Exploring Relativity through Music: Queen's '39 and Beyond

In summary, the song '39 by Queen references the effects of time dilation in a song. John Carpenter's song Benson Arizona references the mirror thought experiment from Albert's 1905 paper.
  • #1
saddlestone-man
80
20
Hello All

You may be aware of Queen's song '39 where the effects of time dilation are key to the plot.

Quote:
For so many years have gone though I'm older but a year
Your mother's eyes, from your eyes, cry to me


Presumably the lyrics were influenced by Brian May's studies in maths and physics at Imperial College, London.

Are there any other songs where Relativity plays a part?

best regards ... Stef
 
  • Informative
Likes atyy
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
  • #3
Yes I like the Tom Lehrer song

Now who would think, and who'd forecast,
That bodies shrink, when they go fast.
It makes old Isaac's theory
Look weary.


and (though I'm not sure if it's strictly true):
So then if you are near when atom bombs appear,
And you're reduced to a pile of debris,
You'll know it's largely due to -- Relativity.
Yes, you can place the blame on -- Relativity.
 
  • #4
saddlestone-man said:
Hello All

You may be aware of Queen's song '39 where the effects of time dilation are key to the plot.

Quote:
For so many years have gone though I'm older but a year
Your mother's eyes, from your eyes, cry to me


Presumably the lyrics were influenced by Brian May's studies in maths and physics at Imperial College, London.

Are there any other songs where Relativity plays a part?

best regards ... Stef
A bit specific!

This mentions relativity but not time dilation

 
  • #5
A limerick?

There was a young lady called Bright
Who traveled far faster than light
She went out one day
In a relative way
And came back the previous night
 
  • Haha
Likes pinball1970
  • #6
Not time dilation in particular but relativity. The lyrics kick in about 35 seconds in.
 
  • #7
Van Der Graaf Generator - Pioneers Over C

 
  • #8
CJ2116 said:
Van Der Graaf Generator - Pioneers Over C


A masterpiece!
 
  • #9
saddlestone-man said:
Hello All

You may be aware of Queen's song '39 where the effects of time dilation are key to the plot.

Quote:
For so many years have gone though I'm older but a year
Your mother's eyes, from your eyes, cry to me


Presumably the lyrics were influenced by Brian May's studies in maths and physics at Imperial College, London.

Are there any other songs where Relativity plays a part?

best regards ... Stef
Dilation of time, song by Plastydy, available on Spotify ,etc.
 
  • #10
I'm surprised no one has mentioned...

Benson Arizona, by Master of Horror John Carpenter, from the movie "Dark Star":

A million suns shine down
But I see only one
When I think I'm over you
I find I've just begun
The years move faster than the days
There's no warmth in the light
How I miss those desert skies
Your cool touch in the night

[Chorus]
Benson, Arizona, blew warm wind through your hair
My body flies the galaxy, my heart longs to be there
Benson, Arizona, the same stars in the sky
But they seemed so much kinder when we watched them, you and I

[Verse 2]
Now the years pull us apart
I'm young and now you're old
But you're still in my heart
And the memory won't grow cold
I dream of times and spaces
I left far behind
Where we spent our last few days
Benson's on my mind

[Chorus]
Benson, Arizona, blew warm wind through your hair
My body flies the galaxy, my heart longs to be there
Benson, Arizona, the same stars in the sky
But they seemed so much kinder when we watched them, you and I
 
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  • #11
CJ2116 said:
Van Der Graaf Generator - Pioneers Over C


Reminds me of Booker T and the MGs' Green Onions.
 
  • #12


This has the mirror thought experiment from Albert's 1905 paper.
 
  • #13
A song for you by Donny Hathaway..."I love in a place where there's no space and time"
 

FAQ: Exploring Relativity through Music: Queen's '39 and Beyond

What is the main concept behind "Exploring Relativity through Music: Queen's '39 and Beyond"?

The main concept behind this project is to use the lyrics and music of Queen's song '39 to explore the principles of relativity, specifically the concept of time dilation. The project aims to make the complex scientific concepts more accessible and relatable through the use of music.

How does the song '39 relate to the concept of relativity?

The song '39 tells the story of a group of astronauts who embark on a space journey and return to Earth to find that 100 years have passed, while for them it felt like only one year. This mirrors the concept of time dilation, where time moves slower for objects in motion compared to those at rest, as predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.

What is the significance of using music to explain scientific concepts?

Music has the power to convey emotions and tell stories in a way that is easily understood and remembered. By using music to explain scientific concepts, it can make the information more engaging and relatable, helping to increase understanding and retention of the material.

How does this project make relativity more accessible to non-scientists?

This project uses a familiar and popular song to introduce and explain the principles of relativity. By connecting the scientific concepts to something that is already known and enjoyed, it can make the information more accessible and easier to understand for non-scientists.

Can this project be applied to other scientific concepts?

Yes, this project can serve as a model for using music to explain other complex scientific concepts. By finding creative ways to connect music and science, it can make the information more engaging and easier to understand for a wider audience.

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