We couldn’t resist. The moment we came up with the title of our special exhibition, Bacterial World, we were all humming Madonna’s 1985 hit. So here it is – a bacteria-themed version of Material Girl – written, performed and illustrated by the talented Museum team.
In place of “cold hard cash”, you’ll learn that bacteria were involved in the creation of life on Earth, and you’ll find DNA exchange and photosynthesis in place of kisses and hugs. Have a listen… and try to stop yourself dancing.
Of course, you’ll need the full lyrics to sing it in your bedroom with a hairbrush:
BACTERIAL GIRL
Some bugs make you feel unwell
And we’ve all heard of them
But look inside and you will find
That bacteria are your friend
They’ve been around since way back when
In the ocean life began
But nowadays they’re everywhere
So I think you’ll understand, that we are…
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl
You know that we are
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl
They spent some time in the sun
Began to photosynthesise
Put oxygen in the air we breathe
I’m telling you no lies
Now E. coli’s got a real bad rep
For causing people pain
But what you got to realise
Is it’s only one bad strain
’cause we are
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl
You know that we are
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl
Now some bugs love to snuggle up to
Exchange their DNA
Other cells are armed with spears
That wipe enemies away
Resistance to our medicines
You could call it evolution
But microbes might just hold the key
To a medical solution, ’cause we are
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl
You know that we are
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl
You know that we are
Living in a bacterial world
And I am a bacterial girl!
Bacterial World is open until 28 May 2019.
Credits for this little bit of brilliance go to:
Vocals, violin: Laura Ashby
Words, banjo, guitar, recording: Scott Billings
Illustrations: Chris Jarvis
More Than A Dodo 
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