The song "I Want To Be A Machine" by Ultravox explores themes of technology, dehumanization, and the desire to escape from the constraints of human emotions and limitations. The lyrics paint a dystopian picture where the protagonist finds the remnants of their past, symbolized by the "bones of all your ghosts," trapped in a wishing well. Meanwhile, society is depicted as being consumed by materialistic pursuits, as "birdsong gourmets drag empty nets" and the protagonist remains disconnected in their own shell. The protagonist then encounters the "Mensch-Maschine," a German phrase meaning the human-machine or man-machine, which kisses them on the eyes. This encounter brings forth a realization and desire to become a machine, detached from human emotions and vulnerability. The fire-ladies, possibly symbolizing passion and desire, are left alone in the night as the protagonist moves towards embracing a mechanized existence. Further, the lyrics discuss stealing a "cathode face" from newscasts and gathering a collection of fragmented songs from the "reservoir of video souls." This implies a detachment from traditional human experiences and an identification with the artificial and digital realm. The protagonist walks along a boulevard filled with unfinished creatures, hinting at the alienation and disconnection in this futuristic world. The chorus, "I want to be a machine," is repeated throughout the song, revealing the protagonist's yearning to be devoid of emotional complexities and limitations. This desire is further emphasized by the line, "Broadcast me, scrambled clean, or free me from this flesh," expressing a longing to escape the constraints of humanity and surrender to a mechanized existence. The song concludes with the idea of running to meet the tides of tomorrow and leaving all emotions behind, suggesting a transcendence into a cold and detached state. The phrase "In the star cold, beyond all of your dreams" embodies a desire to venture beyond the boundaries of human imagination and explore a new, mechanistic reality. Overall, "I Want To Be A Machine" by Ultravox explores themes of dehumanization, the allure of technology, and the yearning for escape from the emotional complexities of human existence. It presents a dystopian view of society and expresses a longing for a mechanized and detached way of being.
