The Cells That Will Not Die

Henrietta Lacks died in '51
Of cancer so exotic that they saved some
Culture in a dish
Every day doubling in size
Spreading and contaminating
Henrietta is still alive

We are the cells
We are the cells
We are the cells
That will not die (repeat)

Living proof
That everything you know
Might be wrong

Flask to countertop
To other bio labs
Henrietta overpowers
Cultures everywhere

All the way to China
Back through Russia
To Johns Hopkins U
Years of research ruined
Didn't know
They used the wrong tissue

We are the cells
We are the cells
We are the cells
That will not die (Repeat)

Trait that is most poisonous
In a rock star ego scientist
Never, ever admit you're wrong

Cover up, intimidate
Like junkies in denial
The world is flat
And it ain't getting warm

No no no no no no no no no
Kuz then
Loss of power
Loss of funds
Must protect reputation

Hide mistakes
Do not correct
That's how Henrietta spreads
Flesh-eating bacteria
Hantavirus, AIDS, ebola

Festers in me
Like mad cow
Where is Henrietta now?

We are the cells
We are the cells
We are the cells
That will not die (Repeat)

How much of what we rely on
Is based on faulty research that's
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong