Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: garage
Song Meaning of “Machinist Man” by Protomartyr
“Machinist Man” by Protomartyr is a dark and mysterious tune, evoking feelings of isolation and loneliness. The protagonist of the song is an unnamed “Machinist Man,” a man who toils in the darkness of his workshop, crafting and tinkering with obscure tools and machines. The line “I’m just a mind,” suggests that he has a longing for connection and understanding, but his mechanical nature prevents it. His life is filled with monotonous toil and it’s clear that he’s struggling to find a purpose.
The chorus of the song speaks to the idea of the Machinist Man’s fate, as it begins with the line “the time that I’ve got is ticking away.” It is evident that he has to make the most of the time he has left and craft something worth remembering. He is desperately trying to escape the mundane life he has become accustomed to but finds himself no closer than he was before.
This song paints a somber and reflective picture, one that conjures the idea of a person searching for meaning and purpose but unable to find a way to bridge the gap between his current situation and his desired future. The narrator encourages him to believe in himself despite his “muting machine” and the arduous journey of creating something of his own. As the chorus comes to its close with the line “I’m machinist man,” the listener is left with a sense of appreciation for the man’s courage and strength as he endures his seclusion and his search for meaning.