Poisoned Oxygen
Metuchen, NJ
2024, Senior, Performing Arts
Verse 1
Yellow paints the sky
The trees cried for moisture
As they fell to their demise
It was too hot and dry in Eastern Canada
We’re overheated and defeated
A solution’s really needed right now
Unhealthy air quality
Haunts all of us in Jersey
These flames are weighing me down
Pre-Chorus
Eyes burn like a cigarette
Feels like my lungs have turned black
Ashes dance as the fire cracks
We’re breathing in its smokey revenge
Chorus
Gotta cover my face, wear a mask again
Cause I can’t escape the poisoned oxygen
It’s hazy inside and out
A mental and physical drought
We don’t know when it will abate
But it’s getting hard to keep on a brave face
So hot it makes people blush
Why do we hurt our home so much?
Verse 2
We’re in the hot seat
Climate change isn’t the only to blame
Can’t go back in time but we can learn from our heated mistakes
Stay away from dry vegetation
Don’t leave your fire unattended
Build fires in open locations
We are worthy of redemption
Pre-Chorus
Eyes burn like a cigarette
Feels like my lungs have turned black
Ashes dance as the fire cracks
All I hear on the news are sirens
Chorus
Gotta cover my face, wear a mask again
Cause I can’t escape the poisoned oxygen
It’s hazy inside and out
A mental and physical drought
We don’t know when it will abate
But it’s getting hard to keep on a brave face
So hot it makes people blush
Why do we hurt our home so much?
Bridge
Why can’t I escape from
This blazing inferno?
Climate change can’t be “out of sight and out of mind”
It’s only a matter of time before our forests go down like dominos
Who are we to leave that all behind?
Chorus
Gotta cover my face, wear a mask again
Cause I can’t escape the poisoned oxygen
It’s hazy inside and out
A mental and physical drought
We don’t know when it will abate
But it’s getting hard to keep on a brave face
So hot it makes people blush
Why do we hurt our home so much?
Pre-Chorus
Let’s rise above the flames
The earth’s beauty won’t be erased
Our land cannot be replaced
Don’t mess with climate change
Reflection
Reflection
My song will inspire others, using my strengths in ways I can inspire others. Songwriting is not just a hobby; it is my passion, and I am thrilled to vocalize a message using my creativity and talents. Using Foley sound effects such as fire and sirens in the pre-choruses raised feelings of sympathy; it made me feel like I was experiencing the turmoil of the fires firsthand. Music can transport you to another world, make you feel, and inspire change. My message to viewers of my artwork is that you can show jarring realities through music. The intensity is amplified in hopes of getting listeners to pay attention. After researching climate change, I have learned that we as a society have the power to reduce the effects of climate change and learn from our "heated mistakes." To tackle climate change, I will continue to try not to use my car and walk as much as I can.