The synth pop "new wave" track was produced by legendary producer Richard Perry, who has also produced artists like Barbara Streisand, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond and Diana Ross.
The success of Automatic co-incided with a commercial peak for the sisters, coming from their highest selling album Break Out (which also contained the hits Jump, I'm So Excited with a later re-released version also featuring Neutron Dance).
Break Out was eventually certified triple platinum in the USA for sales of over 3 million.
Dance artist Ultra Nate had a #1 success on the Billboard Dance Chart with her cover of Automatic during 2007.
AUTOMATIC
The Pointer Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm utterly at your whim
All of my defenses down
Your camera looks through me
With its X-ray vision
And all systems run aground
All I can manage to push from my lips
Every word I intended to speak
Winds up locked in the circuitry
No way to control it
It's totally automatic
Whenever you're around
I'm walking blindfolded
Completely automatic
All of my systems are down
Down, down, down
Automatic (automatic)
Automatic (automatic)
What is this madness
That makes my motor run
My legs too weak to stand
I go from sadness to exhilaration
Like a robot at your command
My hands perspire
And shake like a leaf
Up and down goes my temperature
I summon doctors to get some relief
But they tell me there is no cure
They tell me
No way to control it
It's totally automatic
Whenever you're around
I'm walking blindfolded
Completely automatic
All of my systems are down
Down, down, down
Automatic (automatic)
Automatic (automatic)
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic (automatic)
Look what you're doing to me
I'm utterly at your whim
All of my defenses down
Your camera looks through me
With its X-ray vision
And all systems run aground
All I can manage to push from my lips
Is a stream of absurdities
Every word I intended to speak
Winds up locked in the circuitry
No way to control it
It's totally automatic
Whenever you're around
I'm walking blindfolded
Completely automatic
All of my systems are down
Down, down
No way to control it
It's totally automatic
Whenever you're around (automatic)
I'm walking blindfolded
Completely automatic
All of my systems are down
Down, down, down
No way to control it
It's totally automatic
Whenever you're around (automatic)
I'm walking blindfolded
Completely automatic
All of my systems are down
The lyrics to The Pointer Sisters' song "Automatic" describe the singer's complete loss of control when in the presence of their crush or love interest. The singer feels utterly helpless, as if under a spell, due to the intense attraction they feel towards the object of their desire. They describe their body's physical reactions to being around this person: sweating, shaking, and changes in body temperature. The camera metaphor in the lyrics - "your camera looks through me with its X-ray vision" - suggests that the singer feels exposed and vulnerable in the presence of their love interest. They also touch on the idea of circuitry and control, which underscores the sense that the singer's feelings are automatic and out of their control.
The song's chorus continues to reinforce this idea of automaticity and lack of control, with the repeated refrain of "no way to control it, it's totally automatic." The repetition of the word "automatic" throughout the song emphasizes the idea that the singer's feelings and physical reactions are automatic, instinctual, and beyond their conscious control. The lyrics suggest that this experience is both thrilling and overwhelming, as the singer goes "from sadness to exhilaration" in response to their love interest, but also feels their "systems" shutting down as a result.
Line by Line Meaning
Look what you're doing to me
I am affected by your actions
I'm utterly at your whim
I am under your control
All of my defenses down
I am vulnerable to you
Your camera looks through me
You see me as I truly am
With its X-ray vision
Your perception sees through my facade
And all systems run aground
I am overwhelmed by the effects of your presence
All I can manage to push from my lips
I struggle to say what I mean
Is a stream of absurdities
My words are illogical and nonsensical
Every word I intended to speak
My original thoughts are lost
Winds up locked in the circuitry
My mind is cluttered with confusion
No way to control it
I cannot manage the effect of your presence
It's totally automatic
My reactions are innate and involuntary
Whenever you're around
Your presence causes my reaction
I'm walking blindfolded
I am unaware of my actions
Completely automatic
I am fully under your control
All of my systems are down
I am unable to function properly
Automatic (automatic)
My actions are instinctual and uncontrollable
What is this madness
I cannot explain my reaction to you
That makes my motor run
My impulses increase
My legs too weak to stand
I am unable to resist your influence
I go from sadness to exhilaration
My emotions fluctuate intensely
Like a robot at your command
I am at your mercy
My hands perspire
I am nervous and anxious
And shake like a leaf
I am physically affected by your presence
Up and down goes my temperature
My body temperature fluctuates
I summon doctors to get some relief
I seek medical help to try to escape your influence
But they tell me there is no cure
They cannot relieve me of your influence
Automatic
My reactions are instinctual and uncontrollable
Down, down
I am overwhelmed and unable to function
Lyrics Β© Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brock Patrick Walsh, Mark Goldenberg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
FLUFFY PLAYMATE
RIP Anita Pointer. Thank you and your sisters for the timeless hits ππ΅
Robby Brown
ππΏ just heard
Isaac Lowery
Was looking for this comment π
Brandon Clark
RIP π
Blitzkrieg7498
Always loved this song in GTA: Vice City. Rip Anita
Nathan Brooken
This has to be one of the most unique coolest songs ever recorded. Haven't met too many people who don't like it's just that great
Rey Casiano
I still rock this song in my car and I'm 45 lol
Mark Newton
I play this song to the pub and nightclub crowds, NO ONE has yet NOT danced to this.....IT IS THAT GOOD.
Erin Johnson
@Rey Casiano I'm ,43 and this is my youth
Ethan
Amen. Love these ladies!β‘