The Emptiness Machine
[Verse 1: Mike Shinoda]
Your blades are sharpened with precision
Refers to someone’s words or actions, calculated to cause pain or cut deeply.
Flashing your favorite point of view
They’re using their preferred narrative to their advantage.
I know you're waiting in the distance
The subject is lurking, possibly waiting for an opportunity to strike or hurt.
Just like you always do, just like you always do
This behavior is familiar; it’s a pattern of waiting to attack or criticize.
[Pre-Chorus: Mike Shinoda]
Already pulling me in
He’s already being drawn into their toxic influence.
Already under my skin
The person’s actions or words have already affected him deeply.
And I know exactly how this ends, I
He sees the outcome clearly, likely painful or damaging, based on past experiences.
[Chorus: Mike Shinoda]
Let you cut me open just to watch me bleed
Allowing someone to hurt him while they watch, showing vulnerability and betrayal.
Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be
He sacrificed his true self to fit another’s expectations.
Don't know why I'm hopin' for what I won't receive
Realizes he’s hoping for something unattainable, likely acceptance or respect.
Fallin' for the promise of the emptiness machine
Refers to chasing hollow promises or a cycle that only leads to emptiness.
The emptiness machine
A metaphor for a destructive, endless loop that ultimately drains him.
[Verse 2: Emily Armstrong, Emily Armstrong & Mike Shinoda]
Goin' around like a revolver
Describes repetitive, cyclical actions, possibly harmful or aggressive.
It's been decided how we lose
Implying that failure or pain is inevitable in this situation.
'Cause there's a fire under the altar
References hidden conflict or tension, perhaps within a sacred or personal space.
I keep on lyin' to, I keep on lyin' to
She acknowledges self-deception, trying to convince herself things are different.
[Pre-Chorus: Mike Shinoda & Emily Armstrong]
Already pulling me in
The pull of this toxic relationship is mutual and inescapable.
Already under my skin
Their actions and influence have a profound, almost invasive effect.
And I know exactly how this ends, I
Both see the harmful pattern clearly, recognizing the likely painful outcome.
[Chorus: Emily Armstrong]
Let you cut me open just to watch me bleed
Reiterating the experience of allowing vulnerability to be exploited.
Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be
Emphasizes the personal cost of trying to meet another’s expectations.
Don't know why I'm hopin', so f**kin' naive
A realization of naivety in hoping for change in a toxic dynamic.
Fallin' for the promise of the emptiness machine
Acknowledging the trap of unfulfilled promises and expectations.
The emptiness machine
An endless cycle of seeking validation that only leads to emptiness.
[Bridge: Mike Shinoda, Emily Armstrong & Mike Shinoda]
I only wanted to be part of something
Reflects a longing for belonging or purpose.
I only wanted to be part of, part of
Repeats the desire to belong, highlighting its intensity.
I only wanted to be part
The simple wish to be involved or accepted, stripped of complexity.
[Chorus: Emily Armstrong]
I let you cut me open just to watch me bleed
Allows the pain of vulnerability despite knowing it may be exploited.
Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be
Sacrifices authenticity in a search for acceptance.
Don't know why I'm hopin', so f**kin' naive
Recognizes the futility and innocence of hoping for something real.
Fallin' for the promise of the emptiness machine
Falls victim to the allure of promises that ultimately lead to emptiness.
The emptiness machine
The concept of an unrelenting cycle of unfulfilled needs and hollow promises.
[Outro: Emily Armstrong & Mike Shinoda]
(I only wanted to be part of something)
Reiterates the wish for genuine connection or meaning.
The emptiness machine, oh
Returns to the painful realization of emptiness within the relationship or pursuit.
(I only wanted to be part of)
Echoes the desire for inclusion and a sense of belonging.
The emptiness machine
Ends with the haunting reminder of the cycle of emptiness and betrayal.
