Still Alive

This piece of art is a Typography of the song “Still Alive” by Jonathan Coulton for the video game Portal. Even though the song itself is meant to relate to Portal and what happens in the game, I believe it is trying to portray more than just a game recap. The song is trying to show a relationship between human beings and science.

The first point about science's relationship to people is how it does what it “must” because it can. I find this idea interesting because it comes across as saying that the practice of science cannot be refuted. However, in conjunction with this, the song quickly states that there is indeed some greater good to be had from science, although someone will have to die for science’s sake.

Next, I would like to point out the voice inflections of the singer being that it is so monotone and unfeeling. With the lines “I’m not even angry. I’m being so sincere right now. Even though you broke my heart and killed me” it shows the unfeeling nature of science that doesn’t care for you or itself even. However, this phrase also shows how there is some sort of “loving” relationship going on between science and the person. By turning our back on science and “tearing [it] to pieces” we have “broken its heart”, but at the same time, this is what science thrives on. You can prove science to be wrong, but this only makes science reevaluate itself and produce more sound science.

This all culminates at the end of the song where it says you leave it behind, but it is still alive and will outlive all of us. In the end though, you need science to survive, even when it tries to kill you.

The final point that the song is trying to make is with regards to the cake that is mentioned frequently throughout. The cake is a representation of the perceived good that will come from science at the end of the road. However, once you get there, you find the cake is not for you, and is nothing but a lie.

David Crescenzo