In my constant search for science- and skepticism-themed music for our weekly lab tracks, I try my best not to repeat songs from the same artist. I suppose it’s because once I’ve introduced people to an artist who’s prone to writing sciency songs, I figure the ones who really like them will go out and listen to everything else the artist has made anyway. And personally, I kind of feel like it’s cheating. If I already know there’s a ton of music to reap from a particular artist, where’s the challenge?
But sometimes, it’s worthwhile to refeature certain musicians simply on account of their sheer awesomeness. They Might Be Giants definitely falls under this category. And they just came out with a new album! It’s called Nanobots and it is awesome. Here’s a track that celebrates a certain science hero who’s enjoyed quite a bit of popularity lately: Nikola Tesla. Enjoy!
Science is Real
They Might Be GiantsTesla
Brought the X-ray photo to the world
Brought the AC power to the worldHere is a mind
That can see across space
Here is a mind soaring free
Sound turns to light
And light turns to waves
And waves turn to all things perceivedMaybe that knowledge would drive one insane
How can that knowledge be tamed?Tesla
Ushered the radio wave into the world
Ushered the neon light
Into the worldThe Hotel New Yorker
He’s dead on the floor
The body of Nikola lies
With just his papers
No family to tell
Out of the windows birds flyUnder an X-ray of Mark Twain’s skull
The plan for the death-ray’s designTesla
Brought the radar detection to the world
Ushered remote control
Into the world
Ushered the bladeless turbine
Into the world
Ushered the neon light
Into the world
This has been another installment of Monday Lab Tracks. Send us your musical recommendations through our contact link at the top of the page, and tell us what you think of the song in the comments below!
