First Time ANALYSIS | System of a Down - "Chop Suey"

[@VolBeat2412.]

5:23 Until this day this part of the song gives me goosebumps. The piano melody and their voices sounds so good.

[@FalloutGenius1]

Almost all soad songs give me goosebumps. But to be honest most songs with meaning in them do this to me

[@joenutz2738]

Holy shit never noticed that piano in the background it’s amazing

[@atvena]

I'm not crying you're crying

[@marinedude_06]

Guitarist Daron Malakian, who wrote it with lead singer Serj Tankian, explained: "The song is about how when people die, they will be regarded differently depending on the way they pass. Like, if I were to die from a drug overdose, everyone would say I deserved it because I abused drugs, hence the line 'Angels deserve to die.'"

[@mookiestewart3776]

Damn thanks man I didn’t know this

[@barrydiller542]

Best reaction - best analysis - of this song that I have seen. Thank you!

[@piercehaugh1583]

I love this song not only for the fast paced singing but also for the deeper meanings behind it, this song got me through my teenage years along with other bands who were just screaming my inside thoughts into a mic and i finally felt heard, but i knew i could never thank those people in person, i'm glad you got the same reactions i did when i first saw this video. Keep up the great work!

[@benmason9755]

Daron provides lead vocals on SOAD track Lonely Day, which is an enjoyably twisted, dark but fun song, kind of a gloomy ballad but also most definitely not.

[@Cadinho93]

Fun fact: The song was originally titled "Suicide", but Columbia Records forced the band to change it to avoid controversy. The song title is therefore a wordplay: "Suey" is "suicide", "chopped" in half. Basically, "Chop Suey" is a masterpiece. One of the songwriters said that the song is about how we are all judged differently depending on the circumstances of our deaths, but like Serj Tankian has said before (lead singer of the band), music is all about interpretation, so you can explain it any way you want to that makes sense to you.

[@Tony-The-Motherfucking-Tiger]

Imo it's in part about domestic violence "Hide the scars to fade away the shake-up" (hide the scars of the beatings to fade away that they happened) "Why'd you leave the keys upon the table? Here you go create another fable" (Any reason is enough for the abuser to justify violence, in his opinion, the victim is just making excuses)

[@Polyphemus89]

Yep, maybe unintentionally the best song title of all time

[@disobedientdolphin]

Funny how opinions can differ. I think most of the lyrics of SOAD songs is incoherent utter rubbish, but the music is really cool.

[@TacoBag]

lol, chop suey is Asian dish they eat in video, just random name, there are no wordplay

[@Polyphemus89]

@@TacoBag completely wrong, they ate it in the video BECAUSE they changed the name, it was a joke.

[@wammons007]

Cant get over your passion man love it

[@streetninjas313]

Another awesome reaction, definitely subb'ed after this. You reminded me about how at gigs they played music while you're waiting for the show to start and how they would ALWAYS play Chop Suey, thank you so much for reminding me about an amazing part of my childhood!

[@ZedMasterGames]

Daron Malakian (guitarist) - Scars on Broadway (his work)

[@biberiuscaldiusmero]

Cool reaction! The guitarrist's name is Daron Malakian. He also has a side project with a band called Scars on Broadway where he's the main singer. For some beautiful harmonies between Daron and Serj you could check out Tentative, even though it's not a typical reaction song, but that might mean it's new to you which could be cool. Another particularly important System of a Down song I'd recommend is Holy Mountains, maybe there's some live footage from Yerevan (Wake up the Souls tour of 2015 to remember the Armenian genocide). A totally different, but also highly entertaining live performance is Psycho from Big Day Out 2002.

[@andrewb2452]

Suprised its your first time. Hope you are having a kick ass day

[@SierraBravo347]

This is a problem I've noticed my whole life...People Listen to music, but the don't HEAR the music. If that makes sense. I CONSUME music...I'll listen to a song Over and Over, devouring everything in it. Luckily, I was blessed with the ability to hone in on Specific Instruments in the track, and almost Tune Out everything else in the recording. Great Review as Always, fellow INFJ. ✌🏼✌🏼

[@moisesemh]

Respect, but people hear music and don't listen to it. Listening requires attention and focus. Hearing doesnt.

[@SierraBravo347]

@@moisesemh Good Point, my friend! I guess that wasn't worded quite Correctly. I think my dyslexia must've kicked in...😆😆😆

[@lindseywagoner3011]

Infp here

[@SierraBravo347]

@@lindseywagoner3011 Hi, infp! 👋🏻 I think I've seen you on either Lijo's channel, Frank James, or maybe both. 🤔

[@Blomrutger]

Yes i totally know what you're saying. I grew up with music, i play in a orchestra and I'm so lucky i can listen to music like this.

[@dimitrisnikoloulis4071]

So impactful and emotional song ...damn.. It gives me tiers😢! " When angels deserve to die " quote, damn so strong enstatment, and the " Father " growling part and the rest of the song to the fade , darn me is so strong!😢 Subtle message on !

[@MrCmad1104]

Holy Mountains is a must. And a song with more of the guitarist singing would be Lonely Day. Really love your channel. You take care of yourself.

[@Alhu90]

I can honestly say that there is a lot of songs that I have listened a lot over the course of my life but especially in the younger years have not understood or internalised the lyrics properly. In the last 2 years that I have watched reaction videos I have learned so much of the songs that I thought I knew but in reality never really listened even tho I knew the lyrics and all.

[@jimidave6281]

I always loved in the bridge section, where Serj and Daron both shout "Father" that each picks a different emotion - Serj is almost angry, whilst Daron is complete desperation. It's like an internal mental battle.

[@TheChadPad]

Great reaction and analysis! There is another meaning hidden in the song, which I never got until I heard Daron explain it. The "I cry when angels deserve to die" bit is a lament that people judge others who have committed suicide from drug abuse saying that they deserved to die. It's really sick that people are like that, but that's what that means. He cries when people say that angels deserve to die

[@Sancho-_Panza]

They had this unique style of switching between beautifully melodious and in a second going HARD!!! They didn't try to disguise it either which was quite brilliant! It's like strapping into a rollercoaster. This is not easy to achieve as it it can feel clunky. They did it to perfection! You're listening excitedly like a dog waiting for a treat! Also, your stank face can't be faked. When you're in the moment, nobody looks great. It's probably the greatest endorsement an artist can have. Side note - I'm officially banned from listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan whilst driving. I can't help it but I close my eyes to feel it when he gets going! It's an involuntary reflex.

[@andrewb1337]

Kinda falling in love with not only how incredibly comprehensive and articulate your breakdowns are - but intuitive as well. Not only are you quick to pick up on a meaning or intent, but I find myself saying a word or finishing one of your pending thoughts only for you to immediately repeat it. On some same wave-length/frequency type shit and I’m so here for it 🤙🏼🔥

[@ninja_tony]

I’m so glad you got to check this one out! Another great one you should do if you haven’t seen/heard it before is a song that Serj did with Tech N9ne, called “Straight Out the Gate”. It’s awesome.

[@trentyazzie5794]

Definitely check out “Lost In Hollywood” & “Lonely Day” for more Daron on vocals!🔥

[@matthewbradish1149]

Great song great reaction keep up the good work

[@wgolden3]

Proof that a song can be both chaotic and beautiful at the same time

[@cjhall7798]

Love from Texas darlin 🤠

[@MikaTarkela]

Why am I crying? That last chorus just hits so hard damn it.

[@atvena]

Those harmonized vocal runs everytime

[@Joker1571000]

Most of their songs have a really deep meaning weather be political or worldly. Darren has a project called scars on Broadway

[@anabainein]

'whether'

[@kvltovfreki6020]

Definitely recommend checking out Scars on Broadway (Daron Malakian's side project) so you can hear more of his voice, Kill Each Other/Live Forever off their debut is probably a good start.

[@34rdiaz]

Absolutely love this song it hits deep ..when you breakdown a song it’s like opening a present over and over again for the first time I got the same reaction you got..🙏😎

[@richardfrancis8476]

So true that music and lyrics are left to interpretation. Here is another spin on the song’s meaning. I originally thought it was about the 911 terrorist attack. Chop Suoy was what the buildings looked like after falling down. The song starts off as a normal day in society. Then death caused by suicidal acts. And the angels being the victims. It’s just a thought.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

Chop suey was made before the terrorist attacks so this makes no sense

[@pleaseshutup7053]

Recorded in March released in august 2001

[@joerenaud8292]

The guitar player and backup singer does have a lovely voice and you can really hear what it sounds like in another one of their songs titled, "Lost In Hollywood", which is quite stunning and quite different.

[@lordgoffy]

Love your reactions 👍❤️

[@marcoalonso8890]

Buena reacción, y nuevamente te ves re hermosa. Saludos 🇲🇽

[@Eisfalken]

I hope she does a review for Serj's solo work song "Empty Walls". The lyrics and video are really well-done.

[@ieeiiwieieieiw2012]

When i heard this song first time i thought it was crazy and i didn't understand it, but then i heard those last harmonies and i realised that it was genius and beautiful

[@Morgul207]

For more Darron, Hypnotize or Radio/Video from his SOAD work, and basically all of his Scars On Broadway work.

[@slploudmouth]

These guys are pretty great. They always have a great message and sweet guitar rifts. Speaking of guitar rifts when you have time check out Parkway Drives new songs: Darker Still, Glitch, Imperial Heretic. as options.

[@davanplay9524]

One of my favorite songs and bands, nice reaction. 👌

[@HelloJTello]

I see the Senpai has post, I peep the notification, I watch the fire content as usual :)

[@AileenSenpai]

You're the best!

[@Squeesher]

When this hit back in 2001, I had a new favourite song. I've since moved on and had other favs, but I will always love Chop Suey. August Burns Red did a cover of it a couple years back that is imho the best cover. The drums are heavier, and I'm a sucker for that. I haven't been watching very long, but I've always enjoyed your reactions since finding you. Hope you're having a great day!

[@jacobmarriott7971]

Love you!

[@Wreath83]

Hey. Thanks for your awesome reaction. Love this song!

[@stevezeppieri]

Smashing Pumpkins “ “Thirty Three”. Right up your alley

[@Soundtracks92]

This song is a masterwork of heaviness mixed with harmonizing melody! I recommend listening to their whole discography! You won’t be disappointed ❤️

[@HohnerCornell]

A good song by SOAD with a lot of Malakian's voice is Lonely Day.

[@Arb1111-y1]

much love from pomona CA

[@yoelyaacovmedina4602]

Great reaction, when I get to see clear again, I really wanna learn to play the fiddle.

[@mattblatchley2061]

absolutely loved hearing what this song meant to you. for real.

[@richardwilliams5387]

The lyric about father why have you forsaken me was from a book producer Rick Rubin had on his shelf. The band couldn't come up with that part so he said "grab something off the shelf and randomly pick a phrase".

[@r2streu]

(it was the Bible. Jesus, on the cross, cries out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" And before dying says, "Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit")

[@orangehuskey8183]

You should definitely do another System of a Down song cause in my opinion there all bangers

[@justjsse8917]

Amazing song

[@delyleparrish483]

I really enjoyed watching you react and enjoy SOAD a fantastic band, and Serj’s solo album is also wonderful

[@therealcarter1353]

You are My Favorite Reactor So….Letz Go!!

[@victorramsey5575]

I love your reactions.. actually your eyes during the reactions. The eyes are the window to the soul. Anyway, cool song and video, a modern day classic. Have you ever seen the 'Elders React' videos? There's one of them and this song/video. Some of them actually get it, some... not so much. lol. Its fun.

[@everyonelovesmajima]

Daron's fucking awesome and he becomes more prominent in System of a Down. He's got another band called Scars on Broadway, which is everything you're gonna want from him.

[@KiloEcho75]

I freaking love your videos! I really think you need to review either “Passenger”, “ Digital Bath” or “Sextape” by the Deftones. Truly curious about your reaction to those. Or even “Searching With My Good Eye Closed” by Soundgarden.

[@MyReallyCleverHandle]

I'd second Passenger

[@mattmorganRnR]

Great breakdown 🔥

[@Brandunfriendlyman]

Funny part about this song is that the part at 5:00 (in your video, not the music video) is just something they added completly randomly thanks to their producer Rick Rubin. "And we're sitting in the library in my old house and he said 'I don't have words for this' and we were finishing and it's like, OK. 'Any ideas?'; he didn't have any ideas. So I said, 'OK, pick a book off the wall.' He picked a book randomly off the wall, I said, 'open it to any page [and] tell me the first phrase you see. He opened it, first phrase he sees: that's what's in the song, and it's a highpoint in the song. It's incredible, like magic."

[@TheEMFB]

I do love to see a smile on your face during a song. Also, I like how you kind of call out the trauma that creates songs like this. ✌️☝️❤️

[@playalot]

The other guy is Daron Malakian. You should check out his other band Scars on Broadway. I would suggest "Lives"" or "They Say"

[@eric21881]

Yeah I got into how deep they are long after I first listened I always liked em sound nice but they’re so much more than that Just absolutely wonderful little journeys for each song

[@UnarmedBandit]

Lonely Day has Daron singing lead, and the video definitely has a lot of symbolism.

[@Error404----]

I love Serj and Darons harmonizing. Lonely Day is the song you want for Daron in the front.

[@agentlemansmanners4582]

thats a dream.very good song giving me diffrent vibes each time.good for my mood swings

[@delwhin]

there is a beautiful video of serj and his father singing Arminian folk song gives awesome context of Serj's singing style

[@craigmccuistian]

Even if it’s on your own time, PLEASE PLEASE watch Halocene’s cover of this. Halocene, Violet, and Lauren each recorded their own parts in their home studios during COVID lockdown from 3 different countries. I would prefer to see your reaction but… They have also covered other bangers incredibly. Sometimes just Halocene or sometimes collaborating with others. Toxicity, Don’t Stop Believing - Journey, Kickstart my Heart - Motley Crue,… A very deep series of rabbit holes.

[@jimini1976]

Yes!, Please check out Halocene, Thier cover of Heathens is 🔥. They also covered Cruel for the Summer. So many great original songs.

[@patlee85]

Daron Malakian is on guitars and also on Scars on Broadway and is also a great singer

[@jeremykershaw]

Probably my favourite SOAD song!

[@dedavai]

Daron (the guitarist you mentioned at the end) started his own band after System break-up, called Scars on Broadway. Check out any of his songs, they're all great.

[@jeremybrennan4115]

Love from seattle

[@feyblacklife2896]

S. O. D, great reaction and enjoy this band 👍😈

[@ChristosKourtis]

You're such a very sentimental person like me and I like that. I love you so much!!! Greetings from Athens, Greece!

[@ATShovo]

Thanks from an amazing reaction SYSTEM OF A DOWN is the greatest band in his genre

[@chrisolvera1775]

"Lonely day" is a great song. Sang by the back up singer/ lead guitarist is a great song to hear his voice. I recommend it for a future reaction, but be warned it is pretty sad

[@cbenson513]

^this

[@FightingIrish327]

One of my favorite songs of all time..

[@emesanasution8754]

Impresive analysis 😎😎😎👍👍👍👍👍That's why i love system of a down and you Should try listening "Maximum The Hormone" System of a down from Japan. there you will find a lot of fast and slow tempo changes between the bars, their unique vocal character and rock character without losing the character of Japanese music. I'm sure you will find a lot in this band...🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Bakuru]

Damn, that's EXACTLY what they are 🤣🤣 never even thought if that but that is the perfect way to describe them. I got introduced to them from Death Note and have loved them ever since 💯💯💯 Favorite song is still Zetsubo Billy, probably bias cuz it's the DN Ending LOL

[@kennethkiwistone]

You should really consider checking out "Hi Ren" by Ren. Would love to see your reaction to it - such a beautiful a emotionally packed song!

[@leoantonio3849]

great reaction. check out Scars On Broadway, that's Daron's other band (guitarist of soad) and he's also the lead singer in that group

[@gilbertbarreras1081]

Questions is a must!

[@JoshSmith-vj3yb]

Love SOD! I would love to see you do some Sevendust. There a killer band that everyone loves but they never get enough attention

[@Darthartanis]

Also you should definitely listen to "Lonely Day". That song is sung mostly by Daron.

[@bernardoesperanto3194]

Sorry, wrong link. Here is the original of Yoshu Fukushu (MV): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJaxZpimarKlmrs And typical also "Alien" (MV): kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipXahWiAoa1rna8 For a live concert see Live at Metrock 2015

[@keysersoze9025]

Guitarist Darren's band is Scars on Broadway

[@Vintech64]

This video and the other videos for SOAD are directed by their base player, who used to make extreme skate board videos before he got into this band.

[@grzesiek0386]

Bassist Shavo Odadian is the director of the System of a down music videos

[@duncanpearce9950]

You're beautiful insane and chaotic!

[@jarrettenaope7038]

A System Classic..It did Get lots of MTV exposure and Airplay..So the world was Real farmiliar with This Jam🤘

[@justjsse8917]

Also you look beautiful!

[@tim.noonan]

You should react to some Between the Buried and Me! Absolute Prog Metal royalty. No matter what you’re looking for in a metal band, their sound is guaranteed to give you some amount of it lol.

[@ROCKONplaceboforever]

Absolutely 💯 blast it 🔥

[@soeinLuca2003]

You need to listen to the song Eiley The Band is To Close to touch. Very Emotional!

[@rosslooby7491]

Rick Rubin their producer said the part about being forsaken, the entire was pulled from a book. The line was the first thing he read so he put it in the song because he hadn't written anything for that part of the song.

[@javiervigil2511]

It's funny how different songs come to you in life when you need to hear the message. I've had the opportunity to relive some songs that remind me of points in my life while watching you listen to them, sometimes for the first time, and it feels.... Real? Again, so thanks 👍

[@SabreArchon]

Analysis is spot on. SOAD talks about deep shit through wildly avant-garde music

[@kubulajagodzinski4355]

Great song choice to react alien

[@katierandomly]

Absolute favorite song. I literally just discovered them a couple years and it was like a dawning moment: wow..I’ve been missing this my whole life. 🥹❤️

[@dustinplatt6882]

I love watching people and comments trying to figure out what SOAD songs mean. Like this song, the last part, the "Father into your hands...." is literally just a random sentence, Serj found in a book in their producers library. Their lyrics can mean anything you want them to mean, in my opinion. For example, here's an snippet from an interview with the guitarist Daron: I don’t think you trust In… My… Self-righteous suicide I… Cry… When angels deserve to die “Our fans were starting to say, ‘Hey, these guys are prophets, they’re saying things that hadn’t happened yet,’” says Malakian. “‘Self-righteous suicide’, ‘Aerials in the sky’ [from the Toxicity track Aerials], Jet Pilot.’ I was, like, ‘Wow, that’s cool they think that. Let’s make them believe we actually did it.’” And also from the same interview: “The song is about how when people die, they will be regarded differently depending on the way they pass,” said Malakian. “Like, if I were to die from a drug overdose, everyone would say I deserved it because I abused drugs, hence the line Angels deserve to die.” Also... Banana, banana, banana, banana, terracotta, banana, terracotta, terracotta pie.

[@atvena]

Those lyrics are from the bible their the last words Jesus uttered upon the cross

[@o_krush67]

"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit", “My God (father), my God, why have you forsaken me?” are lines spoken by Jesus. THe former the last words he spoke.

[@missterM69]

It's the word of Jesus while he been crucified,???

[@alexsaucedo8032]

Great song off a great album. Love this jam. Great guitar sound and guitar work. Cool video too 😎. . I saw this album tour twice. Kick ass concert both times. Met them all too. Signed my CD 💿. Good memories. Good times. This whole album kicks ass. A solid fuckin 10. CRANK IT UP LOUD. HORNS UP 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘

[@alexthemoonsloth]

This is absolutely not crap talk or any sort of the matter. I just find if baffling that there are people that listen to things "similar" or "in the same realm/genre" of SOAD but have never heard iconic songs like chop suey, aerials, or like toxicity. It makes me excited to know, that the rabbit hole of finding new music is endless and will never end!

[@marc_leblanc]

Surprised to see you haven't done B.Y.O.B.. It's my favorite song of theirs, personally. It has everything!