[Space]
[Intro]
When the levee breaks
The heart aches
When the levee breaks
[Verse 1]
The lunatic is spouting gas
The lunatic is spouting gas
Climate change is his remains
[Bridge]
And if the dam breaks open many years too soon
And if there is no room upon the hill
And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too
[Break]
[Chorus]
And if the cloud bursts thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear
And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes
I see you in the ruins
[Space interlude]
[Bridge]
Take from to the water
Take from to the water
Take from to the water
To be chastised
[Break]
[Bridge]
I was wrong
I was wrong same old song
Same old song and dance
Left destiny to chance
Same old song
Done me wrong
Done me wrong
[Outro]
La da de da da de da
Da
La da de da da de da
De
D
La da de da da de da
Da
La da de da da de da
De
D
[End]
[Silence]
SOCIO-ECONOMIC LESSON
This song reflects on the prophetic voices of rock stars, blues, and folk singers who have warned about the impending impacts of climate change.
[Verse 1] portrays a sense of urgency and despair, likening the actions of those who ignore climate change to madness. The reference to “spouting gas” alludes to both literal emissions contributing to climate change and metaphorical rhetoric that denies or downplays its significance.
The [Bridge] paints a picture of a looming disaster, where the breaking of a dam symbolizes the catastrophic consequences of inaction on climate change. The imagery of a bursting dam and exploding heads evokes a sense of imminent danger and foreboding.
The [Chorus] reflects on the frustration of feeling unheard and powerless in the face of climate crisis. The metaphor of a cloud bursting with thunder suggests the overwhelming nature of climate change impacts, while the mention of a band playing different tunes hints at societal indifference or denial.
The [Space interlude] provides a moment of reflection, perhaps symbolizing the vastness and complexity of the climate change issue.
[Bridge] again emphasizes the importance of water, a fundamental element affected by climate change, and suggests a need for repentance or correction.
[Outro] concludes with a sense of resignation and reflection on past mistakes, echoing the sentiment that the same patterns of denial and inaction persist despite the warnings of climate prophets.
Overall, the song paints a haunting portrait of a world on the brink of climate disaster, with echoes of warnings from the past ringing true in the present. It serves as a call to action and a reminder of the urgent need for collective responsibility and change.
Inspired by Memphis Minnie, Kansas Joe McCoy, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Al Green, The Talking Heads, Aerosmith, Genesis, and others.