I am putting the finishing touches on a workshop/grant application. As I am working, I have a tune in my head that has been there for days. The tune is “Hypnotize” by System of a Down. System of a Down is a band that intrigues me in many ways. The band members are of Armenian descent. They are unabashedly personal, political, and enigmatic. Most of their stuff is too heavy-metal-oriented for my tastes. I am not a fan of heavy metal, but I am a fan of any band that has some kind of political consciousness. This particular song weaves at least two strong themes together--the events in Tiananmen Square and someone sitting in a car “waiting for my girl.” I have heard many potential meanings to this song. Interestingly, when guitarist and singer, Daron Malakian started talking to L.A. City Beat about the song, saying that he wrote it while waiting for his ex-girlfriend in his car, lead singer, Serj Tankian, interjected, “Don’t let out too much.” After Tankian’s comment, Malakian said, “Oh, yeah, it’s not written about anything. It’s a bunch of bull$#!%!”
You can see the video on VH 1.com. Look for the song link, “Hypnotize” in the video section, under the band’s picture.