Can Music Inspire a Love for Science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the intersection of music and science, specifically exploring songs that reference physics, mathematics, or general scientific concepts. Participants share examples of songs and express their interest in how music can influence perceptions of science.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for music related to physics or science, citing specific songs and lyrics that illustrate scientific themes.
  • Another participant suggests the "element song" by Tom Lehrer as a relevant example.
  • Tool's songs are mentioned as having mathematical themes, with specific titles noted.
  • A suggestion is made to look up "Natural Science" by Rush, described as an awesome song.
  • A participant shares a link to a YouTube video, indicating it is well done.
  • Another participant shares a link to "The Big Bang Theory" theme song by Barenaked Ladies, expressing frustration over its use of outdated cosmology despite its recent release.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of music that relates to science, but there are differing opinions regarding the accuracy of scientific references in some songs, particularly noted in the case of the Barenaked Ladies' song.

Contextual Notes

Some contributions include specific lyrics and references that may depend on interpretations of scientific concepts, and there is an acknowledgment of potential inaccuracies in the portrayal of cosmology in popular music.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the cultural representation of science in music, educators looking for creative ways to engage students, and fans of science-themed songs.

vasel
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I'm looking for music that has something to do with physics, or more generally any science or math topic. I am always intrigued when an artist makes music about science, given some of the social stigmas associated with it in mainstream thinking. Does anyone know of any music like this? I'll give a few examples here:

Chemical Calisthenics by Blackalicious
Sample Lyrics:
"Neutron, proton, mass effect, lyrical oxidation, yo irrelevant
Mass spectrograph, your electron volt, atomic energy erupting
As I get all open on betacron, gamma rays thermo cracking
Cyclotron and any and every mic
You're on trans iridium, if you're always uranium
Molecules, spontaneous combustion, pow..."

Positive Contact by Deltron 3030
"All your rhyme histories combined
Couldn't violate the prime optimus operative
Use my hydrometer to see how warm you are
Watch me form a star
Hydrogen turned to helium when I shine
Riding 'em revealing 'em leading 'em to the vaccume
Interact with tunes in my digital sinital critical pivital with the mental"

Particle by Better Than Ezra
"In an imploding star, or a burned out car, I implore you
In a carbon-arc or a dim lit park, I implore you"
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try googling the "element song" by Tom Lehrer
 
Tool: Parabol/parabola/schism/lateralus have something to do with math in each song
 
Google for "Natural Science" by Rush. Awesome song.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ5sWfhkpE0

This is really nicely done.
 
Thanks everyone! I'll check those out.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhTSfOZUNLo

Barenaked Ladies: The Big Bang Theory

The first part of the song is the theme song to the sitcom with the same name. The only thing that frustrates me about this song is they are using outdated cosmology, and the song came out recently enough that they should know better.