Mathematics
Vandergraaf Generator Lyrics


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Here be numbers transcendental,
on an imaginary axis spun,
decimal places without limit
and zero and one.

Mathematics,
simply pure beyond belief.
e to the power of i times pi plus one is zero
e to the power of i times pi plus one is zero
e to the power of i times pi is minus one
e to the power of i times pi is minus one

A single function, exponential,
just one addition must be done...
multiplication in completion
of zero, of one.

Mathematics,
just so "wow" it brooks belief.





(You'd better believe, you'd better believe it.)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Vandergraaf Generator’s song “Mathematics” contain a profound sense of fascination and awe regarding the world of numbers and mathematical concepts. The opening lines speak of numbers as being “transcendental,” indicating a belief that they hold a mystical, almost spiritual quality. The reference to an “imaginary axis” also suggests that there is more to numbers than meets the eye, and that they may represent a realm beyond our physical world. The mention of “decimal places without limit” further emphasizes the infinite nature of numbers, and the fact that there is always more to discover and explore.


The chorus of the song contains the lines “Mathematics, simply pure beyond belief,” which suggest that there is a kind of purity or essence to mathematical concepts that is unmatched by anything else. The repeated phrase “e to the power of i times pi plus one is zero” is a reference to Euler’s formula, which is a famously elegant and concise expression of some of the most fundamental principles of mathematics. The fact that this formula manages to connect some of the most important numbers in math (e, i, pi, and 1) in such a concise way seems to speak to the incredible power and beauty of mathematics.


The verses of the song describe some of the basic principles of mathematical operations, such as addition and multiplication. The repeated assertion that these principles are “simply pure beyond belief” suggests that they represent something fundamental about the nature of reality itself. The use of words like “completion” and “brooks belief” suggest that there is a sense of wonder and amazement associated with mathematical ideas that cannot be fully captured in words.


Line by Line Meaning

Here be numbers transcendental,
There exist infinite irrational numbers, extending beyond the realm of rational numbers.


on an imaginary axis spun,
They are plotted on a vertical number line representing imaginary numbers.


decimal places without limit
These irrational numbers have infinite decimal expansion with no repeating pattern.


and zero and one.
Both the simplest natural numbers, 0 and 1, are also part of this mathematical world.


Mathematics,
This realm of numbers and functions,


simply pure beyond belief.
is so inherently perfect that it seems almost unbelievable or magical.


e to the power of i times pi plus one is zero
This formula involves three of the most important numbers in mathematics, e, i, and pi, and beautifully equates to zero.


e to the power of i times pi is minus one
This equation, derived from the previous one, is a fundamental identity in mathematics and shows the deep connection between trigonometry and calculus.


A single function, exponential,
The exponential function is a remarkably simple yet powerful function that is critical in many areas of mathematics, science, and engineering.


just one addition must be done...
By adding the exponent of the exponential function, we can transform its behavior.


multiplication in completion
Multiplying the exponential function by its derivatives as with another key concept in mathematics, the Taylor series expansion.


of zero, of one.
This technique of series expansion involves expanding functions in terms of their derivatives evaluated at zero, or one, respectively.


Mathematics,
This seemingly abstract world of numbers and symbols,


just so “wow” it brooks belief.
is so profoundly elegant and powerful that it can inspire wonder and awe in those who study it.


(You'd better believe, you'd better believe it.)
(These mathematical truths may seem hard to believe, but they are demonstrably true and integral to our understanding of the world around us.)




Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

jesuscomplex

no need to justify anything man - this is a masterpiece ...EXPONENTIAL

Ignacio Castañeda

MATHEMATICS LYRICS

Here be numbers transcendental
On an imaginary axis spun
Decimal places without limit
And zero and one
Mathematics
Simply pure beyond belief
E to the power of i times pi plus one is zero
E to the power of i times pi plus one is zero
E to the power of i times pi is minus one
E to the power of i times pi is minus one
A single function, exponential
Just one addition must be done...
Multiplication in completion
Of zero, of one
Mathematics
Just so "wow" it brooks belief
(You'd better believe, you'd better believe it.)

Newworldman11

Mathematics, its like WOW, it makes me want to cryyy

willy vlyminck

Haven’t seen this one until now😊

Marc Macario

Holy cog !

dimarzio999

Well, everybody is entitled to an opinion. You obviously fail to hear it. So don't listen. I will, repeatedly. 

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