2000 Ad

John Mellencamp's song '2000 Ad' paints a bleak and dystopian picture of the future, where environmental degradation has reached catastrophic levels. The lyrics describe a world where the sky is perpetually black, the sun is obscured, and the weather is monotonous, symbolizing the loss of natural balance and diversity. The mention of the Eagle landing on the moon juxtaposes human achievement with the dire state of the Earth, suggesting that while humanity has made great strides in space exploration, it has neglected its home planet.

The song references the 'holy book,' likely alluding to religious texts that warn of signs of the end times. Mellencamp uses this to underscore the urgency and severity of the environmental crisis, implying that the Earth is 'dying from the filth and the sort.' The imagery of dead ground where nothing can grow and the air being unbreathable highlights the irreversible damage caused by human negligence. The repeated refrain, 'Look around my friends, and you will see, that there's nothing left here for you and me,' serves as a stark warning and a call to action, urging listeners to recognize the gravity of the situation.

Mellencamp's lyrics also evoke a sense of helplessness and despair. The lines about walking out the door and falling on the floor, not knowing what one is smelling, and having dirt in one's eyes, convey a world that is not only physically uninhabitable but also psychologically disorienting. The moon turning red and the ominous prediction that 'soon we'll all be dead' further amplify the apocalyptic tone of the song. Through '2000 Ad,' Mellencamp delivers a powerful message about the consequences of environmental neglect and the urgent need for change.