THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG "IN THE YEAR 2525" (Exordium & Terminus) BY ZAGER AND EVANS. The song was written by Rick Evans and released in 1969. It became a massive hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's speculative lyrics touch on themes such as the potential dehumanising effects of technology, environmental degradation, and the idea that humanity's progress could lead to its own downfall. The lyrics envision a future where humans become overly reliant on technology and lose touch with their humanity, leading to a cycle of negative consequences with each passing millennium. The words "Exordium" and "Terminus" used in the song title "In the Year 2525," are both terms that relate to the song's themes and message. "Exordium" might represent the starting point or the initial phase of the future being described in the lyrics – the year 2525. In the context of the song, "Terminus" likely refers to the end point or conclusion of a certain path or trajectory that humanity might be on. The use of this term in the title suggests that the song is exploring the possible consequences of the choices made by humanity over a vast span of time, culminating in the year 2525. WIKIPEDIA "In the Year 2525" opens with an introductory verse explaining that if mankind has survived to that point, they would witness the subsequent events in the song. The following verses jump the story approximately with 1000-year intervals, specifically 3535, 4545, 5555, 6565, 7510, 8510 and finally 9595.[10] In each succeeding millennium, life becomes increasingly sedentary and automated: thoughts are pre-programmed into pills for people to consume, eyes, teeth, and limbs all lose their purposes due to machines replacing their functions, and marriage becomes obsolete because children are conceived in test tubes. The song ends after 10,000 years. By that time, humans have finally become extinct. But the narrator notes that somewhere "so very far away", possibly in an alternative universe, the scenarios told in the song have still yet to play out, as the song repeats from the top (but in the same key, tone, and speed as the previous verse) and the recording fades out……” Zager And Evans Zager and Evans were a folk-rock duo consisting of Denny Zager and Rick Evans. They gained fame primarily for their hit song "In the Year 2525," which became their only major success and earned them the label of a "one-hit wonder." In the Year 2525" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969, ultimately claiming the top spot for six weeks. It also hit #1 in the UK and #2 in Australia. The song topped the charts at the time of two major cultural events: the first MOON LANDING on July 20, 1969 and the WOODSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL a month later. The song also topped the Southern African LM Radio Hit Parade in August 1969. The record sold over four million copies by 1970 and was awarded a gold disc by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in July 1969. Its success was a major breakthrough for Zager and Evans, but they struggled to replicate that level of fame with subsequent releases. Despite their efforts to produce more music, none of their subsequent singles were able to achieve the same level of success as "In the Year 2525." Zager and Evans eventually disbanded in 1971. The song, however, remains an enduring piece of cultural history and is still remembered and discussed for its cautionary take on the future and the potential consequences of technological advancement. Cover Versions The song has been covered over 60 times. The most recent addition to the list is by a South African expatriate duo who go by the name "Philistine." They've taken a unique heavy metal approach to the song for their debut album "Seranim," released in 2023. Interestingly, the same song was also covered by Dalida, who was featured in the recent SAMA post discussing the "San Remo" tragedy. Team SAMA
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