While I lie awake, they're dreaming of me
And how much I'll take before I'm empty
Think a little do a lot, and take whatever hits the spot, and whatever free time ya got
They'll write down everything you bought
"Look here!" they say, "This shit is new, and our pockets got their eyes on you, and with everything that you consume, you can't see we're consuming you"
Put the penny in the pot, now you're fucked your hand is caught

While I lie asleep they are taken from me
Oh modern man what have you done?
Oh modern man what have you become?
Look at the landscape, raspberry skies, the ivory lake
I hope I never awake

I know that I can change 'em if I try hard enough,
'Cause we still believe their pockets always belong to us
Oh modern man what have you done? You took my home and dirtied it up
Oh modern man what have you done? You took my home


Lyrics submitted by boniver1

Modern Man song meanings
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    This song is obviously about the consumer mindset of the modern man, oblivious to what they're doing and what's being done to them.

    Excellent song, so glad they reunited. Can't wait for this album :D

    anabellon July 16, 2011   Link

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