Meaning of Chic ‘N’ Stu by System Of A Down

The song "Chic ‘N’ Stu" by System Of A Down is an energetic and humorous critique of consumerism and advertising. Through its creative and quirky lyrics, the band sheds light on the pervasive influence of advertising in modern society, touching on various aspects of consumer culture. Each lyric serves as a clever and unexpected means to explore different facets of the overarching theme.In the catchy chorus, Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian repeat the phrase "Need therapy, therapy, advertising causes." This lyric highlights the detrimental effects of manipulative advertising on individuals and society as a whole. It suggests that the constant bombardment of commercial messages can lead to a need for therapy, as people may struggle mentally and emotionally due to the pressure to constantly consume and conform.One exceptionally unique and memorable lyric in the song is the playful line, "What a splendid pie, pizza-pizza pie, every minute and every second, buy, buy, buy, buy, buy." This seemingly innocent verse carries a deeper meaning that can be interpreted as a commentary on the obsessive and mindless consumption habits of society. The emphasis on buying "every minute and every second" paints a picture of individuals continuously spending their time and money on material goods without truly considering their value or purpose.Another standout lyric is, "Pepperoni and green peppers, mushrooms, olive, chives." Although this line appears to describe a mouthwatering pizza, it can metaphorically represent the various elements of consumerism. Each ingredient could symbolize a different aspect of the consumer culture, with the toppings representing different desires or pleasures associated with consumption. This lyric suggests that consumers are enticed by a variety of appealing elements, stimulating their cravings for more.The phrase, "Well, advertising's got you on the run," is cleverly repeated throughout the song, drawing attention to the power and influence of advertising. This lyric suggests that individuals are constantly chased by the effects of advertisements, fittingly comparing it to a pursuit or a race. It further emphasizes the inescapability of advertising in today's world and the pressure it places on individuals to conform to societal norms and desires.One particularly imaginative interpretation of the song's themes can be derived from the line, "Ballgame's in the refrigerator, door is closed, lights are out, butter's getting hard!" This line juxtaposes the mundane act of keeping a ballgame in the refrigerator with the concept of advertising. It suggests that even something as simple as sports can be co-opted by consumer culture, with advertisements infiltrating our daily lives to the point of absurdity. The imagery of the refrigerator door closed and the lights out evokes a world where advertisement has overshadowed genuine experiences, leaving us with a metaphorical "butter" that lacks the softness, warmth, and quality that real human interaction possesses.Overall, "Chic ‘N’ Stu" by System Of A Down serves as a satirical commentary on consumerism and the impact of advertising on society. The song's standout lyrics explore a range of imaginative themes, including the detrimental mental health effects of advertisements, the relentless pursuit of consumption, the enticing elements of consumer culture, the inescapability of advertising, and the absurdity of commercialization invading every aspect of life. Through their unconventional and thought-provoking approach, the band highlights the need for individuals to resist the pressures of consumerism and find value in genuine human connections rather than material possessions.