The band members include lead singer and lyricist J. Jackson, guitarist/keyboardist Bill Hubauer, bassist Keith Haynie, and drummer Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner. The band played its first concert as ApologetiX in 1992, and its 1000th in 2007. All of the band members grew up in and around Pittsburgh PA, and that is where they make their homes and attend church.
ApologetiX rewrites secular songs with (often comical) Christian lyrics. Some of their parodies include "Corinthians" (parody of "In the End" by Linkin Park), "Look Yourself" ("Lose Yourself" by Eminem), "Smooth Grandmama" ("Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm), "Smells Like Thirtysomething Spirit" ("Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana), and "Bethlehemian Rhapsody" ("Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen). Smooth Grandmama is considered to be their most well-known parody. While maintaining the integrity of fundamentalist "grannies," the song pokes fun at certain aspects.
ApologetiX gets their unusual name from the word apologetics, which means "the defense of the Christian faith." It is based on the Greek word for defense, apologia. The word is used in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (defense or "apologia") to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (NIV). Their logo, a triquetra, is an ancient symbol of the Holy Trinity.
Visit their website for booking, concerts and contact them through email at www.apologetix.com.
A Lie
ApologetiX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Romans 1:18-23)
Son, they said, have we got a little theory for you
What you thought was your daddy was really a gorilla
Science teachers show you all the bones, but they don't fit
Your real daddy was Darwin
"Sorry, we still can't prove it, but it has to be taught"
Why does your school enforce it like its true?
It's just a theory, you know?
Why can't they show me any missing links in the chain?
They dug, they dug -- no evidence -- just quantum leaps
Can't you see -- evolution's a lie
Is something wrong with that? Of course, there is
You're not an accident or do you prefer to be?
You're God's creation, and it's so, it's so
So obvious, so obvious
The lyrics to ApologetiX's "A Lie" are a parody of Pearl Jam's "Alive" and they are a commentary on the theory of evolution. The song opens with the suggestion that the listener's actual father is a gorilla and then goes on to criticize the scientific theory of evolution. The first verse presents the idea that science teachers are presenting evidence for evolution, but that evidence does not fit together in a convincing way. The chorus repeats the statement that evolution is a lie, and asks why it is being taught in schools as if it were true.
The second verse addresses the lack of evidence for evolution's "missing links". The song posits that despite digging for evidence, no such links have been found, and that the theory of evolution is simply based on "quantum leaps" that cannot be proven. The chorus once again states that evolution is a lie.
The final verse asserts that the idea of being an "accident" of evolution is unsatisfying, and instead suggests that human beings are "God's creation". The song ends with a declaration that this fact is "so obvious".
In summary, "A Lie" is a satirical commentary on the theory of evolution and the idea of humans being descended from apes. It argues that the scientific evidence for evolution is incomplete at best, and that the idea of humans being created by God is a more satisfying explanation.
Line by Line Meaning
Son, they said, have we got a little theory for you
An introduction to the idea of evolution being presented to someone.
What you thought was your daddy was really a gorilla
The idea that humans evolved from apes is being presented, which challenges the notion of humans being created by God.
Science teachers show you all the bones, but they don't fit
A criticism of the evidence presented for evolution, suggesting that it is not sufficient or convincing.
Your real daddy was Darwin
A tongue-in-cheek comment implying that the person who believes in evolution is revering Darwin as their 'father' or origin.
"Sorry, we still can't prove it, but it has to be taught"
A reference to the idea that evolution is presented as fact despite lacking concrete evidence, potentially suggesting that there is some sort of agenda behind its promotion.
Evolution's still a lie (Repeat)
The repetition of the chorus affirms the belief that evolution is false.
Why does your school enforce it like its true?
The question raises suspicions as to why schools present evolution as fact despite it remaining unproven.
It's just a theory, you know?
A common argument against the validity of evolution, claiming that it is just a 'theory' and therefore less credible.
Why can't they show me any missing links in the chain?
Challenging the idea that there are no direct links connecting humans to their supposed evolutionary ancestors, and implying that this calls the theory of evolution into question.
They dug, they dug -- no evidence -- just quantum leaps
A criticism of the lack of evidence presented for evolution, instead suggesting that significant conclusions are drawn with insufficient proof.
Can't you see -- evolution's a lie
Reasserting the song's central message that evolution is false.
Is something wrong with that? Of course, there is
A rhetorical question that underlines the significance of the belief that humans are created by God, and that the denial of this belief is problematic.
You're not an accident or do you prefer to be?
A rhetorical question designed to make the listener consider what they truly believe about the origins of humans, and to question whether they truly believe in the idea of 'accidentally' evolving from primates.
You're God's creation, and it's so, it's so
Reiterating the belief that humans are created by God, and that this is a fundamental truth.
So obvious, so obvious
The repetition of the phrase 'so obvious' emphasises the certainty and importance of this truth.
Contributed by Evelyn R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@owenroberts1998
Another good parody!
@cosmictreason2242
Thought there was a rap on this one