None Of Them Knew They Were Robots

Or even simpler: What's the difference between a robot and someone who goes to work and performs the same tasks day after day, because society tells him to do so?

Verse 1: "Mendel's machines replicate in the night"

Refers to genetic manipulation or artificial life forms, alluding to Gregor Mendel's genetic research. The "night" suggests this replication happens secretly or uncontrollably. "In the black iron prison of St. Augustine's light"

The "black iron prison" is a concept from Philip K. Dick, symbolizing a confining reality. St. Augustine's light could represent religious or philosophical teachings that might be confining or misunderstood. "He's paying the bills and they're doing him proud"

This could be about someone funding these experiments or machines, with pride in the technological progress made, regardless of potential dangers. "They can float their burnt offerings on assembler clouds"

"Burnt offerings" might symbolize sacrifices, and "assembler clouds" could represent advanced technology, like nanobots, used for creating or manipulating matter. "With omega point in the sight"

The "omega point" is a concept where the universe reaches a maximum point of complexity and consciousness. The machines or those controlling them might be striving for this transcendental goal. "The new Franklins fly their kites"

Refers to new scientists or technologists experimenting with powerful forces, similar to Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity. "And the post-modern empire is ended tonight"

Suggests the collapse of contemporary civilization or culture, potentially due to these technological advancements. Chorus: "From history, the flood of counterfeits released"

A metaphor for a deluge of falsehoods or imitations, possibly in culture, technology, or information. "The black cloud, reductionism, and the beast"

"The black cloud" might represent a looming threat, while "reductionism" is the oversimplification of complex systems, and "the beast" could be a force of chaos or destruction. "Automatons gather all the pieces so the world may be increased"

Robots or machines collecting data or materials to expand or rebuild the world, possibly in a distorted or artificial way. "In simulation jubilation for the deceased"

Suggests a celebration in a simulated or artificial reality, possibly for those who have died or been replaced by machines. Verse 2: "Spray-on clothes and diamond jaws, wrinkles smoothed by nanoclaws"

Describes futuristic, superficial enhancements, likely achieved through advanced technology like nanobots. "With my machines, I can dispatch from this world without a trace"

The speaker suggests they can leave the world using their machines, possibly through some form of digital or technological transcendence. "Our nostalgia ghosts are ready to take your place"

The past or memories are being resurrected or preserved artificially, replacing the current reality. "Content-shifting shopping malls on gasoline trees and walk-through walls"

A surreal image of consumerism and technology, where reality itself is malleable and distorted. "None of them knew, none of them knew"

Repeats the idea that people were unaware of the drastic changes or consequences happening around them. Chorus Refrain: "I feel the gray goo boiling my blood"

"Gray goo" is a hypothetical end-of-the-world scenario where self-replicating nanobots consume all matter. The boiling blood suggests fear or anxiety about this. "As I watch the dead rise up out of the earth"

Imagery of resurrection, possibly of the dead or of past ideas, in a potentially horrifying way. "Try to hide from the lies as they all come true"

The lies or deceptions are becoming reality, and the speaker struggles to escape them. "Deus absconditus, Deus nullus deus, Deus nisi deus"

Latin phrases meaning "the hidden God," "no God," and "God is only God," reflecting various theological ideas in a world overtaken by technology. "I feel the grey goo boiling my blood as the Fenris wolf slowly bites through his chain"

The Fenris wolf from Norse mythology is breaking free, symbolizing the release of chaos or destruction. "Try to hide the myth as it becomes a man"

Myths or stories are becoming real, personified in a potentially dangerous way. "None of them knew, none of them knew they were Robots"

The realization that people were unaware of their own loss of humanity, becoming like robots or automatons. Verse 3: "Buying an X or an O in statecraft tic-tac-toe"

Suggests the trivialization of serious matters, like statecraft or politics, reduced to a simple game. "Cats game for Joe Blow, post-industrial bliss"

A "cats game" in tic-tac-toe means a tie or stalemate, perhaps indicating a stagnant society. "Joe Blow" represents the average person, and "post-industrial bliss" could be a sarcastic reference to a supposedly ideal future. "A binary hug or kiss can be wrung from utility mist"

Depicts a world where even emotions are reduced to digital binaries, created artificially from technological advancements. "They stole the great arcanum, the secret fire"

Refers to ancient knowledge or power, possibly divine or mystical, that has been taken or misused. "Moloch found his gold for the new empire"

Moloch is often depicted as a demon or god associated with sacrifice. Here, it suggests that something malevolent has found wealth or power in this new technological world. "Once again the necrophage becomes saint"

"Necrophage" means an eater of the dead, possibly indicating something that consumes or destroys being venerated or idolized. Verse 4: "Lindy hop around the truth, jump back wolf pack attack"

"Lindy hop" is a dance, so this could mean dancing around the truth, avoiding it, while a "wolf pack attack" suggests sudden, aggressive action. "Swingin' up there in the noose, slap back white shark attack"

The imagery of hanging or being attacked by a shark adds to the chaotic, violent nature of the world described. "Phased array diffraction nets from full-wall paint-on TV sets"

Advanced, almost magical technology, where even walls can be turned into TV screens or other forms of media. "Migratory home sublets and diamond fiber sets"

Refers to futuristic living conditions, perhaps transient or highly advanced but still superficial. "Recombinant logos keys, bitic Qabalistic trees"

"Recombinant logos" could refer to manipulated or reassembled ideas or symbols, with "Qabalistic trees" suggesting mystical or esoteric knowledge encoded digitally. "Deus absconditus, Deus nullus deus, Deus nisi deus"

Repeats the earlier theological reflections, emphasizing the absence or hidden nature of God in this world. Final Chorus: "I feel the grey goo boiling my blood as leviathan and his bugs freeze the sea"

"Leviathan," a biblical sea monster, and "bugs" likely refer to destructive forces or technology freezing over the world, indicating a total collapse. "Try to save the world by immolating myself"

The speaker considers self-sacrifice as a means to stop this catastrophe, a desperate attempt to save what's left. "From history, the flood of counterfeits released"

Repeats the idea of a deluge of falsity overwhelming the world, tied to the earlier theme of counterfeit realities. "The black cloud, the resurrection of the deceased"

Suggests that this falsity brings back the dead or the past in a twisted, unnatural form. "Automatons gather all the pieces so the world may be increased"

Again, machines are collecting and reassembling the world, but possibly in a distorted, simulated manner. "In simulation jubilation for the builders of the body of the beast"

The final lines celebrate this simulated reality, constructed by those who have built "the body of the beast," possibly a metaphor for the new, monstrous world created by technology.

As a whole, "None of Them Knew They Were Robots" seems to explore the themes of technological dystopia, the loss of humanity, and the intersection of science and mysticism. Here’s a broader interpretation of the song:

**1. Technological Overreach and Dystopia: The song paints a picture of a world where technology has advanced to the point of being uncontrollable. Genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and other innovations have transformed society, but not necessarily for the better. The "Mendel's machines" and "grey goo" references suggest a fear of technology running amok, leading to potentially apocalyptic outcomes.

**2. Loss of Humanity and Identity: The repeated line "None of them knew they were Robots" points to a world where people have become so integrated with technology that they've lost their sense of self. They are unaware of how much their humanity has been eroded, possibly becoming mere automatons in a highly controlled, artificial environment.

**3. Spiritual and Existential Crisis: The song touches on the idea of God being hidden or absent ("Deus Absconditus"), suggesting that in this technologically dominated world, traditional spiritual beliefs have either been abandoned or are no longer relevant. There's a sense of existential crisis, where people are seeking meaning in a world that's increasingly artificial and devoid of genuine human connection.

**4. Myth and Reality Blurring: References to the Fenris wolf, Leviathan, and other mythological elements suggest that ancient myths are resurfacing in this new technological age, possibly as metaphors for the destructive forces being unleashed. The line "Try to hide the myth as it becomes a man" indicates that these myths are no longer just stories—they are becoming real, potentially as a result of humanity's hubris.

**5. Consumerism and Superficiality: There’s a critique of modern consumer culture, where even emotions and relationships are reduced to "binary hugs and kisses" and shopping malls shift content to fit the latest trends. The world has become superficial, with people more concerned about appearances and material possessions than genuine human experiences.

**6. Apocalyptic Vision: The song builds toward an apocalyptic vision where the world is overwhelmed by technological and mythical forces, leading to chaos and destruction. The imagery of "leviathan and his bugs freeze the sea" and "immolating myself" suggests a catastrophic end, where even self-sacrifice might not be enough to save the world.

Overall Interpretation: "None of Them Knew They Were Robots" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement, the loss of humanity in a hyper-technological world, and the spiritual void that can arise when technology replaces traditional values and beliefs. It’s a complex meditation on the potential future of society, where the lines between human and machine, myth and reality, are increasingly blurred, leading to a dystopian existence.

In summary, the song critiques the modern world’s trajectory, warning of the potential loss of what makes us human as we delve deeper into the realms of technology and artificial realities.

Mr Bungles guitarist (and the one who wrote the song) had this to say about it. "I just want to clarify that reference to Omega Point in NOTKTWR does not make the song 'about' that subject. Tipler's brand of scientific cryptotheology is just one of the elements taken into consideration in the song - I use it to help illustrate a point. Namely, that the reductionist tendency in physics/sciences springs from the same source as the worst religious Dogmatism. Gnostics would argue that both serve the Demiurgos, or False God - creator of the physical universe, who unwittingly conceals the True Hidden God while imagining himself to be The One. In any case, the reference to St. Augustine is not there to bash religion, but to help chart the linear history of where science and religion converge in their satanic pact (In the beginning was a Bang!). Most importantly, these images deal with the timeless tendency to overly-literalistic reductionism - how we render the universe to ourselves prematurely, and round out the edges to make it consistent with our beliefs. No area of inquiry is immune - we're lucky if we can penetrate any respective channel of 'human knowledge' deep enough to discover the three or four totally shit-upon luminaries who are sitting there dispersed through time in backed-up sewer-systems of brainbending superfluous nonsense.

"I hope people will at least see that the song doesn't consider science or religion to be particularly opposed in this regard. Sure, with the Inquisition we all have historical precedent for the severity of 'religious' atrocities - but it [cyclical time] might make you wonder which cloak the Beast will don to the next be-heading party... has it already begun? Either it never started, or it will never end. None of them knew..."

...and the translation? for us people who haven't got ten degrees in English and weren't brought up by English lan/lit teachers for parents. sorry, i kind of understand, just not fully. Still, this song rules!

Awesome song! No, none of them knew...

first mr. bungle song i heard, heard it on the radio, was hooked instantly

first mr. bungle song i heard, heard it on the radio, was hooked instantly

wow you heard this on they radio? damn!!!

Why would you search an artist, then go to a song, just to say you hate someone? This website is meant for people to tell what they think the song means, that's why it's songmeanings.net.

I thought that the title was a reference to The Stepford Wives, guess I was wrong...