No Electrons
Spoons Lyrics


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I take out my file
Black on black on white
I read with squinted eyes
Still, the blur won¹t change
What¹s written down

Uptown delivery (it reads)
Born without motor
Without control
No electrons here

I make out my will
To my friends of machinery
Of all things that I've owned
Every point of mass excepting one

Uptown delivery (it reads)
Born without motor
Lacking response
Without control
No electrons
No protons
Nonexistent





No electrons here

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Spoons' "No Electrons" describe someone attempting to read a file, but despite their efforts, they are unable to comprehend what is written due to a lack of clarity. The file appears to contain information about someone's attributes or capabilities, as evidenced by the reference to being "born without motor" and lacking control. The repeated phrase "No electrons" suggests that the subject of the file is either non-existent or lacks any sort of physical substance.


The use of "uptown delivery" implies that this information is being presented in a professional or official capacity. However, the file's contents are ultimately frustrating and confusing, as all attempts to understand its contents are thwarted.


The song seems to be grappling with the idea of a lack of agency or control in one's life, perhaps due to societal or environmental factors. The references to machinery and electrons suggest a mechanical, deterministic worldview in which individuals are seen as products of their circumstances rather than active agents.


Line by Line Meaning

I take out my file
I begin to read


Black on black on white
The text is printed in black ink on white paper


I read with squinted eyes
It's difficult to make out the words


Still, the blur won¹t change
Even if I try to focus, the words remain blurry


What¹s written down
The words on the page


Uptown delivery (it reads)
The text indicates a location (uptown)


Born without motor
The subject was not born with the ability to move on its own


Without control
The subject does not have the ability to control its own movement


No electrons here
There is no electricity or power source available


I make out my will
I write down my wishes for after I have died


To my friends of machinery
I leave my possessions to machines or technology


Of all things that I've owned
Everything I have acquired throughout my life


Every point of mass excepting one
Everything I own that has weight, except for one thing


Lacking response
The subject cannot react to stimuli


No protons
There is no atomic nucleus present


Nonexistent
It doesn't exist




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

hdew77

Pretty unique song with a definite new wave sound, but different than most of the rest. This song
has an almost feel to it, the chords, ringing guitar and lush atmosphere make it one you
won't confuse with many others. Bought this album in the 80s and probably haven't heard this
song since then. Great to hear again. Thanks for the post.

Scorpionsblackout 82

You're welcome.

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