Machines (Or Back To Humans)

Queen's song 'Machines (Or Back To Humans)' delves into the tension between humanity and the encroaching dominance of technology. The lyrics paint a dystopian picture where machines have taken over, leaving little room for human emotions, creativity, and individuality. The opening lines, 'It's a machines world / Don't tell me I ain't got no soul,' set the stage for a narrative that questions the place of human essence in a world increasingly governed by technology. The mention of rock and roll, a symbol of human expression and rebellion, being out of place in this new world underscores the loss of cultural and emotional depth.

The song's protagonist feels the pressure and dehumanization brought on by machines, as described in the lines, 'They freeze me they burn me / They squeeze me they stress me.' This imagery evokes a sense of being trapped and manipulated by an unfeeling, mechanical force. Despite this, the protagonist asserts their humanity, insisting that 'no one can wrest me away / Back to humans.' This refrain highlights a yearning to return to a more human-centric existence, where emotions and individuality are valued.

Queen also explores the characteristics of this machine-dominated world, noting the absence of disease, emotional turmoil, and the concept of love or defeat. The lyrics, 'We never cry we never retreat / We have no conception of love or defeat,' suggest a sterile, efficient existence devoid of the very things that make us human. The song's bridge, filled with technical jargon like 'bytes and megachips' and 'random access memory,' further emphasizes the cold, calculated nature of this new world. Ultimately, 'Machines (Or Back To Humans)' serves as a cautionary tale about the potential loss of humanity in the face of technological advancement, urging listeners to consider the value of human emotions and experiences in an increasingly automated world.