you sleep alone when others sleep in pairs?
Are you alone at night when most of the world is with their partner?


Well, there's no need to complain
You don't have to whine anymore.


We'll eliminate your pain
We will take care of your agony.


We can neutralize your brain
We can reset your mind and wipe out all the negativity.


You'll feel just fine
You will begin to feel like everything's alright.


Now
The solution comes right away.


Buy a big bright green pleasure machine
Get yourself a large, brightly colored toy that brings pleasure.


Do figures of authority just shoot you down?
Do people with power and responsibility regularly reject your ideas or opinions?


Is life within the business world a drag?
Are day-to-day business activities mundane and disinteresting for you?


Did your boss just mention that you'd better shop around
Did your boss tell you that you had better look for another job?


To find yourself a more productive bag?
Do you want to be in a job that is more useful or lucrative?


Are you worried and distressed?
Are you in a state of apprehension and discomfort?


Can't seem to get no rest?
Do you have insomnia?


Put our product to the test
Let our product's efficiency speak for itself.


You'll feel just fine
You will begin to feel like everything's alright.


Now
The solution comes right away.


Buy a big bright green pleasure machine
Get yourself a large, brightly colored toy that brings pleasure.


You better hurry up and order one
You need to purchase one as quickly as possible.


Our limited supply is very nearly gone
The availability is already scarce.


Do you nervously await the blows of cruel fate?
Are you waiting for the next horrible event that fate may bring you?


Do your checks bounce higher than a rubber ball?
Do you have financial issues that prevent you from being able to pay off your debts?


Are you worried 'cause your girlfriend's just a little late?
Are you concerned that your girlfriend may be pregnant because her menstrual cycle is late?


Are you looking for a way to chuck it all?
Do you want to escape from your daily life for a little while?


We can end your daily strife
We can help you end your daily struggles.


At a reasonable price
Our product is offered at an affordable expense.


You've seen it advertised in Life
You might have come across our product in Life Magazine advertisement.


You'll feel just fine
You will begin to feel like everything's alright.


Now
The solution comes right away.


Buy a big bright green pleasure machine
Get yourself a large, brightly colored toy that brings pleasure.


(pleasure machine)
The product on offer is a pleasure machine.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul Simon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Beth Bailey


on The Sounds Of Silence

Aragon Courts 1967

More Versions