Chop Suey! – System Of A Down

System Of A Down’s “Chop Suey!” is a defining track in the alternative metal genre, renowned for its complexity, emotional depth, and powerful political undertones. Released on September 4, 2001, as the lead single from their second studio album Toxicity, the song quickly became a cornerstone of the early 2000s rock scene. The official HD video for “Chop Suey!” further amplifies the song’s unique qualities, offering a visual representation of its intense energy and thematic depth.

The Song: A Fusion of Contrasts

“Chop Suey!” is a striking example of System Of A Down’s signature sound—a blend of metal, hard rock, and alternative influences that challenges conventional genre boundaries. The track is characterized by its dramatic shifts in tempo and mood, moving seamlessly from aggressive, high-energy sections to more melodic and introspective moments. This dynamic range is a hallmark of the band’s style and plays a crucial role in the song’s impact.

Lyrically, “Chop Suey!” is both enigmatic and thought-provoking. The song’s chorus, which famously declares “Wake up! Grab a brush and put a little makeup,” juxtaposes mundane daily activities with a sense of urgency and existential crisis. The verses explore themes of self-identity, guilt, and societal expectations, reflecting frontman Serj Tankian’s penchant for addressing complex and often controversial subjects through his music.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Chop Suey!” is its commentary on the nature of human suffering and the desire for redemption. The line “I don’t think you trust in my self-righteous suicide” can be interpreted as a critique of the way society judges individuals who seek escape or redemption. This theme resonates with many listeners, contributing to the song’s widespread appeal and lasting relevance.

The Music Video: A Visual Masterpiece

Directed by Marcos Siega, the official HD video for “Chop Suey!” enhances the song’s intensity with a visually striking narrative. The video begins with a surreal, almost apocalyptic scene, featuring the band performing in a stark, desolate environment. This setting establishes a mood of desolation and urgency that complements the song’s themes.

The visual style of the video is characterized by rapid cuts, high contrast, and a blend of abstract imagery. These elements work together to create a sense of chaos and disorientation, reflecting the song’s tumultuous emotional landscape. The band members—Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan—are depicted in a series of powerful, symbolic shots. For instance, Tankian’s intense, almost manic performance contrasts with the more restrained, yet equally compelling, visuals of the other members.

The video’s imagery includes a mix of surreal and symbolic elements, such as distorted faces, fragmented bodies, and ominous, shadowy figures. These visuals serve to amplify the song’s themes of inner turmoil and societal critique. The rapid shifts in imagery and the frenetic pacing of the video mirror the song’s own musical transitions, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for viewers.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Upon its release, “Chop Suey!” received critical acclaim and quickly became a commercial success. The song topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and garnered significant airplay on rock and alternative radio stations. Its success helped propel Toxicity to multi-platinum status and cemented System Of A Down’s position as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the early 2000s.

The song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success. “Chop Suey!” has been praised for its bold and unconventional approach to metal music. Its fusion of aggressive instrumentation with melodic and lyrical complexity set it apart from other tracks in the genre and influenced a generation of musicians and fans.

Moreover, the song’s video has been recognized for its artistic and technical achievements. The combination of striking visuals and dynamic editing techniques has earned it a place in the pantheon of memorable music videos. Its ability to convey the song’s themes through visual storytelling adds an additional layer of depth to the track, enhancing its overall impact.

Enduring Legacy

More than two decades after its release, “Chop Suey!” remains a staple of System Of A Down’s live performances and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The song’s powerful combination of lyrical introspection and musical innovation ensures its place as a classic of the alternative metal genre.

In the broader context of music history, “Chop Suey!” is a testament to the power of genre fusion and artistic experimentation. Its success demonstrates that challenging conventional norms can lead to groundbreaking and influential work. System Of A Down’s willingness to explore complex themes and incorporate diverse musical elements has left a lasting legacy, and “Chop Suey!” stands as one of their most enduring and impactful contributions.

Conclusion

System Of A Down’s “Chop Suey!” is a landmark track that exemplifies the band’s innovative approach to metal music. The official HD video, with its striking visuals and intense energy, complements the song’s powerful themes and complex structure. Together, the song and video create a compelling and immersive experience that has captivated audiences for years. As a defining piece of early 2000s rock, “Chop Suey!” continues to influence and inspire, cementing its place in the annals of music history.

Wake up (wake up)
Grab a brush and put a little make-up
Hide the scars to fade away the shake-up (hide the scars to fade away the-)
Why’d you leave the keys upon the table?
Here you go create another fable, you wanted to
Grab a brush and put a little make-up, you wanted to
Hide the scars to fade away the shake-up, you wanted to
Why’d you leave the keys upon the table? You wanted to
I don’t think you trust
In my self-righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
Wake up (wake up)
Grab a brush and put a little make-up
Hide the scars to fade away the (hide the scars to fade away the shake-up)
Why’d you leave the keys upon the table?
Here you go create another fable, you wanted to
Grab a brush and put a little make-up, you wanted to
Hide the scars to fade away the shake-up, you wanted to
Why’d you leave the keys upon the table? You wanted to
I don’t think you trust
In my self-righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
In my self-righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
Father (father)
Father (father)
Father (father)
Father (father)
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
In your heart forsaken me, oh
Trust in my self-righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
In my self-righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die