Following an EP on Ambivalent Records in summer 2003, So Many Dynamos released its debut full-length, When I Explode (mixed by the Dismemberment Plan's Jason Caddell), in 2004 on Skrocki Records. Flashlights, which expanded the band's sound with a four-piece horn section and 30-member choir, arrived in September 2006. After extensive touring, writing, and recording, the band released "The Loud Wars" on Vagrant Records in June 2009 (recorded by Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla). In August of that same year, founding guitarist Ryan Wasoba announced his departure from the band; making him the second Ryan to quit So Many Dynamos (Ryan Ballew quit shortly after the release of When I Explode). He was replaced by former Target Market front man and St. Louis heavyhitter Nathan Bernaix.
The band currently plays songs in peoples vans.
When We Were Machines
So Many Dynamos Lyrics
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Efficient and adequate and so simple
So very simple
We were machines, faulty circuitry
Pull the plug, repair the bugs and cover it up
Cover it up
But somewhere in this framework lies
Skinned up knees and broken wires
Things will never be the same again
When we were machines, sparkling and pristine
Invincible, untouchable, and so easy
So very easy
We were machines, rusted, obsolete
A number, a statistic
A string of ones and zeroes
Somewhere in this circuitry
Fried out beyond all belief
We all die eventually
The lyrics to So Many Dynamos's song "When We Were Machines" speak to the idea of human beings as machines. The song explores the concept of a life that is efficient, adequate and simple, much like a machine. However, the lyrics also suggest that just like machines, human beings are fallible and prone to malfunction. The song's chorus speaks to the changing nature of life, and the idea that things are never the same, suggesting that the experience of life is one of constant change.
The opening verse of the song speaks of a time when humans were like machines, "sparkling and pristine, invincible, untouchable, and so easy". This suggests a time when life was simpler, more predictable and easy to navigate. However, the second verse suggests that machines, and by extension humans, are prone to malfunction and obsolescence. The idea of faulty circuitry, broken wires, and bugs to be repaired speaks to the idea that life is not always smooth sailing and that we are all subject to unexpected difficulties.
The song's final verse speaks to the inevitability of death, suggesting that just like machines, humans "all die eventually". This speaks to the idea that no matter how advanced or invincible we may feel, in the end, we are all subject to the same fate.
Overall, "When We Were Machines" is a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, comparing it to the idea of life as a machine. The song's lyrics suggest that while there may be a certain stark beauty in the clean, efficient lines of a machine, it is ultimately the messy, complex nature of human experience that makes life worth living.
Line by Line Meaning
When we were machines, electric currency
During a time when we operated at maximum efficiency and had clear productivity values.
Efficient and adequate and so simple
Our mechanical lives were predictable and unchanging.
So very simple
The lack of variability at that time resulted in simplicity.
We were machines, faulty circuitry
Despite our streamlined efficiency, we still possessed imperfections due to need of maintenance.
Pull the plug, repair the bugs and cover it up
In order to maintain the smooth operation of our lives, we acknowledge a problem or risk and try to fix it, avoiding disruptions.
Cover it up
It's possible to conceal the imperfections, but they still persist.
But somewhere in this framework lies
Even in a system that has a clear order, there is still unknown complexity.
Skinned up knees and broken wires
Despite full operation, there are still physical blows that can damage and harm us.
We all short out in due time
In time, the mechanisms that sustain us will eventually stop working properly.
Things will never be the same again
After conspicuous damage and destruction, the system is unable to return to its initial faultless state.
When we were machines, sparkling and pristine
During an era when we were completely unblemished and brand-new.
Invincible, untouchable, and so easy
At that time, we were flawless and easy to operate.
We were machines, rusted, obsolete
The wear and tear has caused our mechanisms to deteriorate to a point of depreciation and beyond repair.
A number, a statistic
In our final state, we have lost our identities and roles into quantifiable measurements.
A string of ones and zeroes
Reduced to the most basic numeric values of binary code, our previous functions and past are no longer distinguishable and are indistinguishable.
Somewhere in this circuitry
Embedded within the artificial intelligence framework is the emotional complexity of our former lives.
Fried out beyond all belief
The system gone awry, leaving no alternatives for quick recovery.
We all die eventually
As functioning machines, we all have a pre-determined life-span and cannot last indefinitely.
Contributed by Gianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.