[Intro]
Vestiges of tails in Humans
(We lost our tail)
Vestiges of tales of Humans
(We lost our tale)
[Verse 2]
What have we become
(Divided less than one)
What we chose to do
(Determined if dreams came true)
[Bridge]
But did we turn our dream
Into our scene
Or did we turn our seen
(Obscene)
[Chorus]
Ultimately (you and me)
Determined (our destiny)
Do we realize (We emphasize)
Our rapid demise
The choices of our lives
Whether humanity thrives
(Or everybody dies)
Realize
(No surprise)
[Verse 2]
Hard to forget
(All we’ve come to regret)
Place our bet
(On undone and neglect)
[Bridge]
Turned a bad dream
Into our scene
Everything we’ve seen
(Turned obscene)
[Chorus]
Ultimately (you and me)
Determined (our destiny)
Did we realize (We emphasized)
Our rapid demise
The choices of our lives
Whether humanity thrives
(Or everybody dies)
Realize
(No surprise)
[Bridge]
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo]
Turned our nightmare
Into what’s there
Everything we’ve seen
(Turned obscene)
[Verse]
Lost our balance
(And common sense)
Accountability
(To society)
Responsibility
(To you and me)
We!
[Chorus]
Ultimately (you and me)
Determined (our destiny)
Did we realize (We emphasized)
Our rapid demise
The choices of our lives
Whether humanity thrives
(Or everybody dies)
Realize
(No surprise)
[Bridge]
Vestiges of tails in Humans
(We lost our tail)
Vestiges of tales of Humans
(We lost our tale)
[Verse]
Not apt (to adapt)
No, No, No
Can’t let it go
(No know no)
Couldn’t make sense
(Of interdependence)
Had to dispense
(Of common sense)
[Chorus]
Ultimately (you and me)
Determined (our destiny)
Did we realize (We emphasized)
Our rapid demise
The choices of our lives
Whether humanity thrives
(Or everybody dies)
Realize
(No surprise)
[Outro]
Vestiges of tails in Humans
(We lost our tail)
Vestiges of tales of Humans
(We lost our tale)
ABOUT THE SONG
Humans lost their tails roughly 20 to 25 million years ago, during the evolutionary divergence of Old World monkeys and apes, which eventually gave rise to humans. This significant anatomical change likely occurred in a common ancestor shared by humans and other tailless primates, such as gorillas and chimpanzees.
Why Did Humans Lose Their Tails?
- Genetic Mutation: Research indicates that the loss of tails in humans and other apes is linked to mutations in genes like TBXT (T-box transcription factor), which play a key role in tail development during embryogenesis. Changes in this gene likely disrupted tail formation.
- Evolutionary Advantage: For early primates that began to adapt to a more terrestrial (ground-based) lifestyle or engage in bipedal locomotion, tails may have become less advantageous. Instead, their balance and mobility were supported by other anatomical adaptations, such as the development of the gluteal muscles and a more flexible spine.
- Energy Efficiency: Maintaining a tail requires metabolic resources, and in some environments, the evolutionary trade-off of losing a tail likely benefited these ancestors in terms of energy conservation.
Vestiges of Tails in Humans
While humans do not have functional tails, the coccyx (or tailbone) is a remnant of our evolutionary tail. It serves as an attachment point for muscles, tendons, and ligaments and plays a role in supporting the pelvic region.
This evolutionary loss underscores how humans have adapted to changing environments and modes of locomotion over millions of years.
The moral of “our story,” as suggested by the themes and concerns you’ve explored, might be that human progress and survival are inherently tied to our capacity to act responsibly, sustainably, and collectively.
Key lessons include:
- Awareness and Accountability: Understanding the profound consequences of our actions—whether environmental, economic, or social—is crucial. Ignoring these implications endangers the very systems that support modern civilization.
- Interdependence: No one individual, nation, or industry can tackle global challenges alone. Collaboration, innovation, and empathy are essential for sustainable solutions.
- Balance Between Progress and Responsibility: While technological and industrial advancements have improved quality of life, they must align with ethical and sustainable practices to ensure long-term benefits.
- Resilience and Adaptation: To address crises like climate change, political instability, and inequality, societies must foster resilience through adaptability and proactive measures.
Ultimately, the story seems to emphasize that the choices we make today determine whether humanity thrives or falters in the face of self-created challenges. Is this aligned with your intended message?