(Big bang!)
Forged in the cores
Of ancient stars (we are)
Distributed throughout the galaxy (we be)
By supernova explosions
Bring on evolution
[Instrumental, Synthesizers, Sub-bass, Piano]
[Verse 1]
Hard to believe you are star(dust)
Do you find it hard to conceive
So bizarre, you are a star
You are going to go far
[Bridge]
Turn yourself back on
Bring on the Age of Dawn
Shining light overtakes the night
[Chorus]
Shine on a new way
Bring on the new day
Time’s still in play
Be the beaming ray
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse 2]
Flesh, bone, and beating heart
Birth on Earth, a start
Stardust won’t rust
Always a fine shine (shine)
[Bridge]
Turn yourself back on
Bring on the Age of Dawn
Shining light overtakes the night
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass, Piano]
[Chorus]
Shine on a new way
Bring on the new day
Time’s still in play
Be the beaming ray
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
Bang
(Big bang!)
[Break]
Forged in the cores
Of ancient stars (we are)
Distributed throughout the galaxy (we be)
By supernova explosions
Bring on evolution
[Bridge]
Turn yourself back on
Bring on the Age of Dawn
Shining light overtakes the night
[Instrumental, Piano]
[Outro]
Shine on a new way
Bring on the new day
Time’s still in play
Be the beaming ray
A SCIENCE NOTE
Humans are made of stardust because many of the elements that make up our bodies were formed in stars. Here’s a detailed explanation:
1. Formation of Elements in Stars
Stars are essentially nuclear reactors where nuclear fusion takes place. Inside stars, lighter elements such as hydrogen and helium undergo fusion to form heavier elements. For example:
- Hydrogen Fusion: In the cores of stars, hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium.
- Helium Fusion: In more massive stars, helium can further fuse into carbon, oxygen, and other heavier elements.
2. Supernova Explosions
When massive stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they explode in events called supernovae. These explosions are powerful enough to create even heavier elements, such as iron, gold, and uranium. During a supernova, these elements are scattered into space.
3. Interstellar Medium
The elements ejected from supernovae mix with the interstellar medium, which is the matter that exists in the space between stars. This matter includes gas and dust, rich in the elements formed in stars.
4. Formation of Solar Systems
New stars and planetary systems, like our solar system, form from clouds of gas and dust in the interstellar medium. This means that the material that formed Earth and the rest of our solar system included these elements produced by previous generations of stars.
5. Incorporation into Life
The Earth contains all these elements, and they are essential for life. For example:
- Carbon: The backbone of organic molecules.
- Oxygen: Essential for respiration.
- Iron: A key component of hemoglobin in our blood.
- Calcium: Vital for bones and teeth.
6. Summary
The atoms in our bodies, especially the heavier elements, were forged in the cores of ancient stars and distributed throughout the galaxy by supernova explosions. Over billions of years, these elements became part of the Earth and eventually part of living organisms, including humans. Hence, we are literally made of stardust.