When the ebbing tide retreats
Along the rocky shoreline
It leaves a trail of tidal pools
In a short-lived galaxy
Each microcosmic planet
A complete society

A simple kind mirror
To reflect upon our own
All the busy little creatures
Chasing out their destinies
Living in their pools
They soon forget about the sea

Wheels within wheels
In a spiral array
A pattern so grand and complex
Time after time
We lose sight of the way
Our causes can't see their effects

A quantum leap forward
In time and space
The universe learned to expand

The mess and the magic
Triumphant and tragic
A mechanized world, out of hand

Computerized clinic
For superior cynics
Who dance to a synthetic band

In their own image
Their world is fashioned
No wonder they don't understand

Wheels within wheels
In a spiral array
A pattern so grand and complex
Time after time
We lose sight of the way
Our causes can't see their effects

Science, like nature
Must also be tamed
With a view towards its preservation
Given the same
State of integrity
It will surely serve us well

Art as expression,
Not as market campaigns
Will still capture our imaginations
Given the same
State of integrity
It will surely help us along

The most endangered species
The honest man
Will still survive annihilation
Forming a world
State of integrity
Sensitive, open and strong

Wave after wave
Will flow with the tide
And bury the world as it does
Tide after tide
Will flow and recede
Leaving life to go on
As it was


Lyrics submitted by shed27

Natural Science Lyrics as written by Gary Lee Weinrib Neil Elwood Peart

Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment

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Natural Science song meanings
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26 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment

    This song is unbelievable live. The version on the Snakes and Arrows DVD is fantastic.

    BTW, the line definitely says "In their own image, their world is fashioned". It is talking about the Bible saying man is made in God's image. Neil is saying if you start from idea that we are made in God's image, then you won't understand (or even try to understand) science.

    Zepfreakon March 10, 2009   Link

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