@[email protected]

Welcome! Greetings!

Introduction

Greta Van Fleet’s lyrics often feel like puzzles wrapped in myth, and “The Falling Sky” is no exception. At first glance, the song seems abstract—full of poetic vagueness and dramatic imagery. But when you dig deeper, especially through a spiritual and symbolic lens, it starts to reveal layers of meaning about human responsibility, temptation, and the fall of divine light.

This essay explores my interpretation of the song, with enhancements from our discussions. I’ll break down key lyrics, tie them to Christian and mythological themes, and argue that “The Falling Sky” is really about resisting the collapse of goodness in a world where darkness (Satan) constantly pulls us down.

1. The Falling Sky as the Fallen Angel

Lyrical Evidence

“I've been handed a quite demanding and hardly standing lie to tell”

This line feels like the weight of deception—something “demanding” and unsustainable. If we think of Satan as the “father of lies” (John 8:44), this could represent the burden of sin or falsehood that humans are pressured to accept.

“Holding up the falling sky”

The central metaphor. In Christianity:
– Sky = Heaven, light, divine order (angels are beings of light).
– Falling = Collapse, corruption (like Lucifer’s fall from grace).

So, “holding up the falling sky” becomes a fight to prevent light from turning into darkness—a human struggle to resist evil’s pull.

2. Light, Duality, and Human Accountability

The Trouble with “Seeing Double”

“Here's the trouble with seeing double, it's torn down rubble that's left behind”

  • “Seeing double” = Moral confusion, duality (good vs. evil, truth vs. lies).
  • “Torn down rubble” = The aftermath of failing to resist—collapsed integrity.

This mirrors the idea that Satan tempts, but humans are accountable for their choices. The “rubble” is what’s left when we give in.

The “Pointless Forte” and Distractions

“You can live with a pointless forte, that silly board game that you would know”

  • “Pointless forte” = Talents or strengths wasted on empty pursuits (like materialism or sin).
  • “Silly board game” = Life’s trivial distractions that keep us from deeper meaning.

Satan often works through distraction and illusion—making us chase hollow victories instead of truth.

3. Mythic and Archetypal Layers

GVF loves borrowing from ancient myths, and “The Falling Sky” echoes:
1. Atlas Holding the Heavens → A burden meant to crush, but endured.
2. Lucifer’s Fall → Light (sky) collapsing into darkness.
3. Ragnarök (Norse Apocalypse) → The sky shattering in the end times.

This ambiguity lets the song feel both personal and universal—like it’s about inner struggle (temptation) and cosmic war (good vs. evil).

4. Why This Interpretation Fits GVF’s Style

  • Esoteric Lyrics: They hide meanings behind poetic phrases (e.g., Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”).
  • Spiritual Themes: Many songs (“Age of Machine,” “Light My Love”) explore light vs. corruption.
  • Timelessness: Phrases like “falling sky” could mean anything—but the archetypes (fall, light, burden) make it feel ancient.

Conclusion: A Call to Resist the Fall

“The Falling Sky” isn’t just a cool phrase—it’s a symbol of the fragile balance between light and darkness. Whether you see it as:
– A personal fight against temptation,
– A metaphor for Satan’s fall, or
– A mythic battle to hold up collapsing ideals,

The song’s power lies in its open-ended depth. And that’s why GVF’s lyrics stick with us—they’re designed to be unraveled over years, even centuries, just like the ancient stories they echo.

“I don’t wanna lose this time / I just wanna let it pass”

Maybe that’s the human dilemma: to resist the fall or let it happen. But the sky hasn’t crashed yet—we’re still holding it up.

2018–2025: From Vulnerability to Grounded Growth

They Called Me Narcissist — But Showed No Remorse

I was open about my struggles. I publicly acknowledged that I may have been showing signs of narcissism — not as a way to manipulate or gain sympathy, but as an honest effort to understand myself. I wanted to learn. I wanted to take responsibility. I wanted to heal.

But instead of support, some people responded with sarcasm, cruelty, and mockery. They labeled me, degraded me, and used my honesty as a weapon against me. The worst part is: they showed no remorse.

And what I see now — with clear eyes — is that many of these same people who called me narcissistic were displaying narcissistic traits themselves. They lacked empathy, dismissed my vulnerability, and showed pleasure in power and humiliation. That is not accountability. That is harm.

Vulnerability Is Not Narcissism

Saying “I might have narcissistic patterns” is not narcissism — it’s self-awareness. It's a desire for growth. It's taking a hard look inward. Narcissism is rooted in denial, control, and blame. I did the opposite: I exposed my flaws to be seen and understood.

I was sincere. I was reaching out. I didn’t want to stay the same. And yet, I was mocked for it.

Abuse Is Not a “Lesson”

I don’t believe harm is a legitimate form of teaching. Being bullied or degraded didn’t make me a better person — I became better in spite of that treatment, not because of it. If anything, it taught me the kind of person I don’t want to be.

People who use cruelty to “teach lessons” are often just justifying their own desire for control or superiority. They don't change people. They damage people. And they avoid their own reflection.

I Grew While They Stayed Small

While they mocked, I reflected.
While they denied, I took accountability.
While they shamed, I tried to understand myself.

I was already in the process of changing. I was working through discomfort, through confusion, through a long journey of self-confrontation. I didn’t need their cruelty — I needed compassion, boundaries, truth. But I gave those things to myself instead.

Not All Help Is Actually Helpful

I also came to understand that many so-called “peer support” spaces were not truly safe or healthy. Some people there were caught in the same cycles I was trying to leave — constantly seeking validation, using mental health labels as identity, and mixing self-expression with performance. I was once one of them. But I’ve since stepped away.

These platforms encouraged external dependence rather than internal grounding. They dismissed honest pain with canned phrases like “go to therapy,” even when I had already tried. I now understand that not all advice is sincere, and not all community is wise.

I Used to Farm for Narcissistic Ingredients — I Don’t Anymore

For years, I unknowingly built an emotional economy around validation — attention from posts, reactions from others, the feeling of being heard even if nothing changed inside. I see that now. I even helped build that cycle — not just by participating in it, but by needing it.

But the farm is gone now — destroyed by time, by disappointment, by others, and maybe by my own awakening. And that destruction was good. It reminded me: I don't want to be like the influencers and the performers. I don’t want to live through reaction. I want to live through integrity.

I’m Not Alone — Even the Good Are Surrounded by the Unrepentant

When I look at history and the lives of sincere, morally strong individuals, I remember: even they were often surrounded by those who mocked them, rejected them, and never repented. Their message wasn’t always accepted. Their vulnerability was misunderstood. Yet they stayed firm in their purpose, even when others showed no remorse.

This reminds me that rejection and cruelty from others is not a reflection of my value. It is a reflection of their own resistance to change.

I Don’t Want to Repay Harm With Harm

I’ve learned that just because I’ve been hurt doesn’t mean I need to hurt back. Justice is allowed — but cruelty is not. Even if someone harmed me, I don’t want to mirror them. I want to respond in a way that reflects the values I now live by: responsibility, clarity, patience, restraint.

I no longer wish to win. I wish to grow.

I Walk With God, Not With Performers

There is a voice within me — the voice of conscience, of truth, of faith — that speaks even when no one else is around. I believe that growth is between me and God. I don’t need to perform it. I don’t need to explain it to those who refuse to listen. I don't need others to agree for my transformation to be real.

What matters is that I know who I am. And that I’m becoming someone I actually respect.

Final Thought

I was once caught in narcissism. I don’t deny that. But I named it, I faced it, and I began walking out of it. That’s more than most people do.

Those who mocked me did not offer healing — they revealed who they are.

But I don’t follow their voices anymore. I follow what’s true. And I’m finally learning to live from that place.

I. Introduction

This record captures a personal reflection and transformation that unfolded over years and reached clarity during recent conversations. It’s about letting go of hollow validation, waking up from the trap of performative healing, and returning to what actually grounds me: truth, discipline, responsibility, and sincerity. This is written for myself — to remind me of who I am, and how far I’ve come.

II. The False Path I Took: The “Narcissism Farm”

1. I was farming validation for years

  • From 2018 to 2025, I spent years using a mental health peer support app.
  • At the time, I believed it was about healing, expression, or connection.
  • But now I realize: I was harvesting approval, sympathy, affirmation — sometimes unconsciously, sometimes knowingly.
  • I sought comfort and feedback more than truth.

2. That platform became a loop

  • It wasn’t about accountability or change anymore.
  • People would say “we love you, seek therapy,” and that became the script — not a genuine process, just a response loop.
  • I felt increasingly alienated, even when surrounded by “support.”
  • I eventually understood that I wasn’t growing. I was recycling emotional performances.

3. Narcissism grew from both sides

  • I wasn’t the only one doing it — others were farming narcissism too.
  • It became an ecosystem of validation-seeking, moral posturing, and subtle control.
  • Some users became toxic, performative, or hypocritical. But so was I, in different ways.

III. Seeing Through the Surface: What Therapy Culture Got Wrong

1. Therapy isn’t always what people think it is

  • People often seek therapy because insurance covers it, not because they want to transform.
  • Therapy can become a status symbol or echo chamber — not a space for uncomfortable growth.
  • I realized therapy is only useful when someone shows up ready to face hard truths.

2. I criticized the misuse of therapy

  • I saw people using therapy to gain superiority over others.
  • Or using it as a way to “win” a breakup: “My ex told me to seek help, so here I am.”
  • I felt disillusioned — not because therapy is wrong, but because its purpose was being hollowed out.

IV. The Real Foundation: What Learning and God-Consciousness Already Taught Me

1. The deeper teachings were already present in everyday education

  • I realized that real therapy already existed in the things I avoided:
    • Physical education
    • Moral and civic education
    • Mental and spiritual discipline
    • Teachings that ask for honesty, humility, and responsibility
  • These weren't always pleasant — but they were real. They didn’t flatter my ego. They confronted it.

2. The words of God point me back to reflection, not comfort

  • I don’t believe sacred texts are science textbooks — but they urge us to learn, reflect, and grow.
  • They don’t replace human effort. Healing is still a responsibility.
  • The words of God are reminders — especially for those who approach them with sincerity and reverence.

3. I rejected the blame game

  • I refuse to blame God for people’s flaws.
  • I recognize that humans — including myself — twist guidance, ignore it, or misuse it.
  • I now understand the difference between divine wisdom and people’s failures to live it.

V. On Relationships and Responsibility

1. You can’t heal others who won’t help themselves

  • I had an ex-friend who may have been struggling with undiagnosed emotional dysregulation.
  • I tried to encourage them to seek help for years.
  • But I now know that no advice matters if there’s no personal effort.
  • Struggles don’t excuse ongoing harm, manipulation, or denial.

2. Therapy without effort is hollow

  • Whether diagnosed or not, healing still takes discipline.
  • Victimhood can become a role — but it’s not the same as recovery.
  • I learned that I can’t carry someone else's journey for them.

VI. The Turning Point: Burning the Farm

1. I let go of the narcissism economy

  • I recognized that I had created and fed a system of validation-seeking.
  • I named it: narcissism farming.
  • I saw how much it was costing me in peace, integrity, and depth.

2. I chose to burn the farm

  • I’m no longer interested in being like those on social media who thrive on image and surface.
  • I now discourage the economy I once contributed to.
  • Letting it burn was painful — but necessary.

VII. Who I Am Becoming

1. I am more grounded in truth than ever

  • I no longer perform to be liked.
  • I no longer chase healing that flatters but doesn’t challenge.
  • I reflect more of who I am when I follow what I believe God has asked of me — not public ideals.

2. I see therapy differently now

  • Real therapy isn’t about feeling good — it’s about being honest.
  • Sometimes the greatest therapy is in accepting responsibility, reflection, and discipline.
  • I now know when therapy is useful, and when it’s being misused.

3. I am committed to real growth

  • I will walk forward from here with intention.
  • I will not deny my past self — but I will not go back to that economy.
  • I am learning to live from a place of sincerity, not performance.

VIII. Final Word

I am not better than others.
But I am better than I was.
And that’s enough for now.

This is not an ending — it’s a checkpoint.
A reminder for myself when the world gets loud again.

I’ve returned to what is real.
Let this be the record.

— Kalvin

  • tools.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain — Admin, utilities, security
  • workspace.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain — Notes, files, collaboration
  • media.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain — Audio, video, photos
  • social.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain — Messaging, fediverse, RSS
  • publish.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain — Blogs, CMS
  • dev.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain — Development tools
  • lab.2nd-level-domain.top-level-domain (optional) — Experiments
  • This reduces DNS complexity, keeps clarity, and supports expansion
  • Use wildcard SSLs per category for simplicity

Summary

  • Be kind, respectful, inclusive.
  • SFW space—no NSFW content.
  • Responsible for your shared content.
  • Respect others’ privacy and identities.
  • AI and assistive tech are welcome if used ethically.

Acceptable Use

  • Express respectfully in English or Malay.
  • Share hobbies, memes, discussions, insights.
  • Use AI for writing, accessibility, creativity—ethically.

Prohibited Conduct

  • No NSFW, hate speech, harassment, doxxing, scams, impersonation, or promoting violence/extremism.
  • No misuse of AI to deceive or spread misinformation.

Ethical AI Use

  • Use AI for communication, accessibility, creativity.
  • Do not impersonate, mislead, or shame others over AI.
  • Use responsibly; AI is often an accessibility tool.
  • Report misuse or ask moderation if unsure.

Privacy & Data

  • Collect only minimal data; no sharing or selling.
  • You can request data removal.
  • Content may appear on federated instances.

Liability

  • Space is provided “as is”; no guarantees.
  • Content moderation is fair; users follow local law.

Enforcement

  • Violations may lead to warnings, suspension, or bans.
  • Appeals are possible; moderation aims to restore.

Misuse of Moderation

  • Fair, proportionate moderation; no targeting without cause.
  • Users penalized solely for AI use deserve protection.
  • Report discrimination or unfair bans.

Instance Maintainer

  • @kaeurenne | Sabah, Malaysia | DM or Matrix

Final Notes

  • This space belongs to us all.
  • Your voice, with or without AI, belongs here.
  • Let's care for it together!

Version 1.2 — Last updated: 6 June 2025

Welcome to Kadai Kupi Space, a community-hosted space brewed from Sabah, Malaysia. This document outlines the terms of use, ethical expectations, and community rules for all members. By participating in this instance, you agree to abide by these guidelines and help uphold a safe, respectful digital kedai kopi for everyone.

§1 — 📘 Summary

1.1 — Treat others with kindness, dignity, and inclusion. 1.2 — This is a safe-for-work (SFW) space — no NSFW or explicit content allowed. 1.3 — You are fully responsible for the content you share. 1.4 — Respect the identities, privacy, and consent of others. 1.5 — AI and assistive technologies are welcomed — when used ethically and with empathy. 1.6 — Our core values are openness, safety, mutual respect, and accessibility.

§2 — ✅ Acceptable Use

2.1 — You may use this instance to express yourself respectfully. 2.2 — Content may be shared in English or Malay (Malaysia) — both are welcome. 2.3 — Cultural insights, hobbies, memes, discussions, and community building are encouraged. 2.4 — You may use AI and assistive tools (e.g. for writing, language, communication, accessibility). 2.5 — This space exists to include everyone — especially those who face barriers offline or online.

§3 — 🚫 Prohibited Conduct

3.1 — The following behaviors are strictly not allowed:

  • 3.1.1 — NSFW or explicit sexual content (text, images, links, etc.)
  • 3.1.2 — Discrimination or hate speech of any kind (including ableism, aporophobia, homophobia, racism, religiophobia, sexism, transphobia, etc.)
  • 3.1.3 — Harassment, bullying, or intimidation
  • 3.1.4 — Doxxing or sharing private/personal info without consent
  • 3.1.5 — Spamming, phishing, scams, or malicious content
  • 3.1.6 — Impersonating others or creating fake accounts
  • 3.1.7 — Promoting extremist, violent, or misleading ideologies
  • 3.1.8 — Misuse of AI to deceive, manipulate, impersonate, or spread misinformation

§4 — 🤖 Ethical Use of AI & Assistive Tools

4.1 — We recognize that many in our community (including autistic, disabled, neurodivergent, and non-native speakers) rely on AI and assistive tools to communicate.

4.2 — You may use AI tools for:

  • 4.2.1 — Writing, editing, translating, or organizing thoughts
  • 4.2.2 — Accessibility (e.g. simplifying text, converting voice to text, visual generation)
  • 4.2.3 — Creative expression (art, stories, discussion prompts)

4.3 — You may not:

  • 4.3.1 — Use AI tools to impersonate people or fabricate lived experiences
  • 4.3.2 — Mislead others using AI-generated content as if it's expert advice when it’s not
  • 4.3.3 — Harass, interrogate, or shame others for using AI tools
  • 4.3.4 — Downvote or dismiss content just because it involved AI
  • 4.3.5 — Use AI in ways that amplify harm, bias, or misinformation

4.4 — Ethics matter: Using AI in our community means using it responsibly and respectfully, while also recognizing that for many, AI is an accessibility tool — not a luxury.

4.5 — People who abuse or harass others for using AI tools — especially when those tools are used for accessibility — should be held accountable for their behavior.

4.6 — If you are unsure whether a post violates ethical AI use, ask respectfully or contact moderation.

§5 — 🔐 Privacy & Data

5.1 — This instance follows privacy-first principles. 5.2 — We only collect minimal data necessary to operate (account info, posts, media). 5.3 — We do not sell or share personal data. 5.4 — You may request account deletion or data removal at any time. 5.5 — As part of the Fediverse, content may appear on other instances — post with awareness.

§6 — ⚖️ Liability

6.1 — Kadai Kupi Space is provided “as is.” There are no uptime or permanence guarantees. 6.2 — The instance maintainer is not liable for user-generated content but will moderate fairly. 6.3 — Users are expected to comply with both these rules and applicable Malaysian law.

§7 — 🛠️ Enforcement

7.1 — Actions for violating rules may include:

  • 7.1.1 — Friendly warnings
  • 7.1.2 — Temporary suspension
  • 7.1.3 — Permanent account ban

7.2 — Appeals may be submitted respectfully to the instance maintainer. 7.3 — We aim to use moderation as a tool for restoration, not punishment — when possible.

§8 — 📄 Misuse of Moderation (Local & External)

8.1 — Moderation must be applied fairly and proportionately. Targeted deletion or punishment of users without reference to clear rule violations is discouraged.

8.2 — Our instance defends users who:

  • 8.2.1 — Are removed or banned only for using AI or assistive technologies
  • 8.2.2 — Share content that meets our rules but are punished externally without cause

8.3 — Labeling users as “AI spam” without reviewing the actual content quality or rule violations is considered a form of discriminatory moderation.

8.4 — External instances that repeatedly remove or ban our users solely for assistive tool use may be reported or de-federated if necessary.

8.5 — Moderators, both local and external, are expected to practice accountability. If a moderation action appears discriminatory, users may raise a complaint with the instance admin.

§9 — 👤 Instance Maintainer

  • Admin: @kaeurenne (Kalvin)
  • Location: Sabah, Malaysia
  • Contact: DM or reach out via Mastodon

§10 — 📌 Final Notes

10.1 — This space belongs to all of us. Let’s care for it — together. 10.2 — Whether you speak softly, loudly, or with AI’s help — your voice belongs here. 10.3 — Sama-sama kita jaga ruang ini. ✨

Hello friends,

I’ve just updated the community rules for Kadai Kupi Space — the Lemmy instance I host from Sabah, Malaysia.

These updates are made with love and care, to make this space more inclusive, safe, and respectful — especially for people who use AI tools to help with writing, communication, or learning.

Why the Update?

Some people use AI to: – Help write or fix grammar (especially if English isn’t their first language) – Express thoughts clearly (like neurodivergent people) – Translate between languages – Be more polite or confident in their writing

I believe these tools can help us join more conversations — not block them.

So, I updated our rules to protect people who use AI responsibly. No one should be banned or downvoted just because they used an AI to help. That’s unfair, especially if the content is kind, respectful, and useful.

What’s New in the Rules?

  • Clear support for AI as an accessibility tool, not just a “tech thing”
  • Rules against harassing or mocking people for using AI
  • We now hold people accountable if they abuse their moderation powers to remove AI-generated content without a real reason
  • You can still use AI — as long as it’s honest, respectful, and not used to mislead or harm others

We All Deserve a Voice

This update is for people who: – Are autistic, disabled, or neurodivergent – Are learning English or another language – Want to be more thoughtful with their words – Use AI tools to participate more fully online

If AI helps you communicate better — you are welcome here.
If you don’t use AI, that’s okay too — just respect those who do.

Thank you for being part of this small space.
Let’s keep it kind, weird, warm — and safe for everyone.

– Kalvin / @kaeurenne
Admin of Kadai Kupi Space

📄 Want to read the full updated rules?
Check them out here: https://lemmy.kadaikupi.space/legal

I want to talk a bit about something that's been sitting heavy on me for a while. It has to do with my experience on the l•mmy.w•rld instance of the Lemmy platform. It was a place I joined thinking it could be a cool corner of the internet to share, connect, and just be a person. Turns out, I wasn't treated like a person at all.

Instead of being seen as a human being, I felt like they saw me as an object—either a content machine or just another “NPC” account among millions. Not someone with feelings. Not someone who was trying, in good faith, to be part of something.

I made a lot of posts asking for respectful communication. I wanted to be talked to like a person. Instead, it felt like I was being publicly criticized, used for engagement, and then pushed aside. It was overwhelming. Emotionally, mentally—just too much.

Eventually, I got banned. Not because I was harmful or toxic, but because I was upset. And yeah, I sent multiple messages. But not out of aggression. Out of frustration. Out of a desperate need to be heard.

When I finally got a response to my email, I was told:

“Stop accusing us of violating rights you think you have.”

And that line hit me hard. Like, they didn't even try to understand why I felt wronged. No apology. No compassion. Just deflection. Like they were the victims, and I was the problem. It was cold.

They said they weren't getting paid to moderate or maintain the instance, and I get it. Volunteer work is tough. Burnout is real. But still—if you're running a space where real people gather, there has to be some sense of care. Some effort to look at the whole picture. To ask why someone is upset, not just slap them with a rulebook and boot them.

What hurt more than anything was being labeled “abusive” when I was the one who felt mistreated. It made me feel like my emotions were invalid. That trying to stand up for myself made me the villain.

But I know who I am. I know what I felt. I tried over and over to be respectful, to ask what kind of tone I should use, to be heard. And I won’t let someone’s defensive email rewrite the truth of what happened.

If you've ever been through something like this—where you were dismissed, silenced, or treated like you were less than human—just know: you're not crazy. You're not wrong for feeling what you feel. You deserve to be seen, heard, and respected. Online or offline.

Thanks for reading.

This post is based on my personal experience. The content was written by me with the help of ChatGPT to put my thoughts into words.

Aiyo, you notice or not? I siam all the centralised networks when sharing my links—except LinkedIn lah, because “future employer might want to partner with me or what”. Kan? Gotta play safe a bit.

But seriously, why ah? Because decentralised networks + FLOSS (Free, Libre, Open Source Software) are my future lor. I sungguh-sungguh believe in this one.

Linux? Normal People Can Use It Meh?

Walao eh, I gila love Linux—but that doesn’t mean Linux is some “alien tech” for normal people. You think only hacker in movies use Linux ah? Nolah. Even typing this article also can use Linux, no problem one.

Ok lah, before I terlajak rant more, here’s my link-in-bio:
👉 https://dub.sh/kalvin-s-links/

I’ll kacau this article again and again when I feel like it. Stay tuned lah.

— Kalvin
(P.S.: If you think Linux susah, you belum try properly lah.)

Edit (2025): Aku Ada Project Baru Skit! ☕

Orait, quick update—me, Kalvin, sekarang handling satu domain name called:

kadaikupi.site

Dan yes, I’m claiming/reserving the branding “Kadai Kupi Sites” (because kopi is life, and kadai is where magic happens 💻☕).

Nak tanya apa-apa? Or just nak lepak chat2 about Linux, FLOSS, or why teh tarik > St·rb·cks?

📧 Email me lah: [email protected] (Yes, .RU—long story, but I promise I’m not a hacker. Probably.)

— Kalvin
(P.P.S.: Kalau free, I buat tutorial “Linux for Kaki Kopi” nanti. Minat?)

Introduction

Greta Van Fleet’s “Age of Machine” isn’t just a hard rock anthem—it’s a chilling, poetic reflection of our modern digital dependence. From the opening dystopian riff to the mournful chorus, the song transports us into a bleak yet familiar world: a world that looks a lot like our own. This blog post explores the lyrics and soundscapes of the track, peeling back layers of meaning related to technology, dependency, exploitation, and the silent emotional toll of our plugged-in lives.

Intro Riff: Welcome to the Dystopia

The song opens with a haunting riff that immediately evokes images of a dystopian landscape. It feels mechanical, almost industrial—like a decaying city still buzzing with static electricity. From the first note, it sets a tone that hints this isn’t some distant future; this is now. The dystopia is here, hiding in plain sight—within our screens, our feeds, and our silent scrolling.

Verse 1

“Perfect child
Plugged in since the womb
Prophet of the dune
In this electric tomb”

These lines illustrate how deeply embedded technology has become in our lives—from the very beginning. A “perfect child” born into a world already ruled by machines, “plugged in” through the hospital's life support systems, and raised by TVs, tablets, and smartphones. The phrase “electric tomb” isn’t just metaphorical—it’s a grim commentary on how digital overstimulation buries our authentic human experiences from a young age.

Verse 2

“Man has made
An omnipresent force
Heading on a course
For interstellar shores”

Here, “man” symbolizes the creators and drivers of technology—possibly Big Tech or the collective human innovation that's led to our digital ecosystem. This “omnipresent force” could represent social media platforms, cloud systems, or even AI—constantly present, shaping our thoughts and habits. The line “interstellar shores” might reflect the ambition to reach new heights of connectivity and intelligence, but it also implies escapism—fleeing the chaos we’ve created.

Verse 3

“God machine
Malfunctioned as it grew
And the circuits blew
Falling down on you”

Every machine, no matter how “godlike,” is susceptible to failure. As the digital world expands, it also becomes more fragile. When these systems crash or malfunction—whether through outages, social toxicity, or algorithmic bias—they impact us emotionally, socially, even spiritually. This verse portrays the aftermath of over-reliance: burnout, disconnection, and emotional collapse.

Verse 4

“Now you're free
Unplug from the source
No more underscores
Open up the doors”

A moment of liberation. The song calls for a digital detox—an unplugging not just from power sources, but from the societal expectations coded into digital life. “No more underscores” hints at usernames, passwords, or the artificial identities we create online. Opening “the doors” symbolizes a return to reality, nature, or perhaps human connection without a screen between us.

Chorus

“Feeling
Oh god, the feeling
We need some healing
We need some healing
God knows if you feel defeated
You have been cheated
You have retreated”

The emotional core of the song lies in its chorus. It shifts from critique to compassion. It's about the pain caused by virtual interactions—ghosting, digital arguments, long-distance heartache—and how isolating those experiences can be. There's an appeal to a higher power, suggesting that only the individual (and maybe God) knows the extent of that inner wound. The words “cheated” and “retreated” reflect how users often feel tricked and emotionally abandoned in these curated digital worlds.

Guitar Solo: Data is the New Gold

The guitar solo—backed by the music video visuals—adds another layer of symbolism. We see four figures mining a human-like statue, which I interpret as a metaphor for data mining. In today’s world, data is more valuable than gold. Social media platforms mine our behaviors, interests, and identities—not for our benefit, but for advertising revenue. In this economy, we are not the customer. We are the product.

The Final Act: Repeating the Cycle

The song’s conclusion doesn’t offer resolution. Instead, it loops through riffs and dramatic instrumentals, emphasizing the relentless nature of the machine. It’s a sonic representation of the feedback loop we’re caught in—dependent, drained, yet unable to look away.

Final Thoughts

“Age of Machine” is more than a song—it's a mirror. It asks us to examine how plugged-in we are, how much we've allowed the machines to shape our sense of self, and what it might take to feel human again. It’s not just a call to arms; it’s a cry for healing. For anyone who’s ever felt defeated by the algorithm, misunderstood through a screen, or exploited by the very apps they trusted, this song hits home.

Maybe it’s time we all unplug—at least for a while.

*Written and interpreted by Kalvin Carefour Johnny
Handle: @kaeurenne*

I've been listening to “Age of Machine” by Greta Van Fleet on repeat since its release in the early 2020s. Over time, as I’ve grown and gained new perspectives, my interpretation of the song has evolved too—layer by layer. This article represents a personal culmination of that ongoing reflection.

Special thanks to ChatGPT for assisting in compiling and polishing this blog entry. Using AI allowed me to focus more on shaping my message and delivering meaningful content more efficiently.