ATM
The Stooges Lyrics

The Stooges' song "ATM" is a reflection on the power of money and its hold on people. The song describes the singer's experience at an ATM, where they realize the extent to which they are a "rich fool." The repetition of the phrase "I pulled up at the A.T.M." reinforces the idea that money is always on the singer's mind. The line "Money is simply the root" frames the song as a critique of capitalism and consumerism. The singer seems to be disillusioned with the idea that accumulating wealth is the key to success and happiness. The chorus "It takes gold to live like a king" suggests that there is something fundamentally flawed in a society that prizes wealth over other forms of value.

The second verse of the song takes a more confrontational tone, with the singer warning against attempts to deceive them. The repetition of the line "Don't bullshit the bullshitter" suggests that the singer is not easily fooled, particularly when it comes to matters of finance. The pre-chorus section seems to deal with the disillusionment the singer feels with the music industry. They are critical of rock stars who are more concerned with fame and wealth than making meaningful art. The final verse returns to the ATM motif, with the singer suggesting that as people age, they become more dependent on money. The penultimate line "The Stooges fight poverty in secret" could be seen as a self-referential nod to the band's own efforts to succeed in the music industry while maintaining their artistic integrity. Overall, "ATM" is a biting critique of capitalism and consumer culture, as well as a self-aware reflection on the relationship between the artist and commerce.