me i've just died

but some machine keeps on humming

i'm just an extra piece of dead meat to keep running

why won't you let me die in peace

why won't you let me die with some kind of honour

why won't you let me die at all

i know

you've got your principles



my body lies immobile

i left it days ago

and me i watch from somewhere as the loved ones come and go

i see them glancing at the switch

i hear them whispering "maybe it's beter that way"

i see the love turn into feelings

i know

aren't quite the same



i see the men of learning

pacing to and fro

but how can i expect the sane to ever know

i'd rather die than have no mind

i know my brain is gone "damage beyond repair"

i see an empty shell below me

i know

i've had my time





Gary Numan, "The Life Machine", _T_u_b_e_w_a_y _A_r_m_y (Beggars Banquet/ATCO 1978)