Prescribing Horror

“Prescribing Horror” by Exodus is a powerful and haunting song that delves into the tragic history of the drug thalidomide. The lyrics paint a grim picture of the consequences faced by thousands of children and their families due to the widespread use of this drug in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Thalidomide was initially marketed as a safe sedative and treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women, but it led to severe birth defects and miscarriages, causing a generation of suffering and loss.

The song opens with stark imagery of discarded and deformed babies, setting the tone for the harrowing tale that follows. The reference to the “chemical age” highlights the era's blind faith in scientific advancements without adequate testing and regulation. The lyrics recount the birth of the first affected child in 1956, marking the beginning of a devastating chapter in medical history. The phrase “cursed by a drug they'd taken” underscores the betrayal felt by those who trusted the medical community.

Exodus does not shy away from depicting the brutal reality faced by the victims of thalidomide. The song describes the physical deformities and the emotional and psychological torment endured by the affected children and their families. The repeated line “all in the name of science” serves as a scathing critique of the unethical practices and greed that prioritized profit over human life. The mention of midwives taking lives to prevent prolonged suffering and the creation of the drug as an antidote for sarin gas further emphasize the dark origins and misuse of thalidomide.

“Prescribing Horror” is a poignant reminder of the importance of ethical standards in scientific research and the devastating impact of corporate greed. It calls for reflection on past mistakes to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. The song’s raw and unflinching portrayal of suffering serves as a powerful tribute to the victims and a stark warning to future generations.