Genetic engineering has always been a topic of extreme fascination in science fiction, and its applications have been speculated aplenty. However, the alternative rock band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, better known as OMD, took it a step further and created a song around it. The band’s 1983 track, ‘Genetic Engineering’, was a hit in the UK and can still be found on playlists decades later. The song addresses some of the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic engineering while also displaying a sense of awe at its potential.

The song’s lyrics are both celebratory and skeptical of genetic engineering. The opening lines are “It’s alright, you know what they’re saying / Well, we’re living in a genetic dream” which highlights the excitement that surrounds the possibilities of genetic engineering. However, the caution becomes apparent as the song continues, “Life is short, but love is strong / And we shouldn’t wait forever”. OMD is essentially urging humans to weigh up the pros and cons of this new technology before diving in headfirst.

The song’s chorus provides a glimpse into a dystopian future where science has created the perfect being, but at the cost of humanity’s individuality. “Genetic engineering could very well change the way we love” sings OMD. They’re questioning whether we are willing to replace our natural inclinations with what science tells us to do. It’s an understandably scary thought.

‘Genetic Engineering’ is a song that manages to explore the pros and cons of genetic engineering while weaving in its captivating potential. The band seems unsure of what the future holds, something that’s resonant with many things in science fiction writing. With further research and development, we might one day be able to eliminate the negative aspects of genetic engineering and move forward with its potential, which is undoubtedly exciting.

What the song does so masterfully is draw our attention to the fact that we can’t take this technology lightly. Given its potential to completely change the way we view ourselves, it’s important that we approach it responsibly. Instead of shirking away from it, or plunging headfirst into it, we must be measured in our approach towards genetic engineering. It’s a technology that we must approach, just as OMD suggests, with caution.

In the 21st century, genetic engineering has taken on a life of its own. It’s no longer the stuff of science fiction, and instead, it’s being used to cure illnesses, create new organisms to enhance food production, and a host of other areas. As we further understand this science, we can expect that it will continue to have an increasingly significant impact on our society.

The song ‘Genetic Engineering’ perfectly captures the complexity of genetic engineering. There’s a sense of awe in the song that captures how groundbreaking the technology is while also recognizing its potential downsides. The lyrics ultimately ask us if we’re willing to upend the way we’ve always done things in exchange for potentially significant benefits. At its core, the song is about weighing up our options and making a decision that’s authoritative, measured, and responsible.

All in all, ‘Genetic Engineering’ is a cautionary song about the power we’re holding within our hands. It serves as a reminder that we must approach these new technologies prudently, with a level of caution that we often reserve for matters of the utmost importance. Ultimately, it’s a great tribute to science’s fantastic potential and a necessary call to use that potential responsibly so that we don’t lose what makes us human.

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