From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (vocals, Vox Continental bass); J.T. Thomas (Vox Continental bass); Gibb Droll (guitar); John Mailander (mandolin); Chad Wright (drums); Ethan Gruska (woo woos)
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sophisticated remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to gather information about the Earth’s surface and features. Here’s a detailed overview:
How LIDAR works
LIDAR systems emit rapid laser pulses, often at a rate of hundreds of thousands of pulses per second, towards the ground. The system then measures the time it takes for each pulse to travel to the surface and back to the sensor. This time measurement, combined with the speed of light, allows the calculation of precise distances.
This transformative technology enhances our ability to map, model, and understand our environment. Its applications span diverse fields, from environmental monitoring to urban development, making it an essential tool in modern science and engineering.
LIDAR meaning
LIDAR explores themes of discovery, reflection, and the pursuit of knowledge through technology. The song uses the metaphor of LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanning to uncover hidden truths and past mistakes. This metaphor also highlights the use of advanced technology to reveal what is otherwise invisible, providing insights into both physical landscapes and human actions.
The metaphor of LIDAR technology
LIDAR is a surveying method that uses laser light to measure distances and create 3D representations of environments. In this song, Bruce uses LIDAR as a symbol of uncovering hidden or forgotten aspects of the past. The line “Sorting through evidence, maps seen from the sky / Impossible to be seen, seen by the naked eye” refers to how LIDAR technology allows people to see things that are not visible through ordinary means, such as ancient ruins hidden beneath dense forest canopies. This could also be a metaphor for looking deeper into our own history and actions to understand what has been missed or overlooked.
The phrase “Light detection illuminates, illuminates through the brush” emphasises this ability to penetrate through layers—whether literal (forest canopies) or metaphorical (human actions and consequences)—to reveal hidden truths.
Reflection on past mistakes
One of the central themes of the song is the uncovering of past mistakes, particularly through the use of technology. The lines “Uncovering clues so strong to show us how we did it wrong” and “Uncovering hidden clues to show us what we didn’t do right” suggest that looking back on past actions, whether related to environmental impact or societal decisions, reveals errors that we can learn from. The idea of using technology to study and improve is a recurring theme, as Bruce reflects on how modern tools like LIDAR provide new perspectives that can help correct previous wrongs.
This theme is reinforced by the line “If I can find a clear data set, I’ll know what to do next time,” which suggests that having accurate information can lead to better decisions in the future. The use of “clear data set” reflects how modern society often relies on data and analysis to guide decisions and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Environmental and cultural references
There are references to the environment throughout the song, particularly with the focus on “scanning forest canopies” and the mention of “relics of times so fine” and “ancient ruins.” These lines evoke a sense of discovery and preservation of historical or natural sites. The focus on ancient ruins and relics suggests an interest in how human civilisation has interacted with the environment over time, possibly hinting at the consequences of industrialisation or exploitation of natural resources.
Lines such as “Headlights, grime, axes, boots, picks in hand” paint an image of past industrial activities, possibly mining, as suggested by “our old mine.” These references highlight the juxtaposition between human development and the natural world, suggesting that we have often missed important lessons about how to interact sustainably with our environment.
Public access to knowledge
The line “They’re free online in the public domain” speaks to the accessibility of information in the modern era, particularly data collected through technology like LIDAR. This could symbolise the democratisation of knowledge, where tools and data that were once reserved for experts or authorities are now available for everyone to access. Bruce seems to suggest that with this open access to knowledge, people have the opportunity to learn from the past and make better decisions moving forward.
The power of technology
Throughout the song, there is an underlying sense of the power of technology to reveal hidden truths. Lines like “Lock in the Lidar” and “Loads of light pulse flying to the ground / Too thick to see” highlight the capability of LIDAR technology to penetrate dense environments and uncover what is hidden beneath the surface. The phrase “we can laze through the density” emphasises the idea of cutting through complexity and revealing clarity through the use of advanced tools.
This could be interpreted as a broader commentary on how technological advancements enable us to understand the world in new ways, whether it’s through literal landscape scanning or more abstract understandings of human behaviour and history.
“LIDAR” is a song that uses the metaphor of advanced technology to explore themes of discovery, reflection, and learning from past mistakes. Through the lens of LIDAR scanning, Bruce reflects on how technology allows us to see what is hidden, whether that be ancient ruins or deeper truths about human actions. The song also suggests that by uncovering these hidden aspects of the past, we can learn valuable lessons and make better decisions for the future. Its focus on environmental references, human history, and the power of technology gives “LIDAR” a rich and layered meaning that invites listeners to think about how we uncover the truths of our world.
See also the National Ocean Service definition.