Lyric discussion by CuteSparkina 

The "machine" is a literal one, as in mode of transport. It's a hippie van. The lyrics translate to "run away from your troubles and sorrows by buying a green van and tooling aimlessly around in it.

The "machine" isn't some real object, just a gaudy abstract symbol of a consumeristic, instant-gratification-seeking society. (If you absolutely must imagine something, think the Orgasmotron in Sleeper. Only bright and green.)

Oh, and I was thinking "green van."

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