LYRICS
(Verse 1)
As forest green fades from the scene,
Is it from the soil, beginning to spoil?
The naked eye can’t perceive,
The microbial community, retreating as we grieve.
(Chorus)
Desertification, soil degradation,
An explosion of erosion, washing hopes away.
Oh, the sheer severity, loss of biodiversity,
More vulnerability, from the primate climate.
Change, change
So strange
Climate change
So strange
(Verse 2)
In the breakdown, receding in feeding,
The breakdown’s breakdown, silently bleeding.
Each grain of soil tells a story untold,
Of ecosystems lost, and futures foretold.
(Chorus)
Desertification, soil degradation,
An explosion of erosion, washing hopes away.
Oh, the sheer severity, loss of biodiversity,
More vulnerability, from the primate climate.
(Bridge)
The earth beneath our feet, crumbling away,
As we pave the path, for our own dismay.
The cycle disrupted, nature’s song in discord,
Leaving us vulnerable, to the climate’s sword.
Oh, Lord!
Heard the word?
Absurd
(Verse 3)
With each loss, a ripple in time,
Echoes of the past, a warning sign.
Yet in the chaos, there’s still a chance,
To mend the soil, with our hands.
(Chorus)
Desertification, soil degradation,
An explosion of erosion, washing hopes away.
Oh, the sheer severity, loss of biodiversity,
More vulnerability, from the primate climate.
(Outro)
Let’s heed the call, before it’s too late,
Restore the soil, and alter our fate.
For in the earth’s embrace, lies the key,
To a future where life thrives, abundantly free.
- Forest-Green-Part-I.mp3 (unplugged to save energy)
- Forest-Green-Part-II.mp3
- Forest-Green-Part-II-Instrumental.mp3
- Forest-Green-LH-Casio-WK-3500.MID (Left Hand / also controlled Korg PS60)
- Forest-Green-RH-Yamaha-PSR-740.MID (Right Hand / also controlled microKorg and miniNOVA vocorder)
Chords: Am FD C Am / Am Em AM / C B7 Em / Em G Em / Am G Em / Em C B7 Em / Am; Part II Hard Rock / Heavy Metal @ 122 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 serves as a poignant commentary on the devastating impact of climate change on soil health and biodiversity, urging listeners to recognize the urgent need for action and restoration.
(Verse 1)
The imagery of “forest green fades from the scene” captures the loss of lush ecosystems due to soil degradation, hinting at the root cause lying within the soil itself. The mention of the “microbial community” highlights the intricate web of life within the soil, now threatened and receding, leading to a sense of grief and loss.
(Chorus)
“Desertification, soil degradation” and “an explosion of erosion” paint a grim picture of the consequences of neglect and exploitation of the soil. The severity of these impacts is underscored by the “loss of biodiversity” and increased vulnerability stemming from the changing climate, emphasizing the interconnectedness of soil health and ecosystem resilience.
(Verse 2)
The metaphor of “the breakdown’s breakdown, silently bleeding” conveys the gradual but pervasive nature of soil degradation, with each component of the soil ecosystem suffering in turn. The “story untold” within each grain of soil symbolizes the rich history and potential future of ecosystems lost to degradation and neglect.
(Bridge)
The bridge serves as a sobering reflection on the consequences of human actions, as the earth beneath our feet crumbles away under the weight of exploitation and disregard. The disruption of the natural cycle and discord in “nature’s song” emphasize the urgent need for stewardship and restoration efforts.
(Verse 3)
Despite the bleakness of the situation, the song offers a glimmer of hope, highlighting the opportunity for redemption and renewal. Each loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of proactive measures to mend and restore the soil for future generations.
(Outro)
The outro carries a message of urgency and responsibility, urging listeners to heed the call to action before it’s too late. The key to a thriving future lies in restoring and nurturing the soil, paving the way for a world where life can flourish abundantly once again.
ABOUT THE SCIENCE
Soil plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and soil degradation can contribute to the process of desertification. Here’s why soil is integral to climate change and how soil degradation can lead to desertification:
Importance of Soil in Climate Change:
- Carbon Sequestration:
- Healthy soils act as a significant carbon sink, storing large amounts of carbon in the form of organic matter. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere.
- Water Regulation:
- Soil influences water availability and regulates the water cycle. Healthy soils absorb and store water, reducing the risk of floods and contributing to moisture availability during dry periods. This capacity for water regulation is crucial for climate resilience.
- Biodiversity Support:
- Healthy soils provide habitat and support for a diverse range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and plant roots. Biodiversity in the soil contributes to ecosystem stability, resilience, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
- Nutrient Cycling:
- Soil is essential for nutrient cycling, as it hosts microbial communities that break down organic matter and make nutrients available to plants. This nutrient cycling supports plant growth and contributes to overall ecosystem health.
Soil Degradation and Desertification:
- Erosion:
- Soil degradation, often caused by factors like deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices, can lead to increased soil erosion. Erosion removes the topsoil layer, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients, reducing the soil’s fertility and water retention capacity.
- Loss of Soil Structure:
- Poor land management practices, such as excessive plowing, deforestation, and improper irrigation, can lead to the loss of soil structure. This makes the soil more susceptible to erosion, reduces water infiltration, and hinders the growth of vegetation.
- Decreased Carbon Sequestration:
- Soil degradation results in the loss of organic matter, reducing the soil’s ability to sequester carbon. This can contribute to increased atmospheric CO2 levels, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and climate change.
- Loss of Biodiversity:
- Degraded soils often experience a decline in microbial and plant diversity. This loss of biodiversity weakens the soil’s resilience to environmental stresses and reduces its capacity to support healthy ecosystems.
- Increased Vulnerability to Climate Change:
- Degraded soils are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, droughts, and temperature variations. This vulnerability can create a feedback loop, where climate change further exacerbates soil degradation.
- Desertification:
- Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and unproductive, eventually turning into desert-like conditions. Soil degradation, through erosion, loss of organic matter, and reduced water retention, is a key driver of desertification.
- Impact on Livelihoods:
- Desertification poses a threat to agricultural productivity, water resources, and local livelihoods. It can lead to the displacement of communities and exacerbate social and economic challenges, contributing to a cycle of poverty and environmental degradation.
Addressing soil degradation is crucial for sustainable land management, climate change mitigation, and the prevention of desertification. Implementing conservation practices, agroforestry, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture techniques can help restore and protect soils, contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
Create a sustainable and climate-resilient environment in and around your home and prevent soil degradation.
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