The famous "Anorak City" flexi was a scratchy scene anthem celebrating the siren allure of indie-trainspotterdom. "You Should All Be Murdered" was indie pop's somewhat Smiths-esque answer to Harry Secombe's "If I Ruled The World". And then came perhaps the most "Sarah in a nutshell" single of them all, a heady collision of obsessive-romanticism, gorgeous twelve-string shimmer and just the right redemptive twinkle of knowing irony: "I'm In Love With A Girl Who Doesn't Know I Exist". "So I'll just lie and dream of the chances I've missed..."
All these singles are collected onto the London Weekend compilation. Harvey later went on to record several albums under his own name.
Genetic engineering
Another Sunny Day Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Using all resources to the best of our ability
Changing, designing, adapting our mentalities
Improving our abilities for a better way of life
Babies, mother, hospital, scissors
Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer
These are the little children, the future in our hands
When all god's children on this Earth inherit all our plans
When all god's children on the Earth will evermore be saved
Babies, mother, hospital, scissors
Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer
These are the little children, the future in our hands
Babies, mother, hospital, scissors
Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer
(Babies, mother, hospital, scissors) These are the little children, the future in our hands
(Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer) When all god's children on this Earth inherit all our plans
(Babies, mother, hospital, scissors) These are the lies they tell us, the future's good as sold
(Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer) In all the things we do and know, we really must be told
The lyrics to Another Sunny Day's song "Genetic Engineering" explore the idea of using technology and science to improve and perfect human life. The lyrics describe this process as "efficient, logical, effective and practical," with a focus on using all resources to the best of our ability. There is a sense of control and power in these lyrics, as the singer describes the ability to design and adapt mentalities, and improve abilities for a better way of life.
However, the lyrics also suggest a darker side to this quest for perfection. The reference to "scissors" and "butcher" suggest a violent and invasive aspect to this process, as if humans are being cut and shaped like objects. The idea of being judged and engineered like a creature seems to suggest a lack of autonomy and individuality, and the line "these are the lies they tell us" implies that this process of genetic engineering may not be as benevolent as it seems.
Overall, the lyrics to "Genetic Engineering" explore a complex and often ethical dilemma around the use of science and technology to shape human life. They suggest an ambivalence towards this process, acknowledging its potential to improve and enhance life, but also questioning the violence and loss of freedom that may accompany it.
Line by Line Meaning
Efficient, logical, effective and practical
We are using our resources in the best way possible, with a clear and meaningful plan.
Using all resources to the best of our ability
We're doing everything we can to make the most of what we have and use it in the smartest possible way.
Changing, designing, adapting our mentalities
We must alter our thinking in order to build better lives, creating solutions for problems that exist today.
Improving our abilities for a better way of life
We're trying to develop our talents and capabilities to make the world a better place.
These are the little children, the future in our hands
We must care for the young, as they will one day lead and direct the future of this planet.
When all god's children on this Earth inherit all our plans
If we succeed in our goals, life as we know it will be improved for all people.
These are the lies they tell us but this is the only way
Although it may be a difficult path, we believe that our plan is the best way forward.
When all god's children on the Earth will evermore be saved
If we're successful in our efforts, life will truly improve for everyone.
(Babies, mother, hospital, scissors) These are the little children, the future in our hands
We must do everything possible to care for the young and give them the best chance possible to thrive.
(Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer) When all god's children on this Earth inherit all our plans
Should we succeed in our goals, the Earth will be a better place for all of mankind, good and bad alike.
(Babies, mother, hospital, scissors) These are the lies they tell us, the future's good as sold
Although some would wish to discredit our efforts, we believe that our plan offers the best way forward for a brighter tomorrow.
(Creature, judgement, butcher, engineer) In all the things we do and know, we really must be told
It's important in everything that we do to strive for the truth and be honest with ourselves and others, especially in matters that can drastically affect lives.
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.