This photo and this song have always been linked for me.

The song is “He’s Simple, He’s Dumb, He’s the Pilot” by Grandaddy, from the album, The Sophtware Slump.

The song (as is the album, which is a concept album) is about “2000” man, who represents mankind as it is now. As we reach an age where alienation is rife and technology is dehumanising our world, the song is about the idea that we are lost, without the maps or plans that can guide us. The irony is that the “they” in the song is mankind as well – we are fighting against ourselves. We ARE the pilots of our destiny but we are flailing and can no longer trust ourselves to do what is best anymore. I wanted my photo to show both the fragility and strength of mankind, that while the universe is imposing and frightning, ultimately we are in the driving seat and must stop fighting ourselves if we are to succeed.

Adrift again 2000 man
You lost your maps,
You lost the plans
Did you hear them yell,
Land damn it land?
You say you can’t
Well I hope you can
I hope you can

How’s it goin 2000 man?
Welcome back to solid ground my friend
I heard all your controls were jammed
Well it’s just nice to have you back again

But I guess they still don’t understand
And they can never understand
And they said go find 2000 man
And they said tell him we’ve got new plans
But instead I’m here to tell you friend

I believe they want you to give in
Are you giving in 2000 man?
(Did you love this world
And did this world not love you?)

Are you giving in 2000 man?
Don’t give in 2000 man

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