ExperiMental Music: The music and lyrics are written and recorded extemporaneously. Extemporaneous, spontaneous, improvisation, jamming, freestyle, and impromptu music are most closely related to pure chaos. The music and lyrics evolve from the "sensitive initial conditions" similar to "a butterfly flapping its wings in China causing a hurricane in the Atlantic."
Our climate model employs chaos theory to comprehensively consider human impacts and projects a potential global average temperature increase of 9℃ above pre-industrial levels. Global warming is a consequence of elevated thermal energy in the climate system, which comprises various subsystems. Chaos theory underscores the intricate and nonlinear nature of dynamic systems. Human well-being is compromised above a 1.5-degree temperature rise, rendering much of the Earth uninhabitable. A 9-degree Celsius increase would bring the Earth close to a wet-bulb temperature incapable of sustaining human life.
What Can I Do? There are numerous actions you can take to contribute to saving the planet. Each person bears the responsibility to minimize pollution, discontinue the use of fossil fuels, reduce consumption, and foster a culture of love and care. The Butterfly Effect illustrates that a small change in one area can lead to significant alterations in conditions anywhere on the globe. Hence, the frequently heard statement that a fluttering butterfly in China can cause a hurricane in the Atlantic. Be a butterfly and affect the world.
The Science of Chaos Theory, String Theory, and Music
LYRICS
Mercury flew
To inform of knew
The evidence
Of our commerce
In fact,
With speed and impact
Chorus:
Running rings around the sun
Time our damage is undone
With the Earth, we are one
Age of Knew/New has begun
Icarus
Like us
Ignored the warning
We’re warming
Hubris and consequences
Brought on this
Our offenses’ expenses
Chorus
Phoenix
Rise quick
From the flame
Our new game
What can be
Renewed energy
Regenerate
Minus the hate
Adorn a new fashion
Renew compassion
Rise above
Alive with love
Chorus
Chords: F# C# B / B C# F# / D B / B C# F# / A B F# / C# B F#; Part II @ 128 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Ibanez Electric RG-270 (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
THE INTERPRETATION
The lyrics of the song “Oh My God!” convey a narrative related to climate change and human impact on the environment. Here’s an interpretation of each section:
In summary, “Oh My God!” employs mythical elements to convey a message of environmental awareness, the consequences of human actions, and the potential for positive change and renewal. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the urgency and significance of the themes presented in the song.
THE CHARACTERS
How are the Mercury, Icarus and the phoenix metaphors for human induced climate change?
Mercury was the Roman god of commerce, who was known for being able to mediate between the gods and the mortal world. He protected both the merchants and the people who were involved in circulation. His winged feet made him incredibly fast, and he was also known for being able to carry messages and goods with him.
In Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, the architect of the labyrinth of Crete. Icarus ignored Daedalus’s instructions not to fly too close to the sun, causing the beeswax in his wings to melt. Icarus fell from the sky, plunged into the sea, and drowned. The myth gave rise to the idiom, “fly too close to the sun.”
The phoenix is an immortal bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. While it is part of Greek mythology, it has analogs in many cultures such as Egyptian and Persian. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor.
CLIMATE CHANGE METAPHORES
Metaphorically, these mythological figures can be related to human-induced climate change in the following ways:
In summary, these mythological figures serve as allegorical representations that can help us understand different aspects of human-induced climate change, from the consequences of unchecked actions (Icarus) to the potential for renewal and positive change (Phoenix).
LYRICS
Throwing spaghetti at the wall
After all,
Will it fall?
Throwing confetti in the wind
Keeps blowin’…
To my chagrin
Surprise the wise
In the thick
Of will it stick?
Or just a fleeting greeting
Weill we grow to know our shadow
Or be left stark
In the dark
Who knows the Emperor is wearing new clothes?
Dangers of denial
Consequences
Ignoring scientific evidence
Sheer peer pressure
Strangers get riled
Circumstance
Imploring a humane stance
Circumstances
Imploring humane stances and dances
Revolution of the child’s revelation
Revolution revelation
Revelation revolution
Chords: A C D E / A C E A / A G D A / Em7(11) A / A C B7 E / E A C E / E/7/sus4; Part II Ambient-Vienna Waltz @ 180 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Ibanez Electric RG-270 (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
The song “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a poetic exploration of the challenges and consequences associated with climate change denial. Here’s an interpretation:
In summary, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” appears to be a contemplative piece that explores the complexities, challenges, and consequences associated with acknowledging and combating climate change denial. It underscores the importance of recognizing the truth, responding with empathy, and embracing a revolution of awareness and action.
How is The Emperor’s New Clothes a metaphor for human induced climate change?
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, where an emperor is deceived into believing he is wearing invisible clothes that only the wise can see. The story draws parallels to human-induced climate change in several ways:
In summary, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” serves as a metaphor for human-induced climate change by highlighting the dangers of denial, the consequences of ignoring scientific evidence, the impact of social pressure, and the need for transparency, truth, and the courage to address the pressing issue of environmental degradation.
LYRICS
The air pollution is fogging up the sky
Hard to deny
The ocean’s rising forever nigh
Hard to deny
Perpetuate the lie
Propagate the con
And the band played on
You’re in the middle
With Nero on fiddle
And the band played on
For sure glaciers going bye-bye
Hard to deny
Wildfires burn high, high, high
Hard to deny
Perpetuate the lie
Propagate the con
And the band played on
You’re in the middle
With Nero on fiddle
And the band played on
Our reservoir ran dry
Hard to deny
A flood of mud up to the eye / I
Hard to deny
Perpetuate the lie
Propagate the con
And the band played on
You’re in the middle
With Nero on fiddle
And the band played on
Chords: A/7 / D E A / C G / G A; Part II @ 108 BPM
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-500, Korg N364, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
The song portrays a poignant commentary on the devastating impacts of climate change with a reference to Nero, the Roman emperor famously associated with fiddling while Rome burned. The lyrics emphasize the visible consequences of environmental degradation, such as air pollution and rising oceans, and draw parallels to historical denial and inaction. The repeated refrain, “And the band played on,” suggests a metaphorical continuation of frivolous activities despite the impending crisis, highlighting the negligence and perpetuation of misinformation. The imagery of glaciers melting, wildfires raging, and reservoirs running dry vividly captures the urgency and severity of the climate crisis, making it “hard to deny.” Overall, the song serves as a powerful call to acknowledge the environmental challenges and take meaningful action.
Climate fools that continue to deny and lie. Humans will have difficulty adapting to climate change. In 2023, I wrote the paper, “Climate Change: How Long Is ‘Ever’?“. When we wrote the referenced Tunnel Under Thesis (1995), we forecast these extreme climate events would not happen for centuries. We underestimated Man’s ignorance and arrogance. Fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions have continued to set record highs. Humans have caused chain-reactions resulting in domino-effects, snowball effects, and feedback loops. Events we thought would not happen in our lifetimes are happening now. The facts are hard to deny.
LYRICS
“What’s up, Bigshot?”
They’re asking you
How ’bout “why not?”
Do’s have come due
Did you hear them say
“The piper demands pay!”
Ohh…
It’s on the way?
I swear…
It’s on the way
Put it in the post today
It’s on the way
Keep on drilling
As illing comes on
The sick get thick
And it won’t be long
Did you hear them say
“The piper demands pay!”
Ohh…
It’s on the way?
I swear…
It’s on the way
Put it in the post today
It’s on the way
Shot down Biggun
No place to run
Not bones nor hide
Have place to hide
Did you hear them say
“The piper demands pay!”
Ohh…
It’s on the way?
I swear…
It’s on the way
Put it in the post today
It’s on the way
Curtains falling
End of the show
Music’s over
Discover know
Or didn’t you hear the say
No help is on the way
“The piper demands pay!”
Ohh…
It’s on the way?
I swear…
It’s on the way
Put it in the post today
It’s on the way
Chords: G A G A / C E A / C D A; Part II @ 120 Beats Per Minute / fourth verse slowdown, speedup, slowdown.
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar, Ibanez RG Series Electric Guitar (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
These lyrics use The Pied Piper as a metaphor to convey a sense of impending consequences, particularly related to environmental issues and climate change. The lines “What’s up, Bigshot?” and “They’re asking you, how ’bout ‘why not?'” suggest a confrontational tone directed at someone in authority or power, challenging their actions or inaction.
The reference to “The piper demands pay!” implies that there will be consequences for past actions, and the repeated refrain “It’s on the way” emphasizes the inevitability of these consequences. The urgency is heightened with the lines “Keep on drilling, as illing comes on,” linking environmental exploitation (drilling) with detrimental effects on health and well-being (illing).
The mention of being “shot down Biggun” and having “no place to run” paints a picture of dire circumstances with no escape, possibly reflecting the irreversible damage caused by human activities. The repeated assertion that “It’s on the way” underscores a sense of accountability and a reckoning for the actions taken.
The concluding lines, “Curtains falling, end of the show, music’s over, discover know,” convey a sense of finality and a realization that time is running out. The phrase “No help is on the way” suggests a lack of external assistance or redemption, reinforcing the idea that the consequences must be faced.
Overall, these lyrics utilize The Pied Piper narrative to convey a warning about the impending repercussions of environmental degradation and the urgent need for accountability and change.
The phrase “pay the piper” originates from the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The town of Hamelin agrees to pay the Piper to get rid of all the rats. When they fail to pay him, he steals their kids. Similarly, Man has failed to pay the price of human induced climate change. Now the human race will pay the price with our children and our children’s children.
Human-induced climate change is a dynamic component of an intricate and unordered system, as per chaos theory. Tipping points are Critical Milestones that directly impact the rate of acceleration in climate change by multiplying the number and intensity of feedback loops.
Push a glass toward the edge of a table and eventually it will fall off on its own. No matter how slowly or meticulously you push… no matter how you weight or fill the glass, it will reach a tipping point and fall off before being pushed completely off the table. No matter whether you believe the glass is half-empty or half-full, when the tipping point is reached it will plummet out-of-control to its end. This is science not fate, faith, nor belief. Human induced climate change has resulted in environmental tipping points being breached.
Tipping points, when crossed, trigger self-sustaining feedback loops that are no longer dependent on human activity. Similar to when a domino topples over hitting two more dominoes that in turn fall hitting more dominoes. Thus, the name The Domino Effect.
LYRICS
Anoint
No doubt succession
Exploit
Without repercussions
Never learn our lesson
Nemesis is Hubris’
Consequences
Humaneless humans
Have no defenses
Environmental degradation
Eye on mental
No hesitation
Ecosystem disruption
On her and him…
Their acquisition
Ignorant and arrogant
They rant:
I want this
And I want that
Don’t give a piss
Where you’re at
I need more
Than those before
Will not concede
My need for greed
Me, my, mine
All the time
Have no spine
Hear me whine
Ignorant and arrogant
We rant:
We can’t
We can’t rant
Chords: Em Am C / B7 AM Em / Em D# Dm / Dm C Am Em / G Am Em / B7 Am Em; Part II @ 120 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Ibanez Electric RG-270 (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
In 2023, we wrote about having crossed tipping points in the paper, “Climate Change: How Long Is ‘Ever’?“. We had forecast crossing these tipping points would not happen for centuries. We underestimated Man’s ignorance and arrogance. Fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions have continued to set record highs. Humans have caused chain-reactions resulting in toppled tipping points, feedback loops, and The Domino Effect.
— from Climate Change: The End of Times / Brouse and Mukherjee (2023)
The song presents a powerful metaphor for the interplay between hubris and nemesis in the context of environmental degradation, acting as a commentary on human-induced climate change.
Hubris in Exploitation:
Consequences and Defenselessness:
Ecosystem Disruption and Acquisition:
Ignorance and Arrogance:
Refusal to Change:
In summary, the song serves as a poignant metaphor for the destructive cycle of human hubris leading to environmental nemesis, urging listeners to reflect on the consequences of unsustainable practices and the urgent need for change.
Hubris and Nemesis
Hubris and Nemesis, concepts from Greek mythology, can be seen as metaphorical representations of certain aspects of human-induced climate change.
In this metaphorical interpretation, the cycle of hubris and nemesis mirrors the human impact on the environment. Hubris represents the anthropocentric belief that humans can exploit nature without repercussions, while nemesis embodies the natural consequences and environmental challenges that arise as a result of these actions. The metaphor serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility, sustainability, and recognizing the interconnectedness between human activities and the health of the planet.
LYRICS
Is Cronus us?
You know
When the status quo
Has got to go
Cut off his balls
The king falls
Is Cronus us?
What we did
Eat the kids
Regurgitate
What we ate
Ignore advice
Pay the price
Is Cronus us?
Titanomachy calamity
At odds
Man against the gods
Cursed and then sent
With Cronus’ punishment
We roam
Measuring out eternity alone
Forever unable
Inexorable
As we grow old
Leaving the weight of the world
On the unsung young
Is Cronus us?
What could be worse
Now I’m paying for the crime
The Curse of ‘Old Father Time’
Chords: G Bb C G / D C G / G Bb C G / D C G / Eb F Bb G / B Bb G; Part II @ 104 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT CRONUS
Cronus, a Titan and the youngest son of Uranus (Heaven/Sky) and Gaia (Earth), played a pivotal role in the overthrow of his father Uranus, leading to his becoming the first ruler of the world. Fueled by jealousy and resentment towards his powerful father, Cronus volunteered to assist his mother Gaia in freeing his siblings, whom Uranus had hidden under the earth.
In a daring act, Cronus confronted Uranus and, wielding his weapon, severed his father’s genitals. He cast these into the ocean, and from the resulting foam emerged the goddess Aphrodite. Cronus, having imprisoned Uranus, ascended to the position of the world’s first king.
However, Cronus, haunted by a prophecy that his own children would rebel against him, took extreme measures to safeguard his rule. He swallowed each of his offspring at birth. Zeus, the youngest of his children, orchestrated a plan to challenge Cronus. Providing him with a concoction, Zeus caused Cronus to regurgitate his swallowed children, initiating a rebellion against the Titan ruler.
The ensuing Titanomachy, a decade-long conflict between the Titans and the Olympian gods, unfolded. Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon devised a strategic plan to defeat the Titans decisively. While Hades confiscated Cronus’ weapons and Poseidon threatened him with his trident, Zeus unleashed thunderbolts. Simultaneously, the Hecatonchires bombarded the Titans with rocks, securing victory for the Olympian gods.
Consequently, the defeated Titans were consigned to Tartarus, with Atlas enduring the harsh punishment of supporting the heavens on his shoulders. Cronus, uniquely cursed, wandered the world, condemned to measure out eternity alone and became known as ‘Old Father Time.’ Aging over time, Cronus symbolized the inexorable passage of time that ultimately guides mortals to their inevitable end.
A METAPHOR FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
The story of Cronus can be interpreted as a metaphor for climate change in several ways.
In this metaphorical interpretation, the story of Cronus becomes a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental exploitation and the need for a collective effort to address climate change before it becomes an irreversible force, much like the inexorable passage of time. It highlights the intergenerational burden of environmental degradation, with future generations inheriting the consequences of the actions of their predecessors. We will expresses regret for our consequences, comparing us to the curse of ‘Old Father Time,’ where the passage of time becomes a relentless reminder of past mistakes.
LYRICS
Mama had a baby and her head popped off!
The illustrious Pegasus
The delicate balance
In circumstance
I mean… between
Mortal and immortal realms
When Man is left at the helm
Stomp your hooves
Nature sings
Clap your wings
The anger brings
Clap like thunder!
Better wonder….
Bring on a natural free-spirited nature
So our generations endure
(For sure… more, more)
Indeed, aid those in need
Be the steed
Adventurous Pegasus
Chords: Bdim / C D E F G A B C / C C7sus4 / Fsus4 F / Bb C F; @ 120 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Electric RG-270 (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
Pegasus, the majestic winged horse, came into existence through the heroic act of Perseus, who beheaded Medusa, and Pegasus sprang forth from her severed neck. Sired by Poseidon and foaled by the Gorgon Medusa, Pegasus possesses the extraordinary ability to soar through the skies, bridging the realms of mortals and immortals. With a powerful kick of his hooves, he could conjure springs of water, showcasing his divine connection. His wings, capable of thunderous claps when angered, underscore his mythical nature. Pegasus embodies a spirit of adventure and freedom, ceaselessly seeking excitement and novel encounters. His character is marked by a strong sense of justice, compelling him to aid those in need. However, Pegasus is not without flaws; at times, his impulsiveness and recklessness lead him to act before considering the consequences.
Pegasus, the mythical winged horse, can be metaphorically linked to human-induced climate change in several ways:
In these ways, Pegasus serves as a metaphorical representation, drawing parallels between the mythical creature and the complex, multifaceted nature of human-induced climate change.
LYRICS
Hercules, please!
All hail
I pale
On a grand scale
Hercules, please!
Patron of health
Guards true wealth
Safeguarding humanity
All all our vanity
Strength and heroes
No friend of Nero
We don’t fiddle around
While the world is burning down
Hercules, please!
Adversity from infancy
Our legacy
If we don’t recognize
Adversity’s size
Hercules, please!
Chords: A# C# D# F# / A F# / A# C# D# F# / F#; Part II 6/8 March & Shuffle Boogie @ 120 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Ibanez Electric RG-270 (Boss Digital Delay), Fender Jazz Bass (Boss Digital Delay), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
These lyrics about Hercules and climate change attempt to convey a plea for intervention and guidance in the face of environmental challenges. The repeated call to “Hercules, please!” suggests a desperate desire for a powerful force, symbolized by Hercules, to address the pressing issues at hand. The reference to Hercules as the “Patron of health” emphasizes the need for protection and preservation of the world’s well-being.
The lines “All hail, I pale, On a grand scale” indicate a recognition of the magnitude of the situation, acknowledging the widespread and significant impact of climate change. The mention of Hercules as the guardian of true wealth and the safeguard of humanity suggests a longing for a hero or protector to navigate through the challenges posed by environmental degradation.
The verse “Strength and heroes, No friend of Nero” imply a rejection of destructive or negligent behaviors represented by Nero, and a call for strength and heroism in the face of adversity. The line “We don’t fiddle around, While the world is burning down” emphasizes the urgency of taking action instead of engaging in frivolous activities, especially considering the critical state of the world.
The plea for Hercules’ intervention continues with a reflection on adversity, legacy, and the importance of recognizing the size of challenges. “Adversity from infancy, Our legacy” suggests that the issues at hand have been present for a long time and are now part of humanity’s legacy. The call to recognize “Adversity’s size” reinforces the need for acknowledging the severity of environmental problems.
In summary, these lyrics express a plea for a heroic and powerful figure like Hercules to intervene and address the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for collective recognition and action.
ABOUT HERCULES
Hercules, the Roman counterpart of the Greek hero Heracles, is renowned in classical mythology for his exceptional strength and epic adventures as the son of Jupiter and mortal Alcmena. Revered as the god of strength and heroes, Hercules holds the divine role of safeguarding humanity and is recognized as the patron of health. His heroic feats include rescuing the princess of Troy from a voracious sea-monster and aiding Zeus in the battle against the Giants for control of Olympus, securing his esteemed place among the Olympians. Later in his life, Hercules married Deianira, whose name, meaning “man-destroyer” or “destroyer of her husband,” adds intrigue to his narrative. From his infancy, Hercules faced adversity, symbolized by the strangulation of two snakes sent by Zeus’ wife, Hera. His involvement as one of the ‘Argonauts’ on Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece further highlights his legendary status. Notably, Hercules outwitted Atlas, who, as per some sources, was the father of the Hesperides guarding the golden apples in Hera’s orchard at the Garden of the Hesperides. Hercules cunningly convinced Atlas to retrieve the apples by offering to support the heavens during the task.
Hercules, in the realm of classical mythology, serves as a metaphor for climate change, reflecting both strength and challenges on a grand scale. Analogous to Hercules’ role as the god of strength and heroes, climate change presents itself as an omnipotent force, demanding attention and collective efforts. The hero’s feats, such as rescuing the princess of Troy and aiding in the battle against the Giants, draw parallels to the global challenges of addressing environmental crises for the well-being of our planet. Hercules’ commitment to safeguarding humanity aligns with the urgent need for collective action to protect our world from the adverse impacts of climate change. The symbolism extends to Hercules’ marriage to Deianira, embodying the complex relationship between humanity and the environment, fraught with challenges and potential consequences. The narrative of Hercules facing adversity from infancy, represented by Hera’s snakes, mirrors the ongoing struggles and obstacles humanity encounters in dealing with climate-related issues. Hercules’ involvement in the quest for the Golden Fleece and the cunning interaction with Atlas underscores the need for strategic, clever, and collaborative approaches in addressing climate change. Overall, the myth of Hercules serves as a powerful metaphor, urging societies to recognize their strength, confront challenges, and collectively work towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Instrumental with quasi-electronic lyrics:
Philomela’s tongue
A lie was built
The Fat Lady has sung
Hide our guilt?
Cut out our tongue
Philomela’s tongue
Has come undone
Philomela’s tongue
It’s come undone
Chords: Em Dm A / A Am Adim / Cm C / Dm Em Dm A; Part II Ambient Country Two Step @ 128 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (MiniNova Vocorder), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
Tereus seduced his wife’s sister, Philomelam and tricked her into a sham marriage. (Other versions describe the encounter as a brutal rape.) In order to hide his guilt, Tereus cut out Philomela’s tongue.
The metaphor “Philomela’s tongue” in the context of climate change suggests the suppression or silencing of essential information and the consequences of deceptive actions. Philomela, in Greek mythology, faced a traumatic experience at the hands of Tereus, who not only deceived her but also took extreme measures to hide the truth.
In the metaphor, the line “A lie was built, The Fat Lady has sung” implies that a falsehood or deception has been constructed and that its consequences, represented by “The Fat Lady has sung,” are now evident or irreversible. The reference to “Hide our guilt? Cut out our tongue” suggests a dilemma faced by those responsible for the deception. The metaphorical cutting out of the tongue could symbolize attempts to silence the truth or conceal the damaging information to avoid accountability.
The repetition of “Philomela’s tongue, It’s come undone” reinforces the idea that attempts to suppress or hide crucial details are unraveling, and the truth is emerging despite efforts to keep it concealed. This metaphor may draw parallels to the handling of information related to climate change, where misinformation, denial, or intentional suppression of facts can have severe consequences.
Overall, the metaphor of “Philomela’s tongue” in this context underscores the idea that attempts to deceive or hide the truth about climate change may eventually unravel, leading to accountability and a reckoning for the actions taken to conceal crucial information.
LYRICS
Soon we’ll concede
You can’t feed
On greed
Too much
Midas touch
Growing old
With a daughter of gold
Unintended consequences
Of the human menaces
Relentless exploitation
Environmental degradation
Tragic realization
Near-starvation
Insatiable desires
Consumption never tires
Material abundance
Children have no chance
A second chance
The need to balance
Humanity has the capacity
If only we could see?
Chords: Dm C Am G / G Dm G / Dm G Dm / G Bb G / Bb C Dm/D; 8 Beat Pop Digi-Rock @ 152 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
King Midas is renowned in Greek mythology for his ill-fated ability to turn everything he touched into pure gold. This power, initially seen as a blessing, quickly turned tragic when Midas inadvertently transformed his daughter and, later, his dinner into gold, leading to near-starvation. Realizing the dire consequences of his insatiable greed, Midas beseeched the gods for a reversal. Dionysus, showing mercy, allowed Midas to wash away the curse in the river Pactolus. This cautionary tale prompts reflection on the potential consequences of succumbing to our unchecked desires.
The myth of King Midas can be metaphorically related to climate change, highlighting the unintended consequences of human actions driven by insatiable desires. King Midas’s ability to turn everything into gold represents humanity’s pursuit of wealth, growth, and material prosperity without considering the broader implications.
In the context of climate change, the relentless exploitation of natural resources and the pursuit of economic growth often come at the cost of environmental degradation. The “golden touch” symbolizes the quest for material abundance without recognizing the potential harm to the planet.
Midas’s tragic realization, as he transforms his own daughter and dinner into gold, mirrors the unintended environmental consequences of human activities. Climate change, driven by factors like deforestation, overconsumption, and excessive reliance on fossil fuels, leads to severe consequences such as global warming, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity.
The myth serves as a cautionary tale, urging reflection on the need to balance human desires for prosperity with responsible environmental stewardship. Just as Midas sought to undo the damage by washing away the golden curse, the myth suggests that humanity has the capacity to mitigate and reverse the impacts of climate change through mindful and sustainable practices.
Dragon’s breath
Kiss of death
Exhale
Fire
Exhale
Higher
Pay these…
… in Hades
It’s a gas
We’ll come to pass
Chords: Gm Fm / Fm Bb / Fm C / C scale bridges; Reggae Trip-Hop @ 90 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
The depiction of dragons breathing fire is believed by scholars to have originated from medieval representations of hell’s entrance. Artists like the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch portrayed hell’s mouth as a monstrous entity emitting flames and smoke akin to the characteristics of Hades. These fiery depictions influenced the mythical concept of dragons as fire-breathing creatures.
Considered among the most formidable beings on Earth due to their colossal size, dragons possess extraordinary capabilities. They can soar through the skies, exhale fire, and demonstrate exceptional strength and intelligence. The robust scales covering their bodies provide formidable protection, rendering them impervious to swords, arrows, and conventional weaponry. Additionally, dragons wield lethal poisons within their teeth and claws, adding to their formidable arsenal.
The concept of “dragon’s breath” can be metaphorically linked to climate change through the imagery of fire-breathing dragons. In this metaphor, the dragon’s breath represents the detrimental impact of human activities on the environment, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases. The relentless release of pollutants, akin to the relentless exhalation of fire from a dragon, contributes to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Just as the fiery breath of dragons is a destructive force in mythical tales, human-induced activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, release gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This metaphor highlights the destructive consequences of our actions, drawing parallels between the mythical power of dragons and the tangible, often devastating effects of climate change on the planet.
LYRICS
Feathered kin in a flock
Together they equate stock
Thought intertwined with memory
Exposing treachery
Raise awareness, global endeavor
In the forefront, now and forever
Justice in fairness, a quest
Self-awareness, a welcomed guest
In ceaseless flight, a crusade
Against corruption’s dark shade
Ceaseless flight, a beacon of light
Illuminating perception’s height
Symbiotic bond, a dance
Embodying interdependence’s trance
Beyond brinkmanship’s strife
Towards transcendence, a new life
In a trance-state journey
Through stormy weather, unwavering
News of the world, unfurled
A poetic tapestry, beautifully swirled
Chords: G F E G E G / A C / E C D / E C D E / E C A D / E F G; Part II Ambient Country Pop @ 105 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT HUGINN AND MUNINN
In Norse mythology, Huginn (Old Norse: “thought”) and Muninn (Old Norse “memory” or “mind”) are a pair of ravens that traverse the world, Midgard, gathering information for the god Odin. These iconic ravens find mention in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources such as the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, as well as in the Third Grammatical Treatise by Óláfr Þórðarson. Skaldic poetry also contributes to the rich tapestry of their legend. The names Huginn and Muninn are sometimes anglicized as Hugin and Munin, aligning with the modern Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish spellings.
Scholars have drawn connections between Odin’s association with Huginn and Muninn and shamanic practices. John Lindow posits that Odin’s ability to dispatch his “thought” (Huginn) and “mind” (Muninn) parallels the trance-state journey undertaken by shamans. The stanza in Grímnismál, where Odin expresses concern about the return of Huginn and Muninn, aligns with the inherent dangers faced by shamans during their trance-state journeys, according to Lindow. Another intriguing perspective, proposed by Bernd Heinrich, suggests that Huginn and Muninn, alongside Odin and his wolves Geri and Freki, symbolize a symbiotic relationship observed in the natural world among ravens, wolves, and humans engaged in hunting activities.
THE HUGINN AND MUNINN METAPHOR
Huginn and Muninn, the mythical ravens from Norse mythology, can be metaphorically linked to the concept of climate change in several ways. These legendary birds, serving Odin as messengers and scouts, embody aspects of awareness, memory, and interconnectedness, which can be extended to symbolic representations of environmental consciousness:
While these connections are metaphorical and interpretative, they highlight the rich symbolism embedded in Norse mythology, offering insights into the broader themes of interconnectedness, responsibility, and the need for global awareness in the face of environmental challenges like climate change.