The lyrics of "Automatic" by The Pointer Sisters describe the all-consuming power of someone's presence, which renders the protagonist helpless and unable to control their own emotions and actions.

Read more
image

Meaning of "Automatic" by The Pointer Sisters


The lyrics of "Automatic" delve into the experience of being completely captivated and controlled by someone else. The protagonist is depicted as being utterly defenseless and at the mercy of the person they are infatuated with. The use of technological imagery, such as "camera" and "X-ray vision," suggests a sense of vulnerability and invasion of privacy, as if the protagonist's innermost thoughts and desires are being exposed. The repetition of the word "automatic" emphasizes the lack of agency the protagonist has, as if they are a robot following commands. The lyrics also touch on the physical and physiological effects of this infatuation, with references to shaky hands, increased body temperature, and the need for medical intervention. The line "I go from sadness to exhilaration" implies that the protagonist experiences extreme emotional highs and lows, almost like an addiction fueled by the presence of the other person. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of powerlessness and the inability to resist the influence and control exerted by the person they are infatuated with.