Meaning of Deer Dance by System Of A Down

System Of A Down's song "Deer Dance" is a powerful anthem that tackles important social and political themes. The overall theme of the song revolves around the abuse of power and the mistreatment of the vulnerable by those in authority. Through vivid and thought-provoking lyrics, the band addresses issues such as police brutality, political corruption, and societal apathy. Each standout lyric helps develop a different aspect of these themes, creating a multi-layered and impactful narrative.One of the standout lyrics in "Deer Dance" is "Battalions of riot police with rubber bullet kisses." This line evokes a haunting image of violent confrontation between protesters and law enforcement. It speaks to the excessive use of force employed by authorities to suppress dissenting voices. By juxtaposing the idea of rubber bullets, which can cause serious harm, with the word "kisses," the lyric highlights the irony of violence being inflicted in the name of maintaining peace.Another significant lyric is "Beyond the Staples Center, you can see America with its tired poor avenging disgrace." Here, the band draws attention to the socioeconomic disparities within America and the inequalities faced by marginalized communities. The Staples Center symbolizes a hub of entertainment and wealth, yet just beyond its glamorous facade lies an America that neglects and mistreats its most vulnerable citizens. This lyric emphasizes the need for social justice and solidarity in the face of systemic injustices perpetuated by those in power."Pushing little children with their fully-automatics, they like to push the weak around" is a recurring lyric in the song. This embodies the overarching theme of power abuse and domination. It sheds light on the harrowing reality of children being subjected to violence and exploitation. The choice to use fully-automatic weapons as the tool for pushing the weak further emphasizes the excessive and unnecessary force used against those who are defenseless. This lyric serves as a poignant critique of a society that allows such injustices to persist.The line "A rush of words, pleading to disperse upon your naked walls, alive" introduces another compelling theme. It suggests the importance of active and vocal opposition to corrupt systems. The words pleading for change become alive when they reach the ears and hearts of others. By urging individuals to disperse these pleas throughout society, the lyrics encourage the idea that collective action and awareness can lead to meaningful change.In the bridge of the song, the lyric "Dressed in black with a helmet, fierce, trained and appropriate for the malcontents, for the disproportioned malcontents" highlights the idea of resistance and rebellion against oppression. It recognizes the need for individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo and fight against injustice. By referring to these individuals as "malcontents," the song stirs up a sense of defiance and rebellion against an oppressive system.Ultimately, "Deer Dance" is a call to action. Its themes of power abuse, inequality, and resistance shed light on the issues facing society. Through imaginative and unexpected imagery, the song provokes thought and encourages listeners to question the state of their world. System Of A Down uses their lyrics to awaken a sense of empathy and urge individuals to stand up against injustice. The song's messages are thought-provoking and its themes resonate, making it a powerful piece of music that reflects the band's commitment to social and political activism.