I sit up in my room at night
Hold on to my pillow tight
My dreams are being invaded by somethin’ I don’t know
I hear these words in my mind
I don’t know who put them there but they sure ain’t mine
Who’s inside everyone’s brain?
‘Cause recently everybody’s been actin’ all the same
But now I know
Who writes the songs? The machines do
Who rights the wrongs? The machines do
Who plants the bombs? The machines do
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
How did they get inside my head?
Makin’ me feel so cold and dead
Your thoughts being captured as well
I’m locked in a trance, I’m under the spell
I feel their hands movin’ over me
They’re squeezing me tight
They’re never gonna let me breathe (Breathe)
They take my heart and they rip it up
Change it for a broke watch and now my time is running out
But now I know
Who writes the songs? The machines do
Who rights the wrongs? The machines do
Who plants the bombs? The machines do
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
I can feel the tick tock when I turn my head
I can feel the tick tock when I lie in bed
I can feel the tick tock dancin’ in my brain
And I can feel the tick tock runnin’ through my veins
But when the tick tock stops yeah, my body erupts
When I close my eyes, I get electric shock
I feel the [?] in my skin, they’re gonna win
I am
I, I
I am, I am a machine
I am
I, I
I am, I am a machine
You’re one of me, I’m one of them
Say “Goodbye” to the world, we’re never gonna be the same again
But now I know
Who writes the songs? The machines do
Who rights the wrongs? The machines do
Who plants the bombs? The machines do
Who rights the wrongs? The machines do
Who writes the songs? The machines do
Who rights the wrongs? The machines do
Who plants the bombs? The machines do
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Exploring Digital Control and Identity
In “Machines,” Charli XCX delves into the unsettling intersection of technology and individuality. The lyrics evoke a sense of alienation and loss of autonomy, as the narrator feels their thoughts and dreams are invaded by an unseen force. Repeated lines like “Who writes the songs? The machines do” serve as a haunting refrain, suggesting a world where technology dictates creativity, morality, and even destruction. The ticking clock motif symbolizes relentless technological pressure, while the transformation from human to machine underscores the struggle to maintain selfhood in a digitized world. Charli XCX’s lyrics raise questions about agency and the consequences of surrendering control to artificial intelligence, making “Machines” both timely and deeply resonant.
Song Credits
- Artist: Charli XCX
- Release Year: 2024