Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in Tonga was the last
Lituya Bay, Alaska, USA was the largest
Wanna bet… you ain’t seen nothing yet?
[Verse 1]
Can’t I see the tsunami
Coming straight at me
First there’s more shore (for sure)
But just an allure I won’t endure
[Chorus]
Man’s quake
Causing the Earth to shake
The way Men behave
Cause a tidal wave
An institution
Of destruction
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse 2]
Human activity
Is going to be the death of me
Again, tragedy
For you and me (all humanity)
[Chorus]
Man’s quake
Causing the Earth to shake
The way Men behave
Cause a tidal wave
An institution
Of destruction
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Piano]
[Bridge]
Drill and fill
Fill and drill
Pump and lump
Lumps and pumps
Burn, baby burn
Never learn
[Chorus]
Man’s quake
Causing the Earth to shake
The way Men behave
Cause a tidal wave
An institution
Of destruction
[Outro]
Hey! Lituya Bay
Coming our way
Tango in Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai
A SCIENCE NOTE
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in Tonga was the last
Lituya Bay, Alaska, USA was the largest
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in Tonga: the last tsunami was on January 15, 2022, a major explosive eruption from Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in Tonga occurred. The volcano began actively erupting on Dec 20, 2021. The eruption generated a tsunami observed throughout the Pacific Ocean basin.
Lituya Bay, Alaska, USA: July 9, 1958 Its over 1,700-foot wave was the largest ever recorded for a tsunami. It inundated five square miles of land and cleared hundreds of thousands of trees.
The song “Tsunami Me” uses the powerful imagery of a tsunami to metaphorically address the impact of climate change, particularly focusing on human-induced environmental destruction. Here’s an interpretation of the song’s lyrics:
Intro
- Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in Tonga was the last: Refers to the recent and notable volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami in Tonga.
- Lituya Bay, Alaska, USA was the largest: Refers to the 1958 Lituya Bay megatsunami, one of the largest recorded tsunamis.
- Wanna bet… you ain’t seen nothing yet?: Suggests that despite these historical events, the worst is yet to come due to ongoing human activities.
Verse 1
- Can’t I see the tsunami / Coming straight at me: Expresses the feeling of impending disaster that is visible but unavoidable.
- First there’s more shore (for sure) / But just an allure I won’t endure: Describes the deceptive calm before the tsunami hits, similar to the way climate change effects may seem distant but are inevitable and devastating.
Chorus
- Man’s quake / Causing the Earth to shake: Human actions (like industrial activities) are causing significant environmental disturbances.
- The way Men behave / Cause a tidal wave: Human behavior and activities are directly leading to catastrophic consequences.
- An institution / Of destruction: Critiques the systemic and institutional nature of environmental degradation.
Verse 2
- Human activity / Is going to be the death of me / Again, tragedy / For you and me (all humanity): Highlights that human actions are leading to repeated tragedies affecting everyone.
Bridge
- Drill and fill / Fill and drill / Pump and lump / Lumps and pumps / Burn, baby burn / Never learn: Lists destructive activities (oil drilling, resource extraction, burning fossil fuels) and criticizes the lack of learning or change in behavior despite the consequences.
Outro
- Hey! Lituya Bay / Coming our way: Draws a parallel between past events like the Lituya Bay tsunami and potential future disasters.
- Tango in Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai: Continues the metaphor, suggesting that more disasters like the Tonga eruption are imminent.
Overall, the song uses the metaphor of a tsunami, which is a sudden and overwhelming force, to illustrate the looming and escalating impacts of climate change driven by human actions. The repeated references to real historical tsunamis emphasize the severity and inevitability of the consequences if current behaviors continue unchecked.