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