Modern Man
-Bad Religion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got nothing to do
All om my neurons are
Functioning smoothly
Yet still I'm a cyborg just like you
I am one big myoma that thinks
My planet supports only me
I've got just a short time you see
Modern man, evolutionary betrayer
Modern man, ecosystem destroyer
Modern man, destroy yourself in shame
Modern man, pathetic example of earth's organic heritage
When I look back and think
When I ponder and ask "why?"
I see my ancestors spend with careless abandon
Assuming eternal supply, modern man
Just a sample of carbon-based wastage
Just a fucking tragic epic of you and I
The lyrics of Bad Religion’s “Modern Man” critiques humans for their self-centered and destructive ways. The opening lines indicate the singer's apathy and lack of purpose. The phrase "All of my neurons are functioning smoothly" implies that the singer is bored and unchallenged, as all their basic needs are already met. However, they still acknowledge their symbiotic relationship with technology, referring to themselves and the listener as “cyborgs” and highlighting the fusion of human and machine.
The song then takes a critical turn, using harsh language to describe human existence as an “epic of carbon-based wastage” and a “pathetic example of earth’s organic heritage”. The chorus repeats the phrase “Modern man” in juxtaposition with the following lines that describe the destruction humans have inflicted on the environment: “evolutionary betrayer,” “ecosystem destroyer,” “destroy yourself in shame”. The singer seems to be questioning whether humans will continue to prioritize their own desires over the well-being of the planet.
Bad Religion’s lyrics in “Modern Man” provide a stern warning about the consequences of human actions. The song is a stark reminder that our actions have a direct impact on the environment and future generations. Overall, the song's message is a call to action to protect the Earth and its resources before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got nothing to say
I have no words of importance or significance to express
I've got nothing to do
I am idle; I lack a definite purpose or occupation
All my neurons are functioning smoothly
My brain is working efficiently; I have no cognitive or neurological disabilities
Yet still I'm a cyborg just like you
Despite my functional brain, I am still a being reliant on technology and machinery for my existence, much like any other human
I am one big myoma that thinks
I am a massive tumor-like structure of thoughts and ideas; my perspective is limited and self-centered
My planet supports only me
My worldview is solipsistic; I believe the world revolves around me and my needs alone
I've got this one big problem: will I live forever?
My biggest concern is the fear of my own mortality and the uncertainty of what happens after death
I've got just a short time you see
I am aware that my time on this earth is limited, and I have only a finite duration to make an impact
Modern man, evolutionary betrayer
Humans, in our modern form, betray the course of natural evolution and the principles of survival of the fittest
Modern man, ecosystem destroyer
We, as a species, are capable of destroying entire ecosystems and disrupting natural balances of the environment
Modern man, destroy yourself in shame
Our actions as a collective species bring us disgrace and dishonor, leading to our eventual self-destruction
Modern man, pathetic example of earth's organic heritage
We are a shameful representation of the earth's organic heritage, as our destructive and self-centered behavior threatens the existence of all other living beings on this planet
When I look back and think
Upon reflection, when I contemplate upon the past
When I ponder and ask "why?"
When I ruminate and question the reasons behind events that have occurred
I see my ancestors spend with careless abandon
I observe my predecessors recklessly using up and destroying the earth's resources, without a second thought about the consequences of their actions
Assuming eternal supply, modern man
We, as a species, operate under the belief that the earth's resources are endless and will never run out
Just a sample of carbon-based wastage
Our existence on this planet is a mere accumulation of waste and pollution, created through our reckless usage of the earth's resources
Just a fucking tragic epic of you and I
Our existence on this planet is nothing but a sad and unfortunate story of our own making, destined for a tragic end
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREG GRAFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eternalised
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— Carl Jung
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satnamo
I like it!
Weltgeist
Jung is without a doubt one of the most original thinkers ever. Very interesting video.
Leo
Not original, his ideas are from the Indian vedant philosophy.
Daniel M
@The Emo Emu not fearless, he was terrified of what he experienced during his confrontation with the Uncounscious, but he was brave and pushed through, with an invaluable surport from Toni Wolff, without her he would likely not have survived.
The Emo Emu
And bravest. He was fearless in the face of what others would think about him.
Inscrutable Duck
I just finished reading this book today. Thought I would check out this video to further consolidate my understanding of Jung's idea. Great summary of complex subject matter. This channel deserves to blow up.
Alex Holley
I'm drawing to the end of this book and would also agree with the above comment, this video has re-inforced my understanding of Jung's very complex ideas.
Alyssa Enriquez
This kept me hooked the entire time! You do a great job in choosing the art to support the current of themes running through your words and they're all so unique and genuinely asthetic. I loved watching, so captivating!
Kieran Revill
I feel blessed to have stumbled upon your channel sir. Thank you for all your effort. My interest in dreams and studies of psychology and counselling ultimately lead me to Jung. Jung opened up so many doors for me, which eventually lead to the likes of Nietsczhe, Dostoevsky, and Kirkegaard. I feel like a kid in a candy store exploring your content!