System of a Down

Chop Suey

Released in 2001 on their sophomore album "Toxicity," System of a Down's "Chop Suey!" became an instant nu-metal anthem, captivating audiences with its frenetic energy, cryptic lyrics, and unforgettable chorus. Let's delve into the song's history, meaning, and lasting impact.

Songwriters and Production:

  • Written by Daron Malakian, Serj Tankian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan
  • Produced by Rick Rubin and Daron Malakian

Year Released and Album:

  • Released as the lead single for "Toxicity" in August 2001

Chart Position:

  • Reached No. 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 but topped the Modern Rock Tracks chart, becoming their first top ten single.

Cultural Relevance:

  • "Chop Suey!" coincided with the height of nu-metal's popularity, resonating with its angst-ridden lyrics and aggressive sound.
  • The song's ambiguous lyrics sparked various interpretations, fueling its mystique and appeal.
  • Its post-9/11 release led to some speculating about political undertones, though the band denied them.

TV Shows and Movies:

  • Featured in the video game "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock" and the films "XXX" and "Spider-Man 2."
  • The song's intro played in the popular TV show "The West Wing" but wasn't officially licensed.

Lyrics and Meaning:

  • The lyrics are deliberately open to interpretation, with themes of questioning faith, societal pressures, and self-expression.
  • Lines like "Wake up! You decide who you are!" and "Chop suey! Fast asleep in a Chinese restaurant!" are often cited as examples of the song's ambiguity.
  • Some interpret the song as a critique of organized religion, while others see it as a personal struggle with identity and belonging.

While the meaning of "Chop Suey!" remains open to individual interpretation, some key elements offer deeper insights:

Themes:

  • Self-Questioning and Identity: Lines like "Wake up! You decide who you are!" and "Father into your hands I commend my spirit" suggest a struggle with self-identity and seeking answers amidst societal pressures and external expectations.
  • Religious Skepticism: The lyrics could be interpreted as questioning organized religion, with "Father" representing a higher power and "angels" symbolizing religious figures. Lines like "I cry when angels deserve to die" might express frustration with hypocrisy or dogma.
  • Social Commentary: The song's frantic energy and dark imagery could reflect a critique of societal issues, questioning authority and calling for change. "Fast asleep in a Chinese restaurant!" might symbolize apathy and escapism in the face of problems.
  • Personal Struggle: Some see the song as a personal expression of Serj Tankian's experiences, dealing with mental health issues and searching for meaning in life.

Ambiguity as a Choice:

The band deliberately left the lyrics open-ended to avoid spoon-feeding interpretations. This allows listeners to connect with the song on their own terms, finding meaning that resonates with their personal experiences and beliefs.

Evolving Interpretations:

The song's meaning has evolved over time. Initially, some misinterpreted the lyrics as anti-American after 9/11, highlighting the subjective nature of interpretation. Later, fans focused more on themes of self-exploration and societal critique.

Additional Points:

  • The title itself is ambiguous. Originally titled "Suicide," it was changed to "Chop Suey!" (possibly a wordplay on "suicide") to avoid potential radio censorship.
  • The music video adds another layer of interpretation with its dark visuals and religious imagery.

Ultimately, "Chop Suey!" stands as a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and inspire thought without dictating a specific meaning. Its ambiguity allows for continuous exploration and personal connection, solidifying its place as a timeless rock anthem.

Interesting Facts and Recording:

  • The song originated from a jam session where Serj Tankian improvised the melody and lyrics.
  • The iconic chorus was inspired by a dream Serj had about a man with a megaphone yelling "Chop suey!"
  • The band initially disliked the song but were persuaded by Rick Rubin to include it on the album.

Controversies:

  • The song was pulled from radio stations after 9/11 due to concerns about the lyrics' "I cry when angels deserve to die" being misconstrued as anti-American.
  • The video faced criticism for its dark imagery and perceived anti-religious symbolism.

Notable Cover Versions:

  • Performed by artists like Korn, Disturbed, and Apocalyptica.

Legacy:

"Chop Suey!" remains System of a Down's signature song, remembered for its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics. While its meaning may never be fully defined, its enduring popularity and open-ended interpretation solidify its place as a nu-metal classic.


Tags:

suicide   struggle