(DDT: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

The Nobel prize, perverse nobility.
Born from destruction, spoils of war.
A chemist conjured grim toxicity,
Was gifted that guilt-stained reward.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

Fortuitous discovery:
Insecticide improves our lives.
The capitalist industry
Delivers bountiful supplies.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

An unintended consequence:
The compound lasts for centuries.
Up the food chain, prey ingests,
Corroding ovaries and breasts
With cancer, infertility.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

Short term success; expand ambitiously.
Gaslight resistance, disinform.
Lobby the state, assume authority.
Repudiate supposed harm.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

When banned, despite chicanery
Producers dump onto sea floor;
Ensures chemical legacy,
Far from disposed of, will endure.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

An unintended consequence:
The compound lasts for centuries.
Up the food chain, prey ingests,
Corroding ovaries and breasts
With cancer, infertility.

Dichloro, diphenyl, trichloro, ethane.

LJ Mounteney, vocals
Holly Bryan, horn
Finn Manniche, ‘cello
Buff Allen, drums