LYRICS
To turn the page on age
I might
Approach the speed of light
But alas
My mass won’t pass
The faster I move through 3
The slower I move through 4
So, if it were up to me
I would age no more
Approaching the speed of light
Careful not to touch much
Less my new plight
Would be too much mass
In the ass
At 99.99999
I’m in time
As my year clears
Theirs nears 2,000 years
Inspiration
Through time dilation
Relativistic magic
Slick and thick
Feeling relatively fine
Reeling n time
Knowing large
Time’s in charge
- Approaching-the-Speed-of-Light-Part-I.mp3 (unplugged to conserve energy)
- Approaching-the-Speed-of-Light-Part-II.mp3
- Approaching-the-Speed-of-Light-Part-II-Instrumental.mp3
- Approaching-the-Speed-of-Light-LH-Casio-WK-3500.MID (Left Hand / also controlled Korg PS60)
- Approaching-the-Speed-of-Light-RH-Yamaha-PSR-740.MID (Right Hand / also controlled microKorg and miniNOVA vocorder)
Chords: F# C# B F# / C# B F# / B F# C#7 F#; Part II Cowboy Boogie Rock Shuffle @ 178 Beats Per Minute
Instrumentation: Vocals (TC-Helicon VOICELIVE and MiniNova Vocorder), Ibanez Acoustic Guitar (AW54CE), Keyboards (Korg PS60, Casio WK-3500, Yamaha PSR-740, MiniNova, MicroKorg)
ABOUT THE SONG
This song explores themes related to the concept of time dilation and the effects of approaching the speed of light, as described by Einstein’s theory of relativity.
The lyrics suggest a desire to defy the limitations imposed by aging and the passage of time. The phrase “To turn the page on age” indicates a longing to escape the constraints of aging. The idea of approaching the speed of light symbolizes a quest for liberation and a desire to transcend the boundaries of time.
However, the lyrics also acknowledge the physical limitations inherent in such a pursuit. The mention of mass and its implications at relativistic speeds reflects an understanding of the scientific principles governing time dilation. As an object accelerates towards the speed of light, its mass increases exponentially, making it increasingly difficult to accelerate further.
The reference to “3” and “4” alludes to the four-dimensional spacetime framework of Einstein’s theory of relativity, where the three dimensions of space are combined with the dimension of time. The lyrics suggest that as one approaches the speed of light, time seems to slow down relative to an outside observer (“The faster I move through 3, the slower I move through 4”).
Despite the challenges and limitations described, there’s a sense of acceptance and contentment conveyed in the closing lines. The protagonist finds solace in their relative experience of time, feeling “relatively fine” and recognizing that “time’s in charge.” Overall, the song reflects on the complexities of time, aging, and the human desire to defy the inevitability of temporal constraints.
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