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 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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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
Hubris and Nemesis
Hubris and Nemesis, concepts from Greek mythology, can be seen as metaphorical representations of certain aspects of human-induced climate change.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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