Song Meaning
This track paints a stark picture of a prehistoric era ruled by brute force. The lyrics immediately establish a world where "the strongest were the law," populated by "gigantic brutal wild animals." This opening sets a primal, unforgiving scene, emphasizing raw power as the sole currency of survival in that ancient time. The laughter at the beginning adds an almost mocking, detached tone to this depiction of a lost world.
The central tension arises from the dramatic shift in power and relevance. The lyrics state plainly that "all succumbed," and these once-dominant creatures are now mere "oil necessary in our time." This contrast highlights the ultimate futility of their reign of strength, as their very existence has been transformed into a resource for a different, presumably more advanced, era. The transition from apex predators to fossil fuel is a profound commentary on the impermanence of power.
The most striking element is the lyrical reduction of immense, powerful beings to a utilitarian commodity. The phrase "now they are oil necessary in our time" is a blunt, almost dismissive statement that underscores the vast historical and existential chasm. It suggests that even the most formidable forces can become utterly transformed and subservient to the needs of the present, their former dominance rendered irrelevant. The repeated idea that "it was by force and now it is another way" reinforces this theme of changing paradigms.
What makes these lyrics resonate is their concise, almost fable-like quality. They present a grand, sweeping historical arc—from absolute dominion to fossilized utility—in just a few lines. The effectiveness lies in this stark juxtaposition, forcing the listener to contemplate the ephemeral nature of power and the unexpected ways in which the past informs the present, even when that past involves colossal, long-extinct creatures.