its amazing how far music can come.. 24 years after it released and its one of the most heartfelt songs ive heard
I certainly haven't been shopping for any new shoes
And
I certainly haven't been spreading myself around
I still only travel by foot
And by foot it's a slow climb
But I'm good at being uncomfortable, so
I can't stop changing all the time
I noticed that my opponent is always on the go
And won't go slow so as not to focus, and I notice
He'll hitch a ride with any guide
As long as they go fast from whence he came
But he's no good at being uncomfortable, so
He can't stop staying exactly the same
If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me
Or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it
I'm an extraordinary machine
I seem to you to seek a new disaster every day
You deem me doomed to clean my view
And be at peace and lay
I mean to prove I mean to move in my own way
And say I've been getting along
For long before you came into the play
I am the baby of the family, it happens
So
Everybody cares
And wear the sheep's clothes while they chaperone
Curious, you're looking down your nose at me
While you appease
Courteous to try and help
But let me set your mind at ease
If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me
Or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it
I'm an extraordinary machine
Do I so worry you?
No need to hurry to my side
That's very kind
But it's to no avail
I don't want the veil of flowers, no
Everything will be just fine
If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me
Or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it
I'm an extraordinary machine
And
I certainly haven't been spreading myself around
I still only travel by foot
And by foot it's a slow climb
But I'm good at being uncomfortable, so
I can't stop changing all the time
I noticed that my opponent is always on the go
And won't go slow so as not to focus, and I notice
He'll hitch a ride with any guide
As long as they go fast from whence he came
But he's no good at being uncomfortable, so
He can't stop staying exactly the same
If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me
Or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it
I'm an extraordinary machine
I seem to you to seek a new disaster every day
You deem me doomed to clean my view
And be at peace and lay
I mean to prove I mean to move in my own way
And say I've been getting along
For long before you came into the play
I am the baby of the family, it happens
So
Everybody cares
And wear the sheep's clothes while they chaperone
Curious, you're looking down your nose at me
While you appease
Courteous to try and help
But let me set your mind at ease
If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me
Or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it
I'm an extraordinary machine
Do I so worry you?
No need to hurry to my side
That's very kind
But it's to no avail
I don't want the veil of flowers, no
Everything will be just fine
If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me
Or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it
I'm an extraordinary machine
Lyrics submitted by Eggos=yum
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Fiona Apple, during an interview:
Extraordinary machine isss...it is one of those kind of pep talks to..to myself, that some of my songs start out being, and it also is -uh- kind of the version of the letters that I used to write to my parents when I was really young, when I used to fight with my parents -or any adults really!- I can remember just feeling never..constantly like I wasn't being listened to! (deep breath) Lots of yelling or lots of "Hey, you're just 11, you're just 12. What do you know?!"
And I--And I would just give up during a fight, stomp into my room, write a-either, you know sometimes I'd write a song, but like..way early I would write letters >_< I would write letters to my parents, sooo that I could walk back out and..and hand them these letters and b...be assured that I'd be listened to! Reading my letter, and...and they'd know how I felt about just...just everything I cared about, just .."I want you to KNOW how I feel! Acknowledge me!"
And um..this song, "Extraordinary Machine," is a letter I have written to ...many people who are in my life, who are very close to me, but who...piss me off to no end when-they-worry-about-me! Because there were times when I, you know, I wasn't writing songs...when I wasn't, you know, going out alot, when I seemed to be -you know, in trouble in any way. Which is my pet peev in life when -youknow-..."Sigh...whats wrong with Fi-on-ahh?" Well..I just don't like the feeling when...you know...that people are worried about me it makes me feel worried about myself! So I had a bunch of people who thought that I was going through hell in a hand basket - I've never used that term before, I think its weird when that happens! (giggles)..but um! Um...but I ...I wanted to write a song to tell all my friends and family to shut up. Because I'm always okay!