The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
He's the latest super hero with powers so profound
He can leap a dotted line in just a single bound
I know you must have seen him in books and magazines
He's the quintessential, mindless, modern epicene
His life is meaningful because he get things done
(bang bang) he's dead
Chalk up another triumph for our hero
The automatic man
It's true you must have met him
He's your best friend and your foe
His opinions are determined by the status quo
A true creature of habit
He smokes three packs a day
When he has an original thought
He forgets it right away
He's a paradigm of carefree living
He's our mentor disturb him if you can
He's the answer if your peace of mind is lacking
He's our savior
He is the common man
So if you are troubled by the daily bump and grind
Then take a careful look around
And brother you will find
The automatic man
He can leap a dotted line in just a single bound
I know you must have seen him in books and magazines
He's the quintessential, mindless, modern epicene
His life is meaningful because he get things done
(bang bang) he's dead
Chalk up another triumph for our hero
The automatic man
It's true you must have met him
He's your best friend and your foe
His opinions are determined by the status quo
A true creature of habit
He smokes three packs a day
When he has an original thought
He forgets it right away
He's a paradigm of carefree living
He's our mentor disturb him if you can
He's the answer if your peace of mind is lacking
He's our savior
He is the common man
So if you are troubled by the daily bump and grind
Then take a careful look around
And brother you will find
The automatic man
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Not exactly :) but thats not the point as this is not American Jesus.
BR song usually float around the same concepts per se, butt that is because they are punk rock. I mean, it's not like they will suddenly start talking about how big a girl's ass is or how much money they have or something. What makes BR unique is the ability to truly bring images and ideas into similar concept that are different in each song. Hence the complicated vocabulary and the need to take a while to truly understand every hidden meaning and reference.
Similarly, this song is just such a song. I've been listening to the song over and over again and the best explanation I can give for it is that it refers to the kind of person we could become if we stopped thinking for ourselves. When all our actions become "automatic" do to things like the status quo. That is my understanding so far.