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
- Hubris-and-Nemesis-Part-I.mp3 (unplugged to save energy)
- Hubris-and-Nemesis-Part-II.mp3
- Hubris-and-Nemesis-Part-II-Instrumental.mp3
- Hubris-and-Nemesis-RH-Yamaha-PSR-740.MID (Right Hand / also controlled microKorg and miniNOVA vocorder)
- Hubris-and-Nemesis-LH-Casio-WK-3500.MID (Left Hand / also controlled Korg PS60)
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:
- Anoint, No doubt succession, Exploit: These lyrics highlight a sense of entitlement and anointing oneself without considering the consequences. The term “exploit” suggests the reckless use of resources without acknowledging the impacts on the environment.
- Without repercussions, Never learn our lesson: The idea that actions are taken without fear of consequences reflects the hubris of assuming that nature can be exploited endlessly without facing repercussions. The refusal to learn lessons indicates a dangerous cycle of repeating environmentally harmful behaviors.
- Nemesis is Hubris’ Consequences: Here, the song explicitly connects the concept of nemesis to the consequences of hubris. It implies that the environmental challenges and crises faced by humanity are the natural outcomes of arrogant and exploitative practices.
Consequences and Defenselessness:
- Humaneless humans, Have no defenses: The lyrics suggest that humans, lacking humility and empathy (humaneless), are defenseless in the face of the environmental consequences. This vulnerability stems from a lack of understanding and acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of all life.
- Environmental degradation, Eye on mental, No hesitation: Describing environmental degradation, the song emphasizes the psychological impact (“eye on mental”) and the lack of hesitation in causing harm. This underscores the urgency and severity of the environmental crisis.
Ecosystem Disruption and Acquisition:
- Ecosystem disruption, On her and him, Their acquisition: The disruption of ecosystems is highlighted, with a subtle nod to the gendered impacts (“on her and him”). The mention of “acquisition” suggests the relentless pursuit of resources without regard for the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Ignorance and Arrogance:
- Ignorant and arrogant, They rant: The repetition of “ignorant and arrogant” reinforces the theme of overconfidence and lack of awareness. The act of ranting suggests a self-centered and thoughtless expression of desires without considering the broader consequences.
- I want this, And I want that, Don’t give a piss, Where you’re at: The lyrics express a selfish and indifferent attitude toward others and the environment, reinforcing the theme of self-centeredness and disregard for the well-being of others.
Refusal to Change:
- We can’t rant: The concluding lines imply a recognition that the current path of exploitation and arrogance cannot continue without consequences. However, the phrase “We can’t rant” may suggest a collective inability or unwillingness to change behavior and attitudes.
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.
- Hubris:
- Definition: Hubris refers to excessive pride, arrogance, or overconfidence, often leading individuals to defy or challenge the gods, leading to their downfall.
- Metaphor for Climate Change: Human activities, driven by technological advancements and industrialization, can be viewed as a form of hubris. The excessive exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, and the release of greenhouse gases demonstrate a certain level of arrogance regarding humanity’s impact on the environment. The belief that humans can manipulate and control nature without consequences parallels the hubris seen in Greek myths.
- Nemesis:
- Definition: Nemesis represents the inevitable punishment or retribution for hubris, ensuring a balance is maintained in the natural order.
- Metaphor for Climate Change: The consequences of environmental degradation, global warming, and climate change can be seen as a form of nemesis. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems can be viewed as nature’s way of restoring balance and imposing consequences for humanity’s environmental hubris. The impacts of climate change, such as natural disasters and loss of biodiversity, act as a form of retribution for the unsustainable practices that have disrupted the balance of the planet.
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.