LYRICS
If it was simple
If it was easy
Well, then surely
You would see…
If it was simple
If it was easy
Well, then surely
You would see…
You’re already free
Free to stay
Free to go
In the dark?
In the know?
Set the spark
Will I grow?
The chaos in us
Surrounds us
As I am of the system
Being the forest through the trees
Whisper in the direction of the breeze
Being the force that frees
Chords: B E / B A7 A7 E / E G A7 E7 E
Instrumentation: Vocals, Takamine Acoustic Guitar, Kurzweil Keybaord
Written and recorded at Lake Wynonah, Pennsylvania.
ABOUT THE SONG
These lyrics reflect on the complexity and unpredictability of life, echoing themes associated with chaos theory. The repetition of the phrases “If it was simple” and “If it was easy” suggests a contemplation of the challenges and intricacies of existence. The idea that you would “see” if it were simple or easy implies that clarity or understanding might come with simplicity, but the repetition also highlights the elusive nature of such simplicity.
The lines “You’re already free, Free to stay, Free to go” suggest a sense of freedom within the chaos, emphasizing the individual’s ability to navigate and make choices within the complexities of life. The questions “In the dark? In the know? Set the spark, Will I grow?” convey a sense of uncertainty and introspection, acknowledging the dual nature of darkness and knowledge, and the potential for personal growth.
The mention of “The chaos in us Surrounds us As I am of the system” suggests an acknowledgment of the chaos inherent in human nature and the broader systems we are a part of. The closing lines, “Being the forest through the trees, Whisper in the direction of the breeze, Being the force that frees,” signifies a call to embrace one’s interconnectedness with nature, to listen to the subtle cues around, and to be a force for freedom and positive change within the chaotic systems of life.
THE CHAOS IN US
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- Chaos theory is a branch of mathematics that studies complex systems whose behavior is highly sensitive to initial conditions. It deals with deterministic systems that can exhibit unpredictable, chaotic behavior.
- Chaos theory studies unordered systems. Being in a hurricane is an example of visualizing chaos theory. If you are in the hurricane, the weather appears chaotic; however, if you pull back to a satellite view, you can see a spiraling weather system.
- Some musicians and composers have incorporated chaos theory principles into their compositions, using mathematical algorithms to generate music that exhibits chaotic or unpredictable patterns. This can result in unique and non-traditional musical structures. Similar to a hurricane, some musical compositions sound chaotic when you are in the middle of it; however, when you pull back and listen to the combined elements, a structure can be heard.
- In order to focus on their individual parts, members of bands and orchestras tend to isolate their part in their head. In order to make sense of the combined chaos, engineers, producers, and conductors need to “pull back” and listen to all the parts together.
- 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.”
Chaos and Live Music
In the context of live music, concerts, and recording studios, chaos theory can be used as a metaphor to describe the complex and unpredictable nature of the interactions between various elements, such as the audience, performers, venue, and technical aspects. Here are some ways in which chaos theory can be related to live music concerts:
- Audience Dynamics: The behavior of the audience is a key element of live music. Small changes, such as the energy level of the crowd or the response to a particular song, can have a cascading effect on the overall atmosphere of the concert. Chaos theory helps explain how these seemingly small variations can lead to significant differences in the overall experience.
- Improvisation: Many live music performances involve an element of improvisation. Musicians may make spontaneous decisions based on the audience’s reaction or the overall vibe of the concert. Chaos theory highlights how these improvisational moments can create unique and unpredictable outcomes.
- Sound and Acoustics: The acoustics of a venue, influenced by factors such as the architecture and materials used, can introduce chaotic elements into the music. Small changes in the positioning of instruments, microphones, or speakers can lead to complex interactions, affecting the overall sound experience.
- Technical Challenges: Live music often involves complex technical setups, including sound systems, lighting, and stage effects. Any technical glitch or unexpected issue can introduce chaos into the performance, requiring quick and adaptive responses from the performers and crew.
- Complex Systems Interaction: Concerts are intricate systems with multiple interacting components. The relationship between the performers, audience, venue, and technical aspects creates a dynamic and unpredictable environment, much like the complex systems studied in chaos theory.
ExperiMental Music: For the most part, this music is 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.