Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Rusted Machines” by Further Seems Forever
Further Seems Forever’s song “Rusted Machines” is a philosophical yet lamenting look at life’s journey and the decisions we make. For this particular song, Further Seems Forever’s lead singer and band leader Chris Carrabba has been noted to sing about his personal reflections on the struggles of growing older and considering his future. Carrabba uses the metaphor of machines to explore the presence of regret in our life paths, while coming to terms with the idea that our paths are only affected by ourselves.
The song opens with a sense of familiarity, yet the recognition of determination and drive that have somehow faded, leaving behind a “rusted machine” in its wake. This machine is emblematic of our life paths, past our own control, that have “worn away” over time, leaving behind a dormant thing that can no longer explore the world with the same energy.
The song continues in the chorus with the triadic line “pull up to the floor / and solve the engine’s roar / and get ready to reach the shore” that implicates both the fatigue and possible salvation of these paths. The line suggests that a form of restoration, an act of repair, needs to take place in order to look forward and acknowledge the impact of our choices. Continuing along, the chorus offers us a glimpse of hope, that if we take the time to address what “rests inside the core,” then perhaps a necessary redemption can be found.
The bridge of this song further discusses the emotion of regret, and the fear of not being able to move forward: “I’m afraid of the day, / when all that I’ve done, / will define me in the end.” These words bring a reflective moment amidst our journey of hope, where we can contemplate our decisions and the shift it will bring to our lives.
At the end of this song, Further Seems Forever gives us a lasting message: “Spend your days in grace, and seek and find the way,” a sentiment that speaks to the power of life path reflection. In the end, we must remember to take responsibility for our choices and be empowered by our restoration, as a means to continue through our journey with grace.