Where are all the STEM songs hiding?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the rarity of songs that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) themes compared to the prevalence of songs about romantic relationships. Participants explore the emotional versus logical nature of music and question why STEM-related songs are not more mainstream.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that most popular songs are about emotional relationships, leading to a perception that logical or STEM-themed songs are rare.
  • Others argue that songs are inherently meant to evoke emotions, which may explain the lack of logical themes in mainstream music.
  • A participant mentions that while counterexamples exist, they are infrequently encountered.
  • Several contributions highlight specific songs or artists that touch on STEM themes, such as "The Galaxy Song" by Monty Python and various environmental songs by Neil Young.
  • Some participants suggest that STEM songs often fall into the novelty category and may not appeal to mainstream audiences due to their comical nature.
  • There is a discussion about the emotional impact of poetry versus STEM subjects, with some suggesting that STEM poetry lacks the ability to resonate emotionally.
  • One participant reflects on the difference in language used by STEM individuals compared to poets when describing the night sky, noting that the former tends to be more technical and less emotive.
  • Another participant raises the question of whether the term "songs" is being used synonymously with "music" or if there is a distinction being made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that STEM songs are rare, but there is no consensus on the reasons for this rarity. Multiple competing views exist regarding the emotional versus logical nature of music and the appeal of STEM themes.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions of STEM songs and their emotional impact, while others point out that the discussion may be limited by personal preferences and experiences with music.

Xforce
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From the first time I listened a song with lyrics, almost all popular songs are about relationships between people (especially romantic relationships).
Modern songs other than this topic does exist, but very rare. Especially for STEM songs, I doubt they even exist on the radio or TV, and sometimes I have to change lyrics of popular songs to make it more “scientific”, and of course, listening to them myself.
Why are “logical” songs so rare, and all of them are emotional? That makes no sense
 
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Xforce said:
From the first time I listened a song with lyrics, almost all popular songs are about relationships between people (especially romantic relationships).
Modern songs other than this topic does exist, but very rare. Especially for STEM songs, I doubt they even exist on the radio or TV, and sometimes I have to change lyrics of popular songs to make it more “scientific”, and of course, listening to them myself.
Why are “logical” songs so rare, and all of them are emotional? That makes no sense
Songs are not MEANT to be "logical", they are meant to be emotional.
 
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phinds said:
Songs are not MEANT to be "logical",

Counterexample:

 
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well, counter examples does exist, but so rare that I never heard one before
 
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Do not all charms fly
At the mere touch of cold philosophy?
There was an awful rainbow once in heaven:
We know her woof, her texture; she is given
In the dull catalogue of common things.
Philosophy will clip an Angel's wings,
Conquer all mysteries by rule and line,
Empty the haunted air, and gnomèd mine—
Unweave a rainbow, as it erewhile made
The tender-person'd Lamia melt into a shade.
 
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o_OThis one is pretty logical.


Needs an update from one of today's artists.o_O
 
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And...

 
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And also...

 
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Well, if we're going down that path, let's not leave out1570708065849.png
 
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  • #10
Not to forget:

 
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  • #11
Xforce said:
From the first time I listened a song with lyrics, almost all popular songs are about relationships between people (especially romantic relationships).
Modern songs other than this topic does exist, but very rare. Especially for STEM songs, I doubt they even exist on the radio or TV, and sometimes I have to change lyrics of popular songs to make it more “scientific”, and of course, listening to them myself.
Why are “logical” songs so rare, and all of them are emotional? That makes no sense

You should try listening to some prog rock!
 
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  • #12
I guess "The Anus of Uranus" never made it big.
 
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  • #13
A perfect example of how mathematicians think:


"Give an example for a linear transformation!"
"0."
"A non trivial one."
"1."
 
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  • #14
Most STEM subject songs would probably be considered novelty songs (not main stream because not so emotionally appealing). Usually they are somewhat comical.

Probably my favorite what I would call hard STEM subject song is Monte Python "The Galaxy Song" by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. This is a show tune! Idle has updated the lyrics occasionally as new information comes out.

There are also a lot of softer subject STEM songs. Several are about the environment. Environment songs can more easily evoke emotions.

Neil Young has done several:

Natural Beauty:
After the Gold Rush:
Eagles, The Last Resort:
https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x9lvzs?width=500&hideInfos=1John Prine, Paradise:
 
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  • #15
DavidSnider said:
... gnomèd mine ...
Thanks, I love that.

Next time somebody posts "why can't I just take 4 physics and 3 math classes every semester" I'm going to send them to your post.
 
  • #16
How closely does a pharmaceutical recommendation count as STEM song?
Harry Nilsson wrote Put the Lime in the Coconut.

An article stated that he worked as a computer programmer for a bank.
 
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  • #17
In case astronomic fascinations are included, Good Morning, Starshine

Volume of this is low:
 
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  • #18
symbolipoint said:
In case astronomic fascinations are included, Good Morning, Starshine

Volume of this is low:

For Astronomy, I love this song. From the same film?
 
  • #19
This one on vivisection, the words are very clever and sad although I have always been pro vivisection.
 
  • #20
Space travel
 
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  • #21
Toxicity and antenatal care during the third trimester
 
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  • #22
Advanced weapon systems and how to protect yourself

 
  • #23
Another one from Hawkwind on QCD although I think they drift off topic
 
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  • #24
My only complaint about Aquarius is that it strikes as too much Astrology.
 
  • #25
symbolipoint said:
My only complaint about Aquarius is that it strikes as too much Astrology.
It's talking about constellations and it was the 60s and that sort of nonsense was being treated seriously.
However Penzias and Wilson had published a few years before and music and art was more in tune with Science then. Edit, Projections were abound however.
 
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  • #26
pinball1970 said:
Toxicity and antenatal care during the third trimester
Then what happens. . . I suppose you get a . . . ?



.
 
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  • #27
It's a shame the OP cannot enjoy these.
I take it a line through the name means left or banned?
 
  • #28
STEM songs are rare because they don't move one's romantic interest toward the place you would like them to go.

Why is STEM poetry so rare?

It fails to speak to the heart. It fails to move the will.
 
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  • #29
Dr. Courtney said:
STEM songs are rare because they don't move one's romantic interest toward the place you would like them to go.

Why is STEM poetry so rare?

It fails to speak to the heart. It fails to move the will.
I think the night sky is pretty awe inspiring and heart warming.
Christopher Hitchens described it as the 'numinous'
The subject matter is the same it's just that a poet will talk about the night sky as light and shade, colour and glittering twinkling stars.
STEM guys will talk about arc seconds luminosity and spectral data.
The language is a tad cold and objective.
 
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  • #30
There is this

 
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