Ghost in the Machine (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)

"Ghost In The Machine" is a song about relationships in the digital age. People use social media for their day-to-day interactions, but the self they present in their digital communications is not their real selves. SZA longs for an authentic human connection where she might get hurt sometimes but also experience love. I need humanity Y'all lack humanity, drowning in vanity Craving humanity

The expression "ghost in the machine" refers to the mind viewed as distinct from the body. British philosopher Gilbert Ryle coined the phrase in The Concept of Mind (1948) for a viewpoint that he considered completely misleading. The title doesn't appear in the lyrics, but it refers to how people stray from their real selves when communicating on the digital machine. Rather than being true to themselves, they say what they think others want to hear.

Phoebe Bridgers joins SZA on the song. She wrestles with the unglamorous realities of stardom, stating the celebrity lifestyle isn't all it's cracked up to be. For her, the ghost in the machine is strained relationships because of long separations and the soulless airport bars and hotel lobbies she frequents.