Seems to be about media culture, as well as corporate music/culture. The 'skin machine' is the machine that creates façades, false exteriors, i.e. media advertising, music made for money, etc. The 'self-flaggellation' continues the skin metaphor while expressing the idea that this kind of fakery is in fact damaging to oneself.
Perhaps the 'vultures' 'made up like mokingbirds' are corporate execs, talent scouts, whatever, 'mokingbirds' because of their love for imitation, 'vultures' because, well, they circle, looking for fresh meat!
Seems to be about media culture, as well as corporate music/culture. The 'skin machine' is the machine that creates façades, false exteriors, i.e. media advertising, music made for money, etc. The 'self-flaggellation' continues the skin metaphor while expressing the idea that this kind of fakery is in fact damaging to oneself.
Perhaps the 'vultures' 'made up like mokingbirds' are corporate execs, talent scouts, whatever, 'mokingbirds' because of their love for imitation, 'vultures' because, well, they circle, looking for fresh meat!