Meaning of Shimmy by System Of A Down

The System Of A Down song, "Shimmy," delves into the complex theme of education and its effects on individuals. While seemingly straightforward, the lyrics of this song are filled with hidden meanings and thought-provoking messages. Let's explore some standout lyrics and uncover the unexpected and imaginative themes that are intertwined throughout.In the first verse, the lines "Education, fornication, in you are; go" and "Education, subjugation, now you're out; go" hint at the conflicting ideas present in our education systems. The themes of both education and fornication may seem unrelated, but they both touch upon the exploration and expression of human desires. This lyric suggests that education can serve as a vehicle for liberation or control, depending on how it is approached.The chorus of the song introduces the desire for a different kind of life. The lines, "I think me, I want a life, I think me, I want a house and a wife" are a call for personal fulfillment. The theme of longing for a meaningful existence beneath societal expectations is prevalent here. It reflects the struggle many individuals face in reconciling their own desires with societal norms.One of the most intriguing lyrics in "Shimmy" comes with the repeated line, "I want to shimmy-shimmy-shimmy through the break of dawn." Here, the theme of escapism emerges. The desire to shimmy, or dance, through the break of dawn implies a pursuit of freedom and joy. It suggests breaking free from the constraints of everyday life and embracing the liberation that music and movement can provide.Moving on to the second verse, the lyrics "Education, fornication, in you are; go" and "Education, subjugation, now you're out; go" reappear. This repetition emphasizes the dual nature of education. It can either empower individuals to explore their desires or subject them to societal norms and suppress their true selves. It implies that education should foster personal growth and autonomy rather than stifling creativity and individuality.The bridge of the song introduces the lines "Indoctrination of a nation, Subjugation of damnation." These lyrics touch on the destructive aspects of education when it serves as a tool for indoctrination and control. The theme of manipulation and suppression of critical thinking emerges here. It prompts listeners to question the motives behind the education they receive and encourages them to seek knowledge independently.Finally, the outro of the song echoes the importance of not conforming to societal expectations. The repeated lines "Don't be late for school again, boy, Don't be late for school again, girl" remind us of the pressures we face to conform and adhere to societal norms. It serves as a reminder to break free from these expectations and find our own paths.In conclusion, "Shimmy" by System Of A Down addresses the multifaceted nature of education and its impact on our lives. Through a series of thought-provoking lyrics, the song delves into themes of liberation, personal fulfillment, escapism, indoctrination, and societal pressures. By exploring the unexpected and imaginative themes within the lyrics, "Shimmy" encourages listeners to question the systems that shape their lives and strive for authenticity and individual growth.