Some artists reflect on the past, while others dive headfirst into existential what-ifs. Zachary Mason proves he can do both. Just a few months ago, we explored his deeply introspective folk ballad "Fathers", a raw and tender meditation on love, lineage, and the emotional imprints left by family. Now, Mason takes a sharp left turn with "I Wish Humans Were Made In A Factory", swapping acoustic vulnerability for wry, indie-rock cynicism. Where "Fathers" embraced the weight of human connection, "I Wish Humans Were Made In A Factory" questions it entirely; offering a tongue-in-cheek, grunge-tinged fantasy of a world where people come off an assembly line, neatly packaged without all the messiness of emotions, relationships, and dysfunction. Yet, beneath the humor and frustration, there’s a familiar depth; Mason’s knack for poignant storytelling remains, even when he’s trading sentimentality for satire. As we reunite with Mason’s music, it’s clear he’s an artist unafraid to evolve, experiment, and challenge perspectives. From heartfelt folk reflections to biting indie-rock thought experiments, he continues to prove that his songwriting knows no bounds. So, what happens when you mix existential dread with an irresistible hook? Let’s find out!
The guitars roll in with an unpolished, garage-rock energy, the drums stomp with an almost mechanical consistency, and Mason’s moody, slightly flangy vocals add to the off-kilter, ironic tone of it all. A gritty indie-rock sound tinged with a touch of the experimental, the song balances humor and frustration, bringing forth a raw yet undeniably catchy reflection on the chaos of human existence. The song is both biting and self-aware, opening with a scene of simmering frustration -
"When temperatures rise in the summer heat / When you look at them, do you feel defeat?"
Right off the bat, Mason sets a scene of existential dread, as if the very heat of the world mirrors the rising tensions and frustrations of everyday life. It’s a question that lingers—do we ever truly feel in control, or are we just worn down by the chaos?
Then comes the pre-chorus, a sharp-edged, almost chant-like mantra that hammers in the dysfunction that surrounds us -
"Angry fathers, angry wives / Messed-up lives that cut like knives..."
The repetition of "angry wives" and "angry brides" adds a bit of dry, almost sarcastic humor—as if Mason is listing the universal struggles of relationships and societal expectations with a cynical smirk. It’s a moment of recognition: we all know these people, these situations, this unavoidable dysfunction.
Then—the chorus hits, and it’s gloriously grungy.
"I wish humans were made in a factory / The facts of life are a very painful fact to see..."
It’s an anthemic, almost dystopian declaration, with Mason’s vocals channeling a bit of early Nirvana-like angst. The idea is both darkly funny and weirdly profound—if humans were just mass-produced, maybe we wouldn’t have to deal with the baggage, the pain, the unpredictability. But of course, that’s exactly what makes us human—a truth the song seems to acknowledge even as it wishes for a way out.
The second verse keeps the intensity rolling, diving deeper into the absurdity of existence:
"Bitter glances, angry eyes / Messed-up minds in messed-up lives..."
Mason leans into the idea that no matter where you look, dysfunction follows. The phrase "desperate lies" adds to the dystopian undercurrent, almost as if this isn’t just about personal relationships anymore, but about society at large, a world built on pretense and false narratives.
And again, the chorus crashes in, reinforcing the satirical wish for a factory reset on humanity.
"I wish humans were made in a factory / The facts of life are a very painful fact to see..."
Each time it repeats, it drives home the absurdity of the thought—but also how tempting it is to wish for something easier, more structured, less...human. Then, the instrumental solo arrives, a moment of controlled chaos. The guitars wail and crash, the drums stomp, and the whole track leans into its raw, unfiltered energy. It’s the sound of a mind spiraling, of thoughts colliding, of the sheer absurdity of it all setting in. Finally, the song begins its fade, like an old cassette winding down, mirroring the feeling of slowly accepting the messy reality of life.
What makes this track stand out is how it takes an absurd premise and injects it with real emotion. It’s funny in its cynicism but also frustratingly relatable. The lyrics hold up a mirror to human nature; our anger, our disillusionment, our desperate attempts to make sense of the chaos. Mason cements himself as an artist unafraid to experiment, to question, to throw humor and frustration into the same mix. Would humans really be better off if we were made in a factory? Probably not, but it’s fun to imagine. Crank up the volume and let Mason’s grungy satire remind you why being human, flaws and all, is still worth it. Hit play, embrace the mess, and enjoy the ride!
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Listen to "I Wish Humans Were Made In A Factory..." on #Spotify below -
You can check out and follow Zachary Mason’s musical journey on his website here: https://zacharymasonmusic.com
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