Not Turning Off
Spoon Lyrics


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She's gone in a word, and tanked-up
And I can't sleep at all, I can't sleep at all
She's gone in a word, the ephedrine
Got caught halfway down, the pretty anti-ground
Don't wanna miss such an American scene
And I said to myself I'm not turning off
I said to myself I'm not turning off
And I said to myself I'm not turning off
And I said to myself I'm not turning off
Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine
Oh honey, please, it's just a machine
Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine
Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine
There's something about, you're up late
Your can tastes like tin, aluminum
There's something about, I'm not the only one
That can't sleep at all
That can't sleep at all
And I don't want to miss such an American scene
And I said to myself I'm not turning off
I said to myself I'm not turning off
Well I said to myself I'm not turning off
And I said to myself I'm not turning off
So connect, connect, connect, connect to me
Connect, connect, connect, connect to me
Oh honey, oh please it's just a machine
Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine
Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine




Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine
It's just a machine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Spoon's song "Not Turning Off" appear to describe the singer's inability to sleep as they contemplate the loss of someone who has "gone in a word," seemingly disappearing from their life. The use of the phrase "tanked-up" suggests that this person may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while the reference to ephedrine - a stimulant - implies that there may have been complicated or even dangerous circumstances surrounding their departure. Despite these disruptions, the singer resolves not to "turn off" - that is, to remain connected to the world around them rather than retreating into isolation.


The song's repeated refrain of "Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine" may be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be a plea to the singer themselves, encouraging them not to get too caught up in their own emotions and to remember that the world is made up of more than just their own problems. Alternatively, it could be a message to the person who has left them, suggesting that their absence is not the end of the world - after all, they are just one person among many, part of the larger "machine" of society and human interaction.


Overall, "Not Turning Off" is a song about the ways we try to stay connected to the world around us even as we face personal struggles and setbacks. The singer's determination not to "turn off" - whether by disconnecting from technology, withdrawing from society, or giving up on their own emotions - is a rallying cry for anyone who feels overwhelmed or lost in difficult times.


Line by Line Meaning

She's gone in a word, and tanked-up
She left suddenly and with excess alcohol


And I can't sleep at all, I can't sleep at all
I am suffering from insomnia due to her departure


She's gone in a word, the ephedrine
Her sudden departure was fueled by drugs


Got caught halfway down, the pretty anti-ground
She was caught in the middle of trying to escape her reality


Don't wanna miss such an American scene
I want to witness the chaos that is characteristic of American culture


And I said to myself I'm not turning off
I refuse to shut down and refuse to ignore the situation


Oh honey, oh please, it's just a machine
I am trying to convince myself that the situation is not as serious as it seems


There's something about, you're up late
I sense that there is more to the situation than what meets the eye


Your can tastes like tin, aluminum
Your behavior seems artificial and inauthentic


There's something about, I'm not the only one
I am not alone in this situation


That can't sleep at all
Others are also affected by the situation and are experiencing insomnia


So connect, connect, connect, connect to me
I am reaching out to others for support and connection


It's just a machine
Despite my attempts to downplay the seriousness of the situation, it is still a significant problem




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHN BRITT DANIEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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