"Machines"

I recently listened to Live at the BBC 64-66 and noticed some elements in "Machines" that match the lyrics.  Throughout the song, there's a ratching noise (I think this is approximated by a percussive sound on muted guitar strings in the live version).  The constancy of this sound matches the "keep right on" in the initial lines of most of the verses:  "Machines, machines, they keep right on movin'," "Machines, machines, they keep right on goin'," and "Machines, machines, they keep right on winning."

Additionally, this persistency contrasts with the human limitations of the narrator, who must take breaks, not only in physical labor ("I've got to find a place to rest my head") but also in simply creating a sound ("But I am weak... Too tired to speak..."), demonstrated by the pauses between lines that are necessary in order to breathe.

In comparing the live and studio versions, I also discovered that some of the lyrics in the second verse differ considerably.  Where the studio version has

I've got to find a place to rest my head

Machine, he smile at me and say, "I'm gonna be your bed"

the live version has

But I'm flesh and blood, and hard as I may try

If I got to keep workin' them machines, I know I'm gonna die