The Meaning Behind The Song: Chop Suey by System Of A Down
“Chop Suey” by System Of A Down is one of the most recognizable songs of the 21st century. Its aggressive energy and catchy chorus quickly turned it into an anthem for alternative music fans worldwide.
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But what is the song actually about? Why did it resonate so deeply with so many people? In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the lyrics of “Chop Suey” and the context in which they were written.
The Band: System Of A Down
Before diving into the song itself, it’s worth taking a moment to talk about System Of A Down as a band. Formed in 1994 in California, the band quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of metal, punk, and Eastern European musical influences.
Their music often deals with heavy political and social themes, including the Armenian Genocide, political corruption, and police brutality. They are known for their high-energy live shows and outspoken activism, particularly on issues related to the Armenian community.
The Lyrics: Exploring The Meaning Behind “Chop Suey”
“Chop Suey” was released in 2001 as the lead single from System Of A Down’s second album, “Toxicity.” The song’s title is a reference to an American Chinese dish that mixes various ingredients, and the lyrics touch on a wide range of themes, from religion to suicide.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for what’s to come: “Wake up / Grab a brush and put a little make-up / Hide the scars to fade away the shake-up.” These lines seem to refer to the idea of putting on a facade to hide one’s true feelings or insecurities. The “scars” could be physical or emotional, but either way the song is suggesting that we “hide” them to avoid confronting them.
This theme is echoed later in the song, when lead vocalist Serj Tankian sings, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit / Father, into your hands / Why have you forsaken me? / In your eyes, forsaken me / In your thoughts, forsaken me.” These lyrics directly reference the last words of Jesus Christ on the cross, but they also speak to the idea of feeling abandoned by a higher power or authority figure.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable part, with Tankian shouting, “Wake up / Grab a brush and put a little make-up / Hide the scars to fade away the shake-up / Why’d you leave the keys upon the table? / Here you go create another fable.”
On the surface, these lines seem disconnected and unclear, but they actually speak to some of the same themes explored earlier. The idea of putting on a facade and hiding one’s true feelings is again present here, as is the idea of creating false narratives or stories to avoid confronting reality.
There is also a sense of frustration and anger in the chorus, particularly in the line “why’d you leave the keys upon the table?” This could be interpreted in a few different ways – as a reference to someone who has abandoned their responsibilities, or as a metaphor for the idea of being denied access or control.
The Video: Visualizing The Song’s Themes
The music video for “Chop Suey” is just as memorable as the song itself. Directed by Marcos Siega, it features the band playing in a surreal, abstract environment that includes giant clocks, floating images of the band members, and strange visual effects.
The video is full of symbolism that reflects the themes of the song. The clock imagery seems to suggest a feeling of time slipping away, while the band members’ faces are distorted and obscured in ways that could represent emotional or psychological turmoil. Overall, the video reinforces the idea that the song is about pushing back against a world that forces us to hide our true selves and conform to expectations.
The Legacy: The Impact Of “Chop Suey”
“Chop Suey” remains one of System Of A Down’s most popular songs to this day, and its impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. Its catchy chorus and unrelenting energy make it a fan favorite, but its deeper themes and messages ensure that it continues to resonate with listeners.
In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2020, Tankian said of the song, “I think it speaks to people on multiple levels. People hear it and really relate to it on their own level. Even today, you see people who use it to inspire them to get through tough times.”
Overall, “Chop Suey” is a powerful example of how music can be both a reflection of the world we live in and a call to action to push back against it. Its themes of self-expression, frustration, and rebellion against authority continue to inspire listeners and musicians alike.
