Sharks In The Gene Pool
Jello Biafra With Nomeansno Lyrics

First the urine test - now this
Why do we keep subjecting ourselves to invasive and dehumanizing procedures?

Why do all the best technology advances Always wind up in the worst possible hands
The most important technological breakthroughs often end up being exploited by the most corrupt and unethical people

Through dna analysis We may one day conquer disease A "perfect" baby every time By mapping and manipulating people's genes
Scientists may soon have the power to eradicate genetic diseases and design perfect babies through gene editing

Cosmetic surgery before you're born Know in advance what you'll die of Everyone is useful and the same Swimmers bred like horses for olympic teams
The future could hold a dystopian society where people are customized before birth and bred like animals for specific purposes

Life insurance? be serious! You have to get your genes screened first Toxic chemicals? fumes at work? No sweat! get a gene transplant
In a world where genetic screening is commonplace, those who have not been genetically modified will be at a disadvantage, and desperate measures will be taken to stay competitive

Otherwise you'll lose your job do You wanna wind up out in the streets? And raise your children in campgrounds and shelters? And beg to eat
The pressure to conform to genetic standards will be so high that anyone who fails to do so will be ostracized and unable to make a living or feed themselves

There's too many sharks in the gene pool Too many chewed up bodies on the shore Too many sharks in the gene pool Too many leftovers rotting all around us
The widespread manipulation of genes and genetic technology will have devastating and dangerous consequences for our species

Uniform hybrid species For fresh-looking pest-proof food An apple can sit on the shelf for years When we irradiate the molecules
The use of genetic modification and radiation to create uniform, genetically identical crops will result in food that lacks nutrition and flavor

But where did the nutrition go? And what's taken it's place? Slipshod tampering with science Out of control factory farm eugenics
The unintended consequences of manipulating genes and using radiation on food is a lack of nutrition and the proliferation of factory farms and monoculture

Slaughterhouses in lowa Filled with tumor-infested cows Failed experiments hidden 'til sold To your local school lunch program
The food industry is hiding the dangerous side effects of genetic modification and radiation in food from the public and children are being fed poisoned meat

Grade D, but edible Our food, our life, our attitude Suffocating in what we refuse to recycle Time bombs fester in every town
We are willing to accept the bare minimum when it comes to food and the environment, and as a result, we are slowly poisoning ourselves and the planet

Billions of dollars spent every year Searching for a cure for cancer Why not spend that money instead To wipe out pollution that causes the cancer
We should be spending more time and resources on preventing cancer by cleaning up the environment and reducing pollution, rather than just searching for a cure

Meryl Streep... where are you?
Addressing an unresponsive government and society on the topic of the negative effects of genetic modification, pollution and the food industry

Where did american know how go Why do japanese build better stereos Is it 'cos our best minds can't get a job Except when they help make toys for the Pentagon
The best and brightest minds are often diverted towards creating weapons for the military-industrial complex, rather than contributing to positive technological innovation

Germ warfare, more bombs Germ warfare, more bombs Our whole economy's based on fear and death How long can we get away with this?
The military-industrial complex has intertwined with our economic system, and we're in danger of becoming a society that thrives on warfare and paranoia

Instead of better health we get a.i.d.s. Instead of nourishment we get steroids The most popular selections at celebrity sperm banks Are sports heroes
Even in a society as advanced as ours, we are unable to provide adequate healthcare and nutrition, and we have distorted our values to the point where we idolize celebrity athletes over doctors and scientists

Gap widens between the haves and the have-nots Rich and powerful breed only with themselves We all know what happens when too much of this happens The offspring just ain't real bright
The wealthy elite will use genetic technology to enhance themselves, creating a caste system where the less fortunate are left behind and society becomes increasingly inequitable and unsustainable

How else can you explain The erosion of talent and the vision thing To the point where the best that they can come up with For our future role models and leaders
Our values and priorities have evolved to the point where we no longer respect creativity, intelligence, or vision, and instead favor shallow and vacuous personalities to lead us

Are vicious blind machines Like Albert Gore and Dan Quayle Why do the best solutions and advances Get thrown away in the worst possible hands
We are being governed by people who lack the moral compass, vision, and intelligence to manage the risks and opportunities presented by cutting-edge technologies, instead favoring short-sighted, self-serving policies

There's too many sharks in the gene pool Too many carcasses washing on shore Too many sharks in the gene pool Avalanche of toxic guts all around us
Our society's reckless pursuit of genetic modification and techno-optimism has produced unintended and dangerous consequences, which threaten our very livelihoods and existence

We're incompetent as human beings Even worse at playing God
Our hubris and delusions of grandeur have blinded us to the potential pitfalls and consequences of indiscriminate genetic modification, resulting in a reckless and disastrous situation

Wrong people Right place Ruling class Gets the only pass To board the ark For outer space In 2001 What about this place?
A profound criticism of elitism and the irresponsible and selfish behavior of the ruling class, who are planning to abandon the planet while the rest of us are left behind to deal with the consequences of their reckless policies