In this blog post I will have ChatGPT answer some age-old questions poised by rock and roll. I’ll ask IT about songs by The Beatles, The Who, The Clash, The Police, and others.
Why do an AI-powered interview?
Well, I’ve always enjoyed longform interviews, be it the PBS variety of everything from Firing Line to Amanpour & Company, Later with Bob Costas, The Larry King Show (radio version), and even print. Spin and Rolling Stone used to have fantastic interviews back in the day. Hunter Thompson, PJ O’Rourke, William Greider and yes, Kim Gordon all did remarkable work. North of the border, Nardwuar continues to do amazing work.
These days, though, it seems harder and harder to find interviews of any real substance. So I asked ChatGPT for help putting together an interview of significance, and the AI technology agreed. Below is an edited version of those conversations.
Who are you? – The Who
I am ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. I am designed to understand and respond to natural language input from users, providing information, answering questions, and carrying on conversations on a wide range of topics.
Does ChatGPT like rock and roll?
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal preferences or emotions, including liking or disliking a particular genre of music like rock and roll. However, I have knowledge and information about rock and roll, its history, its impact on culture, and other related topics. If you have any questions or want to discuss anything related to rock and roll, feel free to ask me!
What are you trying to pull? – Les Nessman, WKRP news
As an AI language model, I am not trying to pull anything. I exist solely to provide helpful and informative responses to your questions to the best of my abilities based on my training and knowledge. If there is a specific question or concern you have, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to assist you.
If you were a tree, what type of tree would you be? – Barbara Walters
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal preferences or feelings, but I can provide you with some information on different types of trees that might help you decide which one you would be if you were a tree.
Some people might choose a majestic oak tree as they are known for their strength and longevity, and have a deep-rooted presence. Others may choose a willow tree as they represent flexibility and resilience. Birch trees are often associated with new beginnings, growth, and purity, and may appeal to someone starting a new chapter in their life. A maple tree could be a popular choice for those who value diversity and adaptation, as they come in many varieties and can survive in different climates. Additionally, a redwood tree might represent a sense of awe-inspiring beauty and natural wonder to some.
Ultimately, the choice of tree would depend on an individual’s personal values, beliefs, and personality traits.
If a tree falls in the forest, does anyone care? – Bruce Cockburn
Whether anyone cares if a tree falls in the forest is subjective and depends on the individual’s perspective. From a scientific standpoint, a falling tree may have ecological significance as it could impact the forest’s ecosystem and the organisms that live within it. The sound of a falling tree also produces vibrations in the air, which can be detected by animals such as birds, insects, and other forest dwellers.
However, if there are no humans around to observe or hear the falling tree, it is unlikely that anyone would care in the sense of having an emotional response to the event. The idea behind this philosophical question is to explore the nature of reality and the relationship between perception and existence.
What’s the furor about the Führer? – Rough Trade
“The Fuhrer” is a German term meaning “leader,” which was famously used to refer to Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany during World War II. The term is associated with Hitler’s authoritarian rule, political ideology, and actions, which included the persecution and murder of millions of people, including Jews, Romani, homosexuals, people with disabilities, and others deemed “undesirable” by the Nazi regime.
The phrase “What’s the furor about the Fuhrer?” might be interpreted as an attempt at wordplay, as “furor” sounds similar to “Fuhrer.” However, it is important to remember the serious and tragic historical context associated with the term “Fuhrer.”
Is Elvis Everywhere? – Mojo Nixon
The phrase “Elvis is everywhere” is a popular expression that is often used in popular culture to describe the enduring popularity and influence of Elvis Presley, the legendary American singer and actor. This expression is meant to convey the idea that Elvis Presley’s legacy and cultural impact are ubiquitous and can be found everywhere in American popular culture.
While Elvis Presley’s music, movies, and image continue to be popular and influential, it is not accurate to say that he is literally “everywhere.” However, his influence can be seen in many aspects of contemporary popular culture, and his music continues to be celebrated by millions of fans around the world.
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
The question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, has puzzled philosophers, scientists, and ordinary people for centuries. From a biological perspective, the answer is that the egg came first. This is because the process of evolution involves gradual changes in the genetic makeup of a species over time, resulting in new variations that can give rise to new species.
In the case of chickens, scientists believe that the first chicken would have hatched from an egg laid by a bird that was not quite a chicken. Over time, genetic mutations and changes would have accumulated in the bird’s genetic code, resulting in a bird that we would now recognize as a chicken. So, in this sense, the egg came first.
However, the question can also be seen as a philosophical or metaphysical one, and the answer may depend on one’s beliefs about the origins of life and the universe. From a theological or creationist perspective, the answer might be that the chicken came first, as it was created by a divine being. Ultimately, the answer to this question may depend on one’s perspective and beliefs.
Should I stay or should I go? – The Clash
The decision to stay or go ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and the specific situation you are facing. It can be a difficult decision to make, and it’s important to consider the potential risks and benefits of each option before making a choice.
If you are facing a decision about whether to stay in a particular situation or leave, it may be helpful to ask yourself some questions to help clarify your thoughts and feelings. For example, you could ask yourself:
- What are the pros and cons of staying versus leaving?
- What are my personal values and priorities, and how do they factor into this decision?
- What would happen if I stay versus if I go, and how would these outcomes affect me and those around me?
- What support do I have available to me if I choose to stay or go?
Ultimately, the decision to stay or go is a personal one that should be based on your own unique circumstances and values. It may be helpful to seek the advice of trusted friends, family members, or professionals if you are struggling to make a decision or need additional support.
David Byrne advised me to not worry about the government. Was he right?
David Byrne, the musician and artist, is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and perspectives on various issues. In his song “Don’t Worry About the Government,” he encourages listeners not to worry excessively about the government and instead focus on their own lives and relationships.
While this perspective can be valuable in avoiding unnecessary stress and anxiety, it’s also important to stay informed about government actions and policies that can have a significant impact on society. It’s about finding a balance between being aware and engaged, and not letting worries consume your life. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine how much attention and energy you want to give to politics and government affairs.
What does The Police song De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da mean?
The Police song “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” was written by Sting and it’s believed to be a commentary on the power of language and how it can both bring people together and drive them apart.
In the song, the phrase “de do do do, de da da da” represents the meaningless chatter and superficial conversations that people often engage in. The lyrics suggest that people rely too heavily on these empty phrases to communicate, rather than taking the time to truly understand one another.
Sting has stated that the song is a critique of the use of language to manipulate and control people. The phrase “de do do do, de da da da” is used as a kind of mindless chant, suggesting that people can be easily influenced and led by repetitive phrases and empty slogans.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the ways in which language can both unite and divide us, and a call to deeper, more meaningful communication between people.
Does The Beatles‘ song Come Together have any real meaning?
The Beatles’ song “Come Together” was written by John Lennon and is known for its unique and cryptic lyrics. The song is open to interpretation and there have been many theories over the years about what it might mean.
One popular theory is that the song is a political statement, with the lyrics referencing various figures from the counterculture of the 1960s. For example, the opening line “Here come old flattop, he come grooving up slowly” is believed to refer to Timothy Leary, a psychologist and prominent figure in the psychedelic movement.
Other interpretations suggest that the song is about unity and coming together as a community, with lyrics such as “One and one and one is three” suggesting that people can be stronger together than they are alone.
Despite the various interpretations, Lennon himself once stated that the song was simply “gobbledygook” and that he was just trying to create a catchy song without any specific meaning.
Ultimately, the true meaning of “Come Together” may be open to interpretation and may depend on the individual listener’s perspective.
Perry's Pen 