SETI Songs AplentyFilker's note: Normally when I write a song, it is conceived as a poem, and then later I either compose or commandeer a suitable melody. That was not the case for this song. After visiting Italy in July of 2004, to help in the design of the planned Montecorvino SETI Telescope Array (M-Star), I knew I had to write a song about the project. Clearly, it had to be to a recognizable Italian melody. I knew only one! So, the tune chose itself. Next, I had to come up with lyrics that fit its scansion and rhyme patterns. Here is the result.
Chorus:
Montecorvino is where I wish
To build antennas, each one a dish.
Together, they scan the sky.
To seek companions, and answer: 'Why?'
The phased array that will be known as M-Star
Is being built there; that's what the plans are.
Six dishes only, later joined by thirty,
Will work as one, and scan each sun for life.
Chorus
Across the hillside, patterned in a spiral,
Circular feeds sniff for signals chiral.
Low noise receivers, very best achievers:
Such telescopes fulfill our hopes and dreams.
Chorus
Three ways we'll use her: Interferometer,
Radiometer, and Spectrometer.
Each has its function. Working in conjunction,
M-Star Array will survey day and night.
Chorus
Planets abundant orbit stars redundant
Throughout the cosmos, and we will search those
Most like our own Earth. Maybe some would give birth
To ones like we. Our search will be for them.
Chorus
And should we seek them, only ne'er to find them,
Perhaps their lifetimes are far behind them.
If we're alone now, then we must learn somehow
To end all strife, to cherish life on Earth.
Chorus
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