Feed The Machine

Nickelback's song 'Feed The Machine' delves into the themes of manipulation, control, and the dehumanizing effects of power structures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a society where individuals are coerced into compliance, their lives and beliefs manipulated by those in power. The phrase 'Addressing those beneath from high above' suggests a hierarchical system where the elite impose their will on the masses, using deceit ('Baiting every hook with filthy lies') to maintain control. This imagery is further reinforced by the command to 'get back in line,' indicating a suppression of dissent and a demand for unquestioning obedience.

The metaphor of 'feeding the machine' is central to the song, symbolizing the relentless and consuming nature of these power structures. The 'machine' represents a system that grinds down individuals, using them as fuel to sustain itself. The lines 'The duller the knife, the longer it takes' and 'Carving the truth while harvesting you' evoke a sense of prolonged suffering and exploitation, where people are slowly worn down and stripped of their humanity. This process leaves them as mere 'bones out on the stones,' a stark image of desolation and loss.

The song also questions the nature of leadership and the consequences of blind obedience. The repeated lines 'Why must the blind always lead the blind?' and 'Why do I feel like the fault is mine?' reflect a sense of frustration and helplessness. It critiques a system where the weak are sacrificed and the truth is obscured, urging listeners to recognize and resist these mechanisms of control. Through its powerful lyrics and intense imagery, 'Feed The Machine' serves as a poignant commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of questioning authority.