Chop Suey! By System Of A Down: Full Lyrics

Hey guys, let's dive deep into the iconic and mind-bending lyrics of System of a Down's legendary track, "Chop Suey!" This song, released in 2001, isn't just a catchy tune; it's a lyrical puzzle that has fascinated fans and critics alike for decades. The genius behind its words lies in the band's unique ability to blend political commentary, personal struggles, and surreal imagery, creating something truly unforgettable. Whether you're trying to decipher its meaning or just want to sing along to every word, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down this masterpiece, verse by verse, offering insights and interpretations that might just blow your mind. Get ready to explore the chaotic beauty of "Chop Suey!" and understand why it remains a cornerstone of modern rock music.

Understanding the "Chop Suey!" Phenomenon

So, what makes "Chop Suey!" such a monumental track, you ask? Well, for starters, it’s System of a Down's signature sound dialed up to eleven. The song throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of frantic energy, shifting tempos, and Serj Tankian's distinctive vocal delivery – from melodic crooning to guttural screams. But beyond the sonic assault, the lyrics are where the real magic happens. They're abstract, often contradictory, and open to a huge amount of interpretation, which is precisely why people are still talking about them. The band themselves have often been intentionally vague about the song's meaning, encouraging listeners to form their own conclusions. This ambiguity is a key part of its enduring appeal, guys. It’s a song that invites you to engage, to think, and to feel. It tackles themes of life, death, religion, and societal issues with a raw honesty that’s both unsettling and incredibly cathartic. When it first dropped, "Chop Suey!" wasn't just music; it was an event. It dominated airwaves and music television, introducing a whole new audience to SOAD's unique brand of alternative metal. The music video itself, with its surreal and often disturbing imagery, perfectly complements the lyrical content, adding another layer of complexity to the overall experience. It's a song that doesn't spoon-feed you answers; instead, it poses questions and challenges your perceptions, making it a truly dynamic and engaging piece of art.

The Opening Lines: A Cry for Understanding

Let's kick things off with those instantly recognizable opening lines:

"Wake up (''cause I don't wanna die") *"Today, another day to die ("for you!")"

Right from the get-go, "Chop Suey!" throws you into a paradoxical state. The phrase "Wake up" usually signifies a new beginning, but here it's immediately followed by the desperate plea, "'cause I don't wanna die." This sets a tone of existential dread and a struggle against mortality. Then, it flips on its head: "Today, another day to die ('for you!')". This line is particularly chilling. Is it about sacrifice? Is it about feeling that life is meaningless, that every day is just a step closer to the inevitable end, especially if it’s for someone else? The contrast between the desire to live and the inevitability of death is a central theme that resonates throughout the song. It’s a raw, visceral reaction to the human condition, something we all grapple with at some point. The band's ability to convey such profound angst in just a few short lines is remarkable. It’s a powerful opening that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go, forcing you to confront uncomfortable truths about life and our place in the universe. The urgency in Tankian's voice here is palpable, conveying a sense of panic and desperation. It’s like he’s waking up to the harsh realities of existence and is desperately trying to find meaning or escape before it’s too late. This initial confrontation with mortality and the potential for self-sacrifice immediately immerses the listener in the song's complex emotional landscape, making them eager to uncover what lies beneath the surface.

"Trust in my love" - A Glimmer of Hope or Deception?

Following the intense opening, we get the lines:

"Trust in my love" *"And I'll shake the world off my shoulders"

This part of the chorus offers a potential shift, a glimmer of hope, or perhaps a moment of delusion. "Trust in my love" sounds comforting, like a promise of support and salvation. But in the context of the preceding lines about dying, it takes on a more ambiguous meaning. Is this love genuine? Is it a coping mechanism? Or is it a desperate plea for someone, anyone, to believe in him, to help him bear the weight of existence? The idea of shaking the world off his shoulders suggests a desire for freedom, for liberation from the burdens and anxieties of life. It’s a powerful image of shedding responsibility and finding peace. However, given the song's overall dark and chaotic nature, this plea for trust and liberation could also be interpreted as a false hope, a temporary escape from an inescapable reality. The juxtaposition of profound suffering with a simple request for trust creates a compelling tension. It’s this push and pull between despair and the longing for connection that makes the lyrics so compelling. The sincerity in Tankian’s delivery makes you want to believe him, even as the surrounding lyrics hint at darker undertones. It’s a testament to the band's songwriting prowess that they can evoke such complex emotions and conflicting interpretations within a few simple phrases. This section acts as a brief respite, a moment of potential solace, before the song plunges back into its more frenetic and questioning passages, leaving the listener to ponder the true nature of this offered "love."

The Iconic Chorus: "Everybody Dies" and "Chop Suey!"

The chorus of "Chop Suey!" is arguably the most famous and most debated part of the song. It hits you with:

*"I saw the world!" *"In love with the boy, and the boy in love with me!" *"I saw the world!" *"In love with the boy, and the boy in love with me!"

Followed by the explosive:

*"(Come, come, the things we've done!)" *"(Right, right, the things we’ve done!)"

And then the unforgettable pronouncement:

*"Wait!" *"(Today is where my neck lies!)" *"Wait!" *"(Today is where my neck lies!)"

This is where the lyrical density really kicks in, guys. The initial lines about seeing the world and being in love are often interpreted as moments of clarity, happiness, or perhaps naive idealism. But then, the interjection, "Come, come, the things we've done!" and "Right, right, the things we've done!" injects a sense of regret, a reckoning with past actions. The repetition emphasizes the weight of these deeds. The "Wait!" and the chilling phrase "Today is where my neck lies!" is a stark reminder of mortality, a foreshadowing of the inevitable end. It's a feeling of being trapped, with your fate sealed. The direct reference to "Chop Suey" itself, while not explicitly in the lyrics here, is the song's title and carries its own weight. The dish "Chop Suey" is a mix of various ingredients, often seen as a metaphor for something jumbled, a mishmash. This could reflect the chaotic nature of life, the confusing mix of good and bad experiences, love and loss, life and death. It’s a powerful lyrical core that encapsulates the song's central conflict between fleeting moments of joy and the ever-present shadow of doom. The repetition of seeing the world and the boy in love could represent a perfect moment, a peak experience, that is ultimately overshadowed by the "things we've done" and the impending fate. It’s a masterclass in lyrical storytelling, leaving us with images of both profound connection and inescapable consequence.

The Bridge: A Plea for Change and Release

The bridge offers another layer of introspection and a desperate plea:

*"I cry, when angels deserve to die!" *"I cry, when angels deserve to die!"

This is a profoundly unsettling statement. Who are these "angels"? Are they figures of purity, goodness, or perhaps innocence? The idea that they deserve to die suggests a deep disillusionment with the world, a feeling that even the best things are flawed or destined for destruction. It could also be a commentary on how society often fails or destroys those who are pure or innocent. The repetition amplifies the sense of despair and frustration. It’s a cry against perceived injustice, a questioning of divine order or the natural state of things. This expression of pain and anger towards perceived wrongs adds a significant emotional depth to the song. It’s a moment where the singer is confronting the darker aspects of existence, where even symbols of goodness are seen as deserving of suffering. This can be interpreted in many ways: a critique of religious institutions, a lament for lost innocence, or a reflection of personal turmoil where even perceived "good" brings pain. The raw emotion here is undeniable, guys, and it speaks to a collective frustration with the way things are. It’s a bold statement that challenges conventional notions of good and evil, suggesting a world where even angels are not safe from judgment or destruction. This section is crucial for understanding the band's often critical and unconventional worldview, forcing listeners to question their own definitions of morality and justice.

The Outro: Lingering Questions and Final Thoughts

The song fades out with repeating lines, leaving the listener in a state of contemplation:

*"What I’ve felt, what I’ve known" *"Never amounting to what I have known" *"When I lay down, at night" *"When I lay down, at night"

These closing lines are introspective and melancholic. The singer reflects on his experiences and knowledge, suggesting that they ultimately fall short of something he has known or perhaps should have known. There's a sense of unfulfillment and a yearning for deeper understanding. The repetition of "When I lay down, at night" emphasizes the quiet, solitary moments of reflection, where these feelings of inadequacy might be most profound. It’s a poignant ending that leaves you pondering the nature of existence, the limitations of human experience, and the eternal search for meaning. "Chop Suey!" doesn't offer neat resolutions; instead, it leaves you with lingering questions and a powerful emotional resonance. It’s a journey through the complexities of life, love, death, and societal critique, all wrapped up in a signature SOAD package. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its lyrical depth and artistic brilliance, guys. It’s a track that continues to spark conversation and resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, proving that great art doesn't need to provide all the answers – sometimes, the questions are more powerful.

Final Takeaways: Why "Chop Suey!" Still Matters

So, there you have it, guys! "Chop Suey!" is more than just a song; it's a lyrical tapestry woven with threads of existential angst, societal critique, personal struggle, and fleeting moments of intense emotion. System of a Down crafted a masterpiece that defies easy categorization, encouraging deep introspection from its listeners. The ambiguity of the lyrics, the relentless energy of the music, and Serj Tankian's unparalleled vocal performance all combine to create an experience that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It's a song that makes you think, makes you feel, and makes you question everything. Whether you interpret "angels deserving to die" as a critique of hypocrisy or the "boy in love" as a symbol of lost innocence, the song’s power lies in its relatability on a fundamental human level. We all grapple with mortality, with regret, and with the search for meaning. "Chop Suey!" captures these universal themes with a raw, unadulterated honesty that is rarely seen in mainstream music. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the band's artistic integrity and their ability to connect with audiences on a profound emotional and intellectual level. It’s a song that will undoubtedly continue to be analyzed, debated, and celebrated for years to come. Keep rocking and keep thinking, everyone!