LYRICS
If the mountain is high
Have the will to try
Yes, I am
I am certain to try
… try to touch the sky
Yes, I can
I think that I am
I know that I can
Get by
Get by the foul-aired sky
Get by the “need” to buy
Get by the urge to cry
Will the will to try
If the mountain is high
Have the will to try
Yes, I am
I am certain to try
… try to touch the sky
Yes, I can
I think that I am
I know that I can
Get by
Get by the “boil n fry”
Get by the fashion guy
Get by the urge to cry
Will the will to try
If the mountain is high
Have the will to try
Yes, I am
I am certain to try
… try to touch the sky
Yes, I can
I think that I am
I know that I can
Get by
Get by the tide so high
Get by the threat to die
Get by the urge to cry
Will the will to try
- Get-By-Part-I.mp3 (unplugged to save energy)
- Get-By-Part-II.mp3
- Get-By-Part-II-Instrumental.mp3
- Get-By-Yamaha-PSR-740.MID
Chords: E / C D A E / B A E / E C / B A E; Part II 64 to 104 to 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
The lyrics of the song convey a positive and determined message, encouraging resilience and the will to overcome challenges, particularly in the context of environmental concerns and climate change. Here’s an interpretation:
Theme of Determination and Resilience:
- Mountain as a Metaphor:
- The repeated reference to the high mountain serves as a metaphor for challenges or obstacles. The message encourages having the determination to face and overcome these challenges, suggesting that despite the difficulty, there is a will to try.
- Positive Affirmations:
- The repetition of phrases like “Yes, I am,” “Yes, I can,” and “I know that I can” conveys a sense of self-assurance and confidence. These affirmations reinforce the idea that with the right mindset and determination, one can navigate through difficulties.
- Touch the Sky:
- The aspiration to “touch the sky” symbolizes reaching for lofty goals or aspirations. It can be interpreted as a call to strive for positive change, improvement, or a higher purpose, possibly in the context of environmental sustainability.
Environmental Awareness:
- “Foul-Aired Sky” and “Boil n Fry”:
- These phrases suggest awareness of environmental pollution and the negative impacts on the atmosphere. The lyrics acknowledge the challenges posed by a polluted sky and the need to “get by” or overcome these issues.
- “Get by the Tide so High” and “Threat to Die”:
- These lines refer to rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change. The acknowledgment of the threat to life underscores the seriousness of environmental issues. Overcoming the challenges associated with a changing climate is emphasized as a crucial goal.
Consumerism and Fashion Commentary:
- “Get by the ‘Need’ to Buy” and “Fashion Guy”:
- These are commentary on consumerism and the pressure to conform to societal norms. The emphasis on getting by without succumbing to unnecessary materialism and fashion trends aligns with a message of sustainability and simplicity.
Emotional Resilience:
- “Get by the Urge to Cry”:
- This line suggests a need to overcome emotional responses to challenges. It encourages emotional resilience and determination to face difficulties with a positive mindset.
Overall Message:
The song inspires a positive and determined attitude in the face of environmental challenges, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and resilience. It encourages individuals to confront obstacles, including those related to climate change, while maintaining a hopeful and affirmative outlook. The repeated affirmations and the metaphorical mountain convey a message of empowerment and the belief that collective efforts can lead to positive change.
What Can I Do?
Be a butterfly and affect the world. The Butterfly Effect: “a small change in one small area can cause _large_ changes in conditions _anywhere_ on the globe.” Thus the oft heard statement that a butterfly in China can cause a hurricane in the Atlantic.
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.
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.”
Music as a Universal Language: Music has the power to communicate emotions universally. Certain melodies, harmonies, or rhythms can evoke specific feelings that resonate with people across different cultures and backgrounds.
The Science of Chaos Theory, String Theory, and Music