Devolution. devəˈlo͞oSHən. The descent or degeneration to a lower or worse state. My personal example: "The human race appears to be in a state of devolution - evolving backwards toward an earlier Neanderthal period - as evidenced by the barbaric killing of four unarmed college students by troops with M1 rifles." I'm referring, of course, to the Kent State University killings of May 4, 1970. The most famous song to emerge from the tragedy was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's "Ohio," which was released one month after the slaughter. Through the years artists have released at least 30 lesser-known songs about the massacre. Here are a few.