Machine
Vogue Lyrics


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MY EYES SEE NOTHING
MY HANDS FEEL NOTHING
MY HEAD THINKS NOTHING
BRAINDEAD CLOCKPUNCHING
I'M TOLD WHEN TO MOVE
I'M TOLD WHEN TO EAT
I'M TOLD WHEN TO SLEEP
I'M TOLD TO AGREE
I'M NOTHING
I'M NOTHING
I'M NOTHING
BUT A MACHINE
I'M NOTHING
I'M NOTHING




I'M NOTHING
BUT A MACHINE

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Vogue's song "Machine" reveal the feelings of being trapped in a monotonous and unfulfilling job. The singer expresses how they feel numb and disconnected from their own emotions and thoughts due to the mind-numbing routine they have to follow. The phrase "my eyes see nothing, my hands feel nothing, my head thinks nothing" describes this state of detachment, where the singer is unable to engage with their surroundings or even their own inner self.


The repetition of the phrase "I'm told" further emphasizes the lack of control the singer has over their life, as they are constantly dictated by external forces. They have no agency over when they move, eat, or sleep and are told to agree, crushing any chance for self-expression. The chorus reveals the full extent of their despair as they identify themselves as nothing but a machine – a metaphorical representation of their dehumanization and the loss of their identity.


Overall, "Machine" serves as a powerful commentary on the alienation and disenchantment faced by individuals working in a rigid and unstimulating environment. It highlights the toxic culture of working for the sake of working, where passion and creativity are sacrificed for the sake of productivity.


Line by Line Meaning

MY EYES SEE NOTHING
I am surrounded by monotony and routine, so nothing stands out visually to me


MY HANDS FEEL NOTHING
I am not actively engaged in work that lends itself to a sense of fulfillment, so I don't feel any passion or motivation


MY HEAD THINKS NOTHING
I don't have a creative outlet that allows my mind to explore new ideas, so my thoughts have been reduced to a basic level of functioning


BRAINDEAD CLOCKPUNCHING
My job requires me to do repetitive tasks that don't stimulate my brain, so I feel like a robot following orders


I'M TOLD WHEN TO MOVE
I don't have control over my own schedule or pace, and am instructed when to start and stop tasks


I'M TOLD WHEN TO EAT
My lunch breaks are scheduled and planned out for me, because I don't have the freedom to decide when to take a break


I'M TOLD WHEN TO SLEEP
Even my ability to rest is dictated by external factors, rather than my own bodily cues or preferences


I'M TOLD TO AGREE
My opinions don't matter in the workplace, as I am not given the power to make decisions or contribute to the direction of the company


I'M NOTHING
All of these factors have contributed to a loss of identity and purpose, making me feel insignificant and small


I'M NOTHING
My feelings of emptiness and lack of fulfillment are pervasive in every aspect of my life


I'M NOTHING
I am more like a machine than a human, as I lack the autonomy and individuality that define us


BUT A MACHINE
I have been reduced to a cog in the corporate machine, barely distinguishable from the other interchangeable parts


I'M NOTHING
My thoughts, feelings and experiences have been stripped away, leaving me with nothing to call my own


I'M NOTHING
I am devoid of personality and purpose, left merely to fulfill a predetermined role in society


I'M NOTHING
I am trapped in a system that values productivity and efficiency over humanity and creativity


BUT A MACHINE
I am no longer an individual or even a human, but a mere machine that operates according to programmed rules and regulations




Contributed by Adrian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Clayton Norris

I love that Nathan insisted on the spelling errors on this album. 😂

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