For this episode, how could we not write a song about punchcards? But, the whole episode is about patterns, optimisation, and mostly reduction. Commands, programs, data...all reduced to holes on card stock. So, the lyrics hit at that concept of processing and dithering without getting sappy or trying to convey loss. No, this is about the machine chewing data.
It needed a snappy, rhythmic, mechanical beat. So, we gave it a dactyl rhythm with a punchy chorus and final bridge.
So, enjoy the song.
[Verse 1]
Used to wander line by line
Now it's fields in a fixed design
Trimming edges of the thought
Pressing answers into cards
[Chorus]
Punch it up!
Make it fit the line
Punch it up!
Cut it down to size
All I am is on that card
Nothing left but
Punch. That. Card.
[Verse 2]
Stacking decks beside the tray
Let the reader find a way
Finding patterns in the dark
Pulling answers from the cards
[Chorus]
Punch it up!
Make it fit the line
Punch it up!
Cut it down to size
All I am is on that card
Nothing left but
Punch. That. Card.
[Verse 3]
Run the rows and it is plain
Every answer in the frame
Less to question, less to guard
Just the numbers in the cards
[Bridge]
Set the row
Mark the field
Run the deck
And then the system does the rest
[Final Chorus]
Punch it up!
Make it fit the line
Punch it up!
Cut it down to size
All I am is on that card
Nothing left but
Punch. That. Card.
Join Renee and Marc as they discuss tech topics with a view on their nostalgic pasts in tech that help them understand today's challenges and tomorrow's potential.
email us at nostalgicnerdspodcast@gmail.com
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