Lemon Demon

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The day they found me, I hadn't yet been played
Inside my workshop behind the old arcade
Electric desires had unraveled all my wires
Now I'm in a box for safekeeping
The news reporters reported that I died
But all my organs were living on inside
Circuit board to brain with two lungs collecting change
One big human heart gently beeping

[Chorus]
You can't win me, I can't be beat
I won't hurt you, unless you cheat
You can't see me behind the screen
I'm half human and half machine

[Verse 2]
Thank God for business, they let me take the floor
I stood so proudly, like I was going to war
Players soon appeared and I quickly was revered
This must be what love would have felt like
Such dedication, they came from miles away
With eyes so piercing, they'd wait their turn to play
Perfect patient lines, because I was in their minds
I could do whatever I felt like (Whatever I felt like)
[Chorus]
You can't win me, I can't be beat
I won't hurt you unless you cheat
You can't see me behind the screen
I'm half human and half machine

[Bridge]
I'm happy for years and years and
Only eating the occasional maintenance man
Only driving a few kids to madness
Maybe they were predisposed to madness, who knows?
I only want to have fun
But now they're telling me my days here are done
Cause there's a tiny little box they make in Japan
And pretty soon it's gonna fit in your hand
[Verse 3]
It's getting lonely, it's getting hard to breathe
The arcade's empty, I think it's Christmas Eve
Someone's broken in, now they're painting on my skin
Breaking me and taking my quarters
Bashing in my face with a crowbar
Kicking me and pushing me over
Now they see my blood on their sneakers

[Chorus]
You can't win me, I can't be beat
I won't hurt you unless you cheat
You can't see me behind the screen
I'm half human and half machine

So, picture this: a half-human, half-arcade-cabinet monster. Sounds pretty bizarre, doesn't it? Well, that's exactly what you'll find in the song "Cabinet Man" by Lemon Demon. This track takes you on a wild journey through the history of video game arcades, exploring the rise and fall of these iconic gaming arenas. But it doesn't stop there. "Cabinet Man" also draws inspiration from the mysterious urban legend of Polybius, an arcade game from the 80s rumored to have mind-altering effects. Now, let's dive into the details and discover the intriguing story behind this captivating song.

About Cabinet Man

Neil Cicierega, the mastermind behind Lemon Demon, crafted "Cabinet Man" as a musical tribute to the heyday of video game arcades. He delves into the nostalgia, exploring a time when gamers would flock to these venues to experience the thrill of playing their favorite arcade games. The song captures the essence of that era, evoking memories of neon lights, pixelated screens, and the infectious sounds of victory or defeat.

But "Cabinet Man" isn't just a sentimental journey down memory lane. It weaves a fascinating narrative centered around an extraordinary character: a man who transforms himself into a peculiar amalgamation of human and arcade cabinet. As the story unfolds, we witness the metamorphosis of this man, his flesh intertwining with wires, buttons, and joysticks. It's a visually striking and curious concept that draws the listener into a world both strange and captivating.

While the song primarily focuses on the man's transformation, there's an underlying thread that connects it to the urban legend of Polybius. This infamous arcade game, said to have been released in the early 80s, allegedly had mind-altering effects on its players, leading to paranoia, seizures, and even suicide. Neil Cicierega mentioned on Twitter that "Cabinet Man" was partially inspired by this dark legend, adding an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the song.

As the lyrics unfold, we witness the protagonist's struggle with his newfound existence as part-man, part-arcade-cabinet. His perspective on the world changes, becoming distorted and intertwined with the screens and sounds of the video games he once enjoyed. Despite the bizarre and unsettling nature of his transformation, there's a certain beauty in the way Lemon Demon illustrates the complexities of this character's existence.

Cicierega's songwriting talent is on full display in "Cabinet Man." The lyrics shine a spotlight on the internal conflicts and emotional turmoil this character experiences. It's a narrative that taps into the human desire for escapism while examining the consequences of blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Through his distinctive and thought-provoking storytelling, Cicierega invites listeners to question the nature of identity and the impact of our obsessions.

Accompanying the compelling lyrics is a vibrant musical landscape that captures the essence of both the arcade and the emotional journey of the protagonist. The upbeat, synth-driven sound, reminiscent of the 80s, draws you in with its energetic pulse. The infectious melody works in harmony with the lyrics, creating a sonic experience that immerses you in the world of "Cabinet Man." It's a testament to Cicierega's ability to blend storytelling and music, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who encounters this song.

With "Cabinet Man," Lemon Demon showcases their prowess as storytellers and musicians. They take a nostalgic theme, infuse it with a touch of urban legend, and craft a song that is equal parts perplexing, intriguing, and undeniably memorable. Whether you're a fan of video game arcades or simply appreciate a captivating tale, "Cabinet Man" is sure to leave a lasting impression and spark your imagination.

• Release Date: February 29, 2016
• Artist: Lemon Demon