Machine
The Tragically Hip Lyrics


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I write about words, I find treasure or worse
I watch the end of man and, and I dream like a bird

I remain aloft and I forget a lot
I try not to try and I can remember or not

I'm a real machine, it follows
You're a real machine, fed on shadows
I'm a real machine, follow?
You're a real machine, fed on shadows

I return your gaze and I wait in the rain
All inchoate desires, I do what I hate

I remain aloft and I forget a lot
Then I try not to try and I can remember, or not

You're a real machine, it follows
I'm a real machine, follow

I'm a real machine, it follows
You're a real machine, fed on shadows




I'm a real machine, it follows
You're a real machine, fed on shadows

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Tragically Hip's song Machine are complex and ambiguous, leaving much of the interpretation up to the listener. The song seems to be about the struggle to maintain individuality and creativity in a world that can feel like it is moving mechanically and without thought. The opening lines suggest that the singer is a writer who searches for meaning in words, but also recognizes that words can have negative connotations ("treasure or worse"). The second line, "I watch the end of man and, and I dream like a bird," suggests a perception of a society in decline, but also a sense of hope and freedom.


The chorus is the most repeated and: "I'm a real machine, it follows / You're a real machine, fed on shadows." Here, the word "machine" seems to represent a force that shapes us, but also something that can be resisted. The line "fed on shadows" suggests that we are being influenced by things that are not real or substantial. The second verse suggests a sense of detachment or disconnection from the world, as the singer remains "aloft" and forgetful. The lines "All inchoate desires, I do what I hate" suggest that the singer is at odds with their own impulses, perhaps because of the societal pressure to conform.


Overall, the lyrics to Machine are complex and thought-provoking, inviting the listener to question their own place in the world and to consider the ways in which they are being shaped by external forces.


Line by Line Meaning

I write about words, I find treasure or worse
I am a writer and sometimes my writing uncovers valuable or unpleasant information.


I watch the end of man and, and I dream like a bird
I observe the decline of humanity and dream of escape like a bird in flight.


I remain aloft and I forget a lot
I stay above it all but often forget important details.


I try not to try and I can remember or not
I attempt to avoid putting in effort and whether I recall things or not is unpredictable.


I'm a real machine, it follows
I am like a machine, always moving forward and functioning with precision.


You're a real machine, fed on shadows
You are also like a machine, but fueled by a darker motivation.


I return your gaze and I wait in the rain
I make eye contact with you and stand out in the rain, perhaps hoping for something.


All inchoate desires, I do what I hate
All of my vague desires lead me to do things that I despise.


You're a real machine, it follows
You continue to function like a machine, following your programmed path.


I'm a real machine, follow
I am also a machine, but maybe I want you to follow me.


I'm a real machine, it follows
Once again, I embrace my machine-like nature and the inevitability of my actions.


You're a real machine, fed on shadows
You are still running on darker impulses, without deviation or regret.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GORDON DOWNIE, ROBERT BAKER, GORDON SINCLAIR, JOHNNY FAY, PAUL LANGLOIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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