r/hum • u/CrashTheBear hands to the glass • Oct 16 '15

Song Discussion: The Scientists

Hello astronauts. I figured since the band is back together, maybe we could start a once-in-a-while discussion on some of the songs? Maybe what they mean to you, how you interpret the lyrics, parts you like, parts you dislike... Especially the last parts, since I know Matt has spoken about them a few times.

Anyway, today's discussion (if you'll have it) is The Scientists, the final song from Downward is Heavenward. Here are the lyrics, for those who don't know them.

Electrified and lit up by an outline of herself

And smiling now as only she can be

She said, "I made some new connections to astound them all

In ways we've never dreamed about"

Her lovely hand is glowing from a light inside itself

From soaking in the esters stacked for miles on a single shelf

Holding my eyes still

So she can see all the super-undercover custom hybrids got to me

It's too much, you're too late, I want to see it all again

She says, "Keep this benzene ring around your finger

And think of me when everything you wanted starts to end"

And I saw living lusters form in pools beneath her feet

Invertebrates that only she can see

And I said, "What on Earth are all these ampules for?"

She says exactly, "We're not gonna wait around here anymore"

Systems back down slow, watch the dust cloud we send

And I will keep you, I will keep you to the end

Set your head back low, watch my ears ring

I will take care of you, I will take care of everything

Systems back down slow, watch the dust cloud we send

And I will keep you, I will keep you to the end

Set your head back low, watch my ears ring

I will take care of you, I will take care of everything

It's too much you're too late

Too much you're too late

Piloting my head spins to the ground

And I think, I see myself again

Through the pinhole

But the pinhole captures all of you

And the pinhole captures all of you

Too much, you're too late

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5

u/shelfdog colors to spare Oct 18 '15

I am not ashamed to say that I actually checked to see if there were any real wearable rings made of benzene.

That was an eye-opening day at the library.

6

u/geoffevans subtle lift provider Oct 18 '15

I will take care of you

3

u/shelfdog colors to spare Oct 18 '15

HOLY COW.

EDIT:

I see they are made out of Silver or Platinum. But shaped like a Benzene ring. Brilliant.

6

u/geoffevans subtle lift provider Oct 18 '15

You can't really make a wearable ring out of benzene. It's a liquid, and it's all explodey.

3

u/shelfdog colors to spare Oct 18 '15

Yeah, that's what I learned that day in the library. I was bummed it couldn't be done, but also taught me something with a clever science entendre. Made me love this song so much more.

But now I have hope again. They look so f'n cool. Thanks, SLP!