You've Come a Long Way

Machine's song 'You've Come a Long Way' is a powerful narrative of personal transformation and redemption. The lyrics recount a tumultuous past filled with reckless behavior, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil. The protagonist's mother tried her best to provide support, but the protagonist was too lost in their own chaos to appreciate it. The lines 'You didn't care to live or die' and 'Amphetamines and benzedrine are friends of yours all the time' paint a vivid picture of a life spiraling out of control.

The chorus, 'You've come a long way, baby,' serves as a triumphant declaration of the protagonist's journey towards self-improvement. It acknowledges the thrill and excitement of their past life but warns against falling back into old habits. The repetition of 'Don't get caught by the thrill of it all again' emphasizes the importance of staying on the right path and not succumbing to past temptations. This message is both a celebration of progress and a cautionary reminder.

The song also delves into the psychological aspects of the protagonist's past. Lines like 'You became a closet case, you kept yourself locked inside' suggest a period of deep introspection and isolation. The protagonist's struggle with distinguishing right from wrong is highlighted in 'What was wrong was always right,' indicating a moral confusion that has since been overcome. The overall tone of the song is one of hope and resilience, celebrating the protagonist's ability to turn their life around despite the odds.