The Cybernetics Song A country viola song [Verse 1] I came from Minas Gerais With my viola in my hand, Trying to understand The relationships across the land. One speaks, another listens, Another changes their point of view, And so the circle keeps on forming As conversation carries through. [Chorus] Oh, this mischievous cybernetics, It never stops going round! I observe the one observing, And the observer changes ground. When I enter into conversation I’m not the person I was before, For whoever enters into a dialogue Never leaves quite the same anymore. [Verse 2] Mr. Stafford came along saying: “There’s a system around here!” Mr. Pask brought us a question: “How do I know that I understand you clear?” One responds, another questions, Someone else begins to smile, And the truth, being rather clever, Is in no hurry all the while. [Chorus] Oh, this mischievous cybernetics, It never stops going round! I observe the one observing, And the observer changes ground. When I enter into conversation I’m not the person I was before, For whoever enters into a dialogue Never leaves quite the same anymore. [Verse 3] There is feedback, there is conversation, There is control and direction too, But control without listening Becomes imposition through and through. When the people organize themselves And respond to what they find, Every part begins to change With the organization intertwined. [Bridge] The viola gives an answer When we make its strings resound, The song begins to change us, And we change the song around. If the question changes conversation And conversation changes thought, Who controls the controller When observing has begun? [Verse 4] There around the table made of stone, Everyone has something to say, There are stories, there is laughter, There are questions on the way. Cybernetics becomes conversation, Conversation becomes a song, And whoever thinks it’s finished Starts the circle all along. [Final Chorus] Oh, this mischievous cybernetics, It never stops going round! I observe the one observing, And the observer changes ground. Between the earth and thinking, Between the people and the place, Cybernetics is conversation: It’s living, learning, and asking questions! Heyyy, viola! Let the circle carry on!
