Civilization
Dan Bull Lyrics

We learned to band together and endeavour
We joined forces and worked together towards common goals

Man developed language, letters
As humans evolved, they created language and writing systems to better communicate their ideas

Getting plans together
Planning was critical to executing a successful strategy

But would we stand the test of time Against the planet's reckless climate And its angry weather
Humanity's survival was always in question, especially in the face of unpredictable natural events

Spread the sails And head west against the gales And storms aboard Norse longboats With decks as dense as nails
Some civilizations dared to explore beyond their horizons, even if it led them into danger

Our aim was riding waves And finding, claiming strange horizons Invading islands Native populations slain with violence Enslaved and made to aim skyward Think of bigger things Sphinxes, pyramids
As empires grew, they conquered new lands and sometimes subjected the native peoples to their will, in order to build grand structures and expand their power

Raise them high in the name of different kings The different things we've held sacred, divine
Various civilizations had their own unique cultures and belief systems, which they venerated

Through places and times The range to supplications and rites Through ages we find Nations arise As old civilisations crumble to dust Becoming strangers in time Waiting to die Replaced in the night The day breaks and the light changes Illuminating newer human faces as fights rage
Civilizations rise and fall, and new ones emerge in their place. This cycle of change is constant, and often leads to conflict and uncertainty

The human race is facing the might Of righteous states who would write The history books Even if it took a knife's blade To find the right page
Those in power often shape the historical narrative in their favor, even through violent means

Sengoku Jidai Men offered to die For the honour of a warrior's life The sun's coming and we're watching it rise As a new era's here It's as solid as iron Pull the tongs from the fire Strike the hammer to the anvil Craft a weapon to bring an enemy to a standstill The blacksmith is the wizard That gives us these powers Devour enemies Leaping down from the siege towers
Warriors and blacksmiths helped shape history through brute force and technological advancements

The better the tech is The lesser the effort to wreck it The less time to see their eyes And feel sympathetic Never regret it
As technology becomes more advanced, it becomes easier and faster to cause destruction, often without considering its impact on others

A true knight never stays a true blade Never says touché But would forever lay in blue rays of weathered glades To demonstrate his never-ending dedication To the crusade
Those who are truly devoted to a cause will never back down, even when faced with insurmountable odds

Reformation through flame And after the cremation is a new age Time's quill is quick to spill its ink onto a new page The faces are the same as when in days gone But brains are cultivated Thus creating the renaissance
Change often requires destruction in order to pave the way for new growth and innovation. The Renaissance was a prime example of this

We're still using steel tools to stay strong Replacing blades with greater trades Pen and paper, song
As times change, our tools evolve, and often require new skills and creative ways of thinking

Faith in god is tested Hiding in the desert Men excited, then enlightened By the scientific method Tried describing its expression By inscribing his impression When applying it to heavenly bodies That everybody reckoned Must have been made by a creator Or a greater force
The scientific method challenged religious beliefs, and led to new understandings of the universe

Nature's author faced examination never faced before The grace of horse and rider Replaced with wars and violence Debased the laws of science Made the case for all the pious
Conflicts and wars often led to scientific advancements, and sometimes came at the expense of nature and moral values

Why is it progress Always leads to loads of mess The western region spread across the globe and coalesced Settlers spread disease With effortless ease Was it reckless or did it just happen inevitably While evidently we never can see Through the lens of this century But there's no retreating now Whether or not it was meant to be
Progress often comes with negative consequences, such as the spread of disease and destruction of ecosystems. However, once it begins, it's difficult to stop

The seven seas were sailed Navies prevailed Leaving trails of devastation in their wake As people wailed A world of wonder plundered Traded in the name of progress But human nature's way Shows we should expect no less
Exploration and colonialism often led to exploitation and destruction of local populations and resources, all in the name of progress

Oh yes Struck by the realisation This is just civilisation In the natal stages of industrialisation
As industrialization began, the realization was made that all of human history was just a progression of civilization

Trust me when I say That previous achievements are just child's play Compared to this colossal school of thought We set the world ablaze with fossil fuel we bought
Industrialization brought a new level of technological advancement, but at the expense of the environment and natural resources

It's an epiphany Giving us pretty much infinite energy It's electricity Edison Nikola Tesla Different inventors Giving us everything we depend on
Electricity revolutionized modern life and enabled technological advancements, thanks to the work of inventors such as Edison and Tesla

Whether it's engines, cinema, television or telecoms Sending a message and spreading it on These unreal frontier channels We develop the tech and then sell it on The reel travels round With the speed of a machine gun's barrels
Mass media and telecommunication technologies have enabled the spread of information at an unprecedented speed, and often for commercial gain

Machinery's a meaner beast And we're still in the saddle No need for cavalry Battle superseded that with ease Allies and axis Charging each other like batteries A power vacuum allowing the superstates to flourish Redistribute the food Even if it means people are malnourished
Warfare has become even more efficient with the use of machines. However, it often comes at the expense of the wellbeing of ordinary people

Propaganda is the only view That you're allowed to publish ‘Cause totalitarians are well aware Of how to punish
Totalitarian regimes use propaganda to control the narrative and suppress dissent, often through brutal means

Gunning down numbers countless For doubtless nothings that they've done But that won't stop subversive insurgents From coming out with courage Using their power to the fullest Whether creativity Or demonstrating general relativity
Resistance movements will always form in response to oppression, often using unconventional means to achieve their goals

Evidently when we find time to be efficient Einsteinian clear vision Can reveal the precision behind the blinds Nuclear fission Despite derision Physicists decide the mission Is dividing, splitting atoms ‘Til a blinding light is given Quite efficient
Efficiency can lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, even if they have potential for danger

The divine right to mankind's plight is christened A minor decision Hijacked by politicians But as long as they listen To the will of the people Treat all as brilliant equals We can achieve more Than we've ever conceived before
Good governance practices are crucial, as they can either promote progress or hinder it. When politicians listen to their constituents and treat everyone as equals, humanity can achieve great things

Leave this poor place Please explore space Earth, she's a small base Even more awaits I implore great leaders To lead with all the grace Of which we're capable And be the author of your fate Band together and endeavour As our ancestors have And stand the test of time forever
There is still much to be discovered and achieved, especially beyond Earth. Great leaders should take on this bold challenge and work together towards a better future