Nitrogen Fix
By popular demand, here are the lyrics and guitar chords to “Nitrogen Fix”, an anthem I wrote for our enviro team at Woods Hole, performed last night at our “graduation”. Picture two hundred scientists, administrators, fellows and faculty singing out at the top of their lungs “Yeah, I want a nitrogen fix!!”
It’s a rocker. Alas, the debut performance was not recorded, but the very next day, “Albert and the Micro-Einsteins” (aka the 3M’s: Mark Airhart, Mary Engel and Molly Murray; Albert shall remain unknown, for his own good) sang a rollicking version of “Nitrogen Fix” for MBL instructor Rich McHornery, who wasn’t able to make the graduation banquet. You can listen to this version by clicking here:
Nitrogen Fix (3:22) [audio:NitrogenFix.mp3]
E
I’ve been pounding those well points
G
I’ve been digging in dirt
D C
I got acetone all over my shirt
Bm
I’ve been bit by mosquitoes
C
I’ve been covered in ticks
D
I believe I need a nitrogen fix (EGDC)
I’ve been scrubbing that algae
Squeezing that pipette
I’ve been massaging the figures in my data set
Now did I get those numbers right or
is my mind playing tricks?
Now I believe that I need a nitrogen fix
The ocean is filled with gazillions of cells
If the pathogens won’t getcha than the predators will
Add the Gulf Stream and global warming into the mix
Oh no, I believe I need an nitrogen fix
BREAK
C
It may seem like an inconvenient truth
E
but we’re surrounded by evidence – there’s plenty of proof
C
our ecosystem needs a little TLC
D
Or else you want to live anaerobically
My head is overloaded and I need a break
I think I’ll mosey over up to Toolik Lake*
while that permafrost is still as hard as bricks
I’m going to get myself an nitrogen fix.
*a segue to my next series of blogs – live from Toolik Lake, Alaska, where the MBL fellowship of the environment will continue its journey.
July 2nd, 2006 at 4:05 am
Jim,
I finally listened to the song. Sounds fantastic. It was pure joy to back you up as one of the “Micro Einsteins.” Looking forward to a repeat in Alaska!
Marc