LYRICS
As I look way up into the deep blue sky
I wonder why?
Why the birds can fly
Soaring high
While humans don’t even try
Chorus:
We can lift spirits
If they’ll only hear it
Rise into the right light
Might shine in insight
Alright!
While I look way up into the nighttime sky
I wonder why?
Why the stars can shine, oh so fine
As humans just moan and cry
And whine!
(chorus)
As I close my lids for some deep shut-eye
I wonder why?
If the birds and the stars
Can be in harmony
Why can’t we?
(Chorus)
Chords: D6 A7 / C A7 / D6; Part II @ 60 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals, Takamine Acoustic Guitar; Part II 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)
Part I written and recorded at Lake Wynonah, Pennsylvania
ABOUT THE SONG
The lyrics of “Particulates Matter” reflect contemplation on the contrast between the natural world, represented by birds and stars, and human behavior, particularly in relation to environmental concerns like pollution. Here’s an interpretation:
- Contemplation of Nature:
- The mention of looking up into the deep blue sky and nighttime sky reflects a contemplative observation of the natural world.
- Birds and stars are portrayed as elements of nature that can soar, fly, and shine, creating a sense of wonder and admiration for their freedom and beauty.
- Contrast with Human Behavior:
- The lyrics highlight a contrast between the effortless flight of birds and the shining stars with the perceived struggles and shortcomings of humans.
- The phrase “humans don’t even try” suggests a sense of inaction or indifference on the part of humans, perhaps in addressing environmental issues or living in harmony with nature.
- Call to Action and Positivity:
- The chorus introduces a call to action, urging people to lift their spirits and rise into the “right light,” symbolizing positive and insightful actions.
- The repetition of “alright” emphasizes a hopeful and encouraging tone, suggesting that positive change is possible.
- Reflection on Human Harmony:
- The closing lines express a desire for humans to be in harmony, much like the birds and stars. The question “Why can’t we?” implies a reflection on the challenges or barriers preventing humanity from living in harmony with nature.
- Environmental Message:
- The lyrics, especially the reference to “Particulates Matter” in the title, suggest an underlying environmental message, drawing attention to the impact of human activities on the environment and the need for positive change.
Overall, the song appears to encourage reflection on our relationship with the natural world, advocate for positive action, and address environmental concerns, making a plea for humans to live in harmony with the Earth.
ABOUT THE SCIENCE
Pollution, especially air pollution, can significantly impact our ability to see the sun and stars. The two main types of pollution that affect visibility are air pollution and light pollution.
- Air Pollution:
- Particulate Matter: Airborne particles, such as dust, soot, and other pollutants, scatter sunlight and can create a haze in the atmosphere. This scattering of sunlight can make the sky appear less clear and vibrant.
- Smog: Ground-level ozone and other pollutants contribute to the formation of smog. Smog can reduce visibility, making it difficult to see celestial objects clearly.
- Light Pollution:
- Skyglow: Artificial lights from urban areas can scatter in the atmosphere, creating a phenomenon known as skyglow. This brightening of the night sky hinders our ability to see stars and celestial objects clearly.
- Glare: Excessive or misdirected outdoor lighting can create glare, reducing the contrast between the night sky and celestial bodies.
The combined effects of air and light pollution result in a condition known as reduced “atmospheric transparency,” where the clarity of the atmosphere is compromised. This not only impacts stargazing but also affects our ability to observe atmospheric phenomena like sunsets and sunrises.
To mitigate these effects, efforts are made to reduce air pollution through environmental regulations and sustainable practices. Additionally, strategies like implementing dark sky policies aim to reduce light pollution, preserving the natural beauty of the night sky for stargazers and maintaining the health of ecosystems influenced by natural light cycles.
Humans will experience greater loss and damage to life and quality of life from air pollution, decreasing supply of potable water, extreme weather events, disease, and other adverse health outcomes. The greatest short term climate change risk to human health is deadly humid heat (wet-bulb temperature). A warmer world will present widespread challenges across many aspects of food-energy-water security and economic development. The environmental changes and uncertainties associated with climate change can contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Almost all survivors of climate-related disasters suffer from mental distress and experience PTSD. Of those who have not experienced climate disasters, over two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) report having climate change anxiety.
The health impacts of air pollution include: Alzheimer’s Disease, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, cataracts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, developmental damage, emphysema, gastrointestinal disorders, heart ailments, heart attacks, immune system dysfunction (including susceptibility to infections), ischaemic heart disease, impaired brain development in children, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, premature death, pneumonia, nasal and upper respiratory tract health problems, neurological disorders, reproductive harm, respiratory system failure, skin diseases, strokes
Air pollution may be the largest problem facing the world. Emissions of CO2, methane and other greenhouse gases are causing irreversible climate change. Since the effects of global warming take years to become apparent, many people don’t even notice the change; however, air pollution is already the leading cause of death worldwide. Again, since the pollution can’t be seen with the naked eye, many people are in denial of the dire consequences. 92% of the world’s population lives where outdoor air quality fails to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said, “Pollutants don’t only harm children’s developing lungs, they can actually cross the blood-brain barrier and permanently damage their developing brains, and, thus, their futures. No society can afford to ignore air pollution.”
“Protecting children from air pollution is not only in their best interests; it is also in the best interests of their societies — a benefit realized in reduced health costs, in increased productivity, in a cleaner, safer environment, and thus, in more sustainable development,” Lake said.
It is estimated that 5-7 million people are dying prematurely every year as a result of air pollution. One-fifth of the people that died in 2018 died prematurely due to air pollution from fossil fuels.
The American Lung Association says, “Two types of air pollution dominate in the U.S.: ozone and particle pollution. These two pollutants threaten the health and the lives of millions of Americans. Thanks to the Clean Air Act, the U.S. has far less of both pollutants now than in the past. Ozone pollution is the most widespread pollutant in the U.S. and is also one of the most dangerous.”
Ozone Action Alert Days are a frequent occurrence throughout the United States. During an Ozone Alert, you should not breath outside. During any days near metropolitan areas, you should limit outdoor physical activities as deep breathing causes more severe damage. The young and old are at greater risk at all times.
Particle pollution comes from small particles in exhaust and increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma attacks. Particulates can interfere with the growth and work of the lungs.
The Environ Health Perspect Study states, “First and foremost, short-term exposure to particle pollution can kill. Peaks or spikes in particle pollution can last for hours to days. Deaths can occur on the very day that particle levels are high, or within one to two months afterward. Particle pollution does not just make people die a few days earlier than they might otherwise—these are deaths that would not have occurred if the air were cleaner.”
What Can I Do?
There are plenty of things you can do to help save the planet. Stop using fossil fuels. Consume less. Love more. Here is a list of additional actions you can take.
