Meaning of "Machine" by Black Flag

The lyrics of "Machine" by Black Flag convey a strong sense of individuality and independence, with the repeated declaration of "I'm not a machine" serving as a defiant statement against being dehumanized or treated as a mere object. The repeated mention of not being able to work and the refusal to be controlled by external forces suggest a desire for autonomy and freedom from external pressures. The line "Get me from myself" indicates a struggle to break free from internal constraints or negative thoughts that may be holding the speaker back. Overall, the lyrics emphasize the importance of resisting conformity and asserting one's own identity and agency in the face of forces that seek to diminish or control them.