About the song
“In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)” is a song that paints a haunting picture of humanity’s distant future. Released in 1969 by the American pop-rock duo of Zager and Evans, it quickly became a global sensation, reaching the top of charts worldwide. While the song’s catchy melody and optimistic tone might initially mislead listeners, its lyrics delve into a chilling dystopian vision.
The song’s narrative unfolds over a span of 10,000 years, beginning in the year 2525. It posits that by this time, technological advancements will have drastically altered human society. Love will be replaced by a “computerized mind,” and human relationships will be defined by numbers rather than emotions. The song suggests that as technology progresses, humans will become increasingly reliant on machines, losing their individuality and connection to the natural world.
A particularly unsettling aspect of the song is its prediction that humans will eventually become extinct. The lyrics imply that the Earth’s resources will be depleted, and humanity will face a bleak future of environmental degradation and societal collapse. This theme resonates with contemporary concerns about climate change and the potential consequences of unchecked technological progress.
Despite its somber message, “In the Year 2525” remains a captivating and thought-provoking piece of music. The song’s simple, folk-inspired arrangement and the duo’s heartfelt vocals create a timeless quality that has ensured its enduring popularity. While the specific details of the song’s predictions may seem far-fetched, its underlying themes of technological dependence, environmental degradation, and the loss of humanity’s connection to nature continue to be relevant today.
In conclusion, “In the Year 2525” is a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked technological progress. While the song’s dystopian vision may seem extreme, it offers a valuable perspective on the challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century. As we continue to advance technologically, it is essential that we remain mindful of the potential consequences of our actions and strive to create a future that is both sustainable and fulfilling for all.
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Lyrics
In the year 2525, if man is still alive
If woman can survive, they may find
In the year 3535
Ain’t gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lie
Everything you think, do and say
Is in the pill you took today
In the year 4545
You ain’t gonna need your teeth, won’t need your eyes
You won’t find a thing to chew
Nobody’s gonna look at you
In the year 5555
Your arms hangin’ limp at your sides
Your legs got nothin’ to do
Some machine’s doin’ that for you
In the year 6565
You won’t need no husband, won’t need no wife
You’ll pick your son, pick your daughter too
From the bottom of a long glass tube
In the year 7510
If God’s a coming, He oughta make it by then
Maybe He’ll look around Himself and say
Guess it’s time for the judgment day
In the year 8510
God is gonna shake His mighty head
He’ll either say I’m pleased where man has been
Or tear it down, and start again
In the year 9595
I’m kinda wonderin’ if man is gonna be alive
He’s taken everything this old earth can give
And he ain’t put back nothing
Now it’s been ten thousand years
Man has cried a billion tears
For what, he never knew, now man’s reign is through
But through eternal night, the twinkling of starlight
So very far away, maybe it’s only yesterday
In the year 2525, if man is still alive
If woman can survive, they may find