Magic Vs. the Machine
The Nextdoor Neighbors Lyrics
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What no one can remember
No one will remember
The things that I have count on
Now I heard man-machine say,
"We're just tears in rain." Oh,
If it's tears then I'll be counting
I'll be sitting
I'll be spelling our time
I'll be spelling
I'll be spilling
I'll be sitting
I'll be spelling our time
I'll be spelling
I'll be spilling
And if you don't know how
We can figure it out
If you don't know how
Well, we'll figure it out
Then sometimes it leaves me
Then I'm vast and empty
But when I'm fast it fills me
And I know there's a way
I know there's a way
To keep these gears from rusting
But my memory grows dusty
And the muscle falls away
If I was standing
Would you stand up next to me?
If it meant something
More than cold machinery
If I was standing
Could you stand up next to me?
If it meant something
More than cold machinery
And if you don't know how
We can figure it out
If you don't know how
Well, we'll figure it out
The song "Magic Vs. the Machine" by The Nextdoor Neighbors delves into the juxtaposition between memories and technology. The opening lines, "I only count on what no one can remember, no one will remember the things that I have count on," suggest that the singer only trusts things that cannot be easily recorded or digitized. The next lines bring in the "man-machine," who says "we're just tears in rain." This phrase alludes to the movie Blade Runner, which explores the struggle between humanity and artificial intelligence. The singer responds by saying they'll keep counting tears, implying that there's still meaning in the fleeting and emotional aspects of life.
The chorus shifts to the relationship between memory and time, with the singer spelling out and spilling time. There's a sense of urgency in the repeated line "if you don't know how we can figure it out," as if the singer is trying to hold onto something before it disappears. They acknowledge that memory can fade and muscles can weaken, but still hold onto the idea that there's a way to prevent these things.
Line by Line Meaning
I only count on
I rely on things that no one else seems to remember or value.
What no one can remember
I count on things that have been forgotten by most people.
No one will remember
The things I count on will be unimportant to other people and easily forgotten.
The things that I have count on
I have built my foundation on things that others don't consider important.
Now I heard man-machine say,
I have listened to the words spoken by someone who is rational and unemotional, like a machine.
"We're just tears in rain." Oh,
These words suggest that we are insignificant and our lives are fleeting, like tears in rain.
If it's tears then I'll be counting
Despite this, I will continue to give significance to life and count each tear as meaningful.
I'll be sitting
I'll be waiting and watching, taking my time to observe my surroundings.
I'll be spelling our time
I will be measuring and calculating the passage of our time together.
I'll be spelling
I'll be using my skills and intelligence to solve problems.
I'll be spilling
I'll be expressing myself openly and honestly.
And if you don't know how
If you don't understand how to approach a problem, I will help you.
We can figure it out
Together we can find a solution.
Then sometimes it leaves me
Occasionally I feel lost and empty.
Then I'm vast and empty
During times of feeling lost, I am void of substance or significance.
But when I'm fast it fills me
During times of productivity, I am satisfied and fulfilled.
And I know there's a way
I am confident that there is always a solution to a problem.
To keep these gears from rusting
To maintain my motivation and productivity, I need to keep myself in good condition like a machine.
But my memory grows dusty
Sometimes my recollection of important things fades with time.
And the muscle falls away
My skills can diminish if I don't maintain them with practice and use.
If I was standing
If I was standing up for something I believe in.
Would you stand up next to me?
Would you support me in my effort?
If it meant something
If it had a significant impact.
More than cold machinery
More than something that is purely functional and unfeeling.
And if you don't know how
If you don't know how to help or support me.
We can figure it out
We can find a way to make a difference together.
Contributed by Joshua J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JulesBrunoJjBaggy
I was looking for the marlon "magic" moraes vs merab "the machine" dwalishvili fight. Cool song though.
@dragon4111
is this song about blade runner?
@sovalouX
cultural revolution