Unretrofied

The Dillinger Escape Plan's song 'Unretrofied' delves into the complex relationship between humanity and technology, exploring themes of dehumanization and existential struggle. The opening lines, 'Is the can half diseased or is the disease half canned? And is the man half machine or is machine half man?' set the tone for the song's exploration of blurred boundaries between the organic and the mechanical. This metaphorical questioning reflects a broader societal concern about the increasing integration of technology into human life and the potential loss of humanity that may accompany it.

The repeated phrase 'I'm unretrofied for you' suggests a resistance to being outdated or rendered obsolete, possibly by technological advancements or societal expectations. The term 'unretrofied' itself is a play on words, combining 'retro' with 'unified,' implying a struggle to remain relevant and whole in a rapidly changing world. The lyrics also touch on themes of futility and resignation, as seen in lines like 'I'll just fake it in the end, Just save it for a new song and leave dead in the end.' This sense of inevitability and wasted effort underscores the existential angst that permeates the song.

The imagery of 'wood paneled wagon carpool dragons killing me again' adds a surreal, almost dystopian layer to the narrative, suggesting a chaotic and destructive force that is both familiar and alien. The reference to Jesus being unable to play music because 'he's nailed to the cross' further emphasizes themes of sacrifice and helplessness. This stark imagery serves to highlight the song's underlying message about the struggle to maintain one's humanity in the face of overwhelming external pressures. Ultimately, 'Unretrofied' is a powerful commentary on the tension between progress and preservation, urging listeners to reflect on what it means to be human in an increasingly mechanized world.