Imagine Dragons

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
All my life been sittin' at the table
Watchin' them kids, they're living in a fable
Looks, luck, money and never left a'wishin'
But now it's 'bout time to raise up and petition
All my life been sittin' at the table
Watching them kids, they're living in a fable
Looks, luck, money and never left a'wishin'
Now it's 'bout time to stand up and petition

[Chorus]
'Cause I've been wondering
When you gonna see I'm not for sale
I've been questioning
When you gonna see I'm not a part of your machine
Not a part of your machine

[Verse 2]
I'm not scared of what you're gonna tell me
No, I'm not scared of the beast in the belly
Fill my cup with endless ambition
And paint this town with my very own vision
I'm not scared of what you're gonna tell me
And I'm not scared of the beast in the belly
Fill my cup with endless ambition
And paint this town with my very own vision
[Chorus]
'Cause I've been wondering
When you gonna see I'm not for sale
I've been questioning
When you gonna see I'm not a part of your machine
Not a part of your machine
I am the machine

[Guitar Solo]
I am the machine

[Outro]
'Cause I've been wondering
When you gonna see I'm not for sale
I've been questioning
When you gonna see I'm not a part of your machine
Not a part of your machine
'Cause I've been wondering
When you gonna see I'm not for sale
I've been questioning
When you gonna see I'm not a part of your machine
Not a part of your machine
I am the machine

Imagine Dragons has outdone itself once again with the release of their fourth studio album “Origins” released on November 9, 2018. Amongst the chart-topping 15 tracks, “Machine” stands out as one of the most popular and compelling songs on the album. Written by the band members themselves, the song is not only engaging in terms of music but also delivers a strong message, urging listeners to be true to themselves and not conform to societal pressures.

About Machine

“Machine” is a track on Origins that embodies the signature sound of Imagine Dragons’ rock anthems while still pushing their sound in a new direction. As a song, it straddles the line between epic and intimate, with poignant lyrics belying the song’s soaring chorus. Dan Reynolds' vocals evoke emotion and power on “Machine” as he belts out the lyrics with conviction and passion.

The song opens with an upbeat synth and the sound of Dan Reynolds’ vocals softly murmuring, “All my life, been sittin' at the table, watching them kids, they're living in a fable.” The sound quickly transforms into heavy drums and evokes an intense and energetic sound as the chorus draws near. With the lyrics “I am not a machine, not a part of the routine,” Reynolds echoes the message of the song: that being different and doing what feels right instead of following the crowd is essential.

Aside from the empowerment message, “Machine” could also be interpreted as a song with a political message. The song's release date coinciding with the US midterm elections in 2018 and the lyrics “So maybe I've been living in a bubble, Maybe you've been seeing what I don't see” could also be a direct message about the political anxieties of the times.

“Machine” is a conglomerate of several genres like alternative, pop and rock which is typical of Imagine Dragons’ style. The band has a reputation for their shifting style of music, which consistently delivers chart-topping hits.

The band members themselves have described their music as “imagistic,” focusing on evoking emotions through sound rather than lyrics alone. Thus, the songwriting process for “Machine” was not different as the four members of the band, Dan Reynolds, Daniel Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman, worked collaboratively to create lyrics that reached listeners as effectively as the music.

The song was released as the third single from the album and had been teased several times before its release. The lead singer Dan Reynolds had tweeted about the song several times, building anticipation for the song’s Halloween release date on Zane Lowe’s World Record show.

“Machine” touched a chord with the audience and became the talk of the town upon release. The lyrics are so well-crafted that they can apply to any situation in which a person feels like he is a cog in the machine, whether that be a political campaign or a call center job.

Conclusion

“Machine” by Imagine Dragons is a robust, well-crafted song that draws listeners in with its empowering message and engaging lyrics. The song's unique blend of genres and emotive qualities is typical of Imagine Dragons’ style, and it is still climbing its way up the charts since its release. For those who listen to this song, it's a message to stand by what they believe in and not let themselves become just another gear in the machine.

• Release Date: October 31, 2018
• Artist: Imagine Dragons