Meaning of War? (Demo) by System Of A Down

The song "War? (Demo)" by System Of A Down delves into the complexities and contradictions surrounding the concept of war. The overall theme of the song revolves around the exploration of war as both a religious and political construct. It questions the motives behind warfare, highlighting the way it can be justified through various means, such as religion, power, and history. Through its intense lyrics and powerful delivery, the song forces us to confront the dark and destructive aspects of human nature.One standout lyric in the song is "Dark is the light, the man you fight with all your prayers, incantations." This lyric delves into the idea that war can be concealed and justified through religious beliefs. It raises the question of who is truly righteous in their actions, challenging the notion that God would favor one side over another in a conflict. This lyric encourages listeners to question the use of religion as a means to justify violence and aggression.Another significant lyric in the song is "Beliefs, they're the bullets of the wicked." This lyric suggests that individuals' beliefs can be manipulated and weaponized by those in power to further their own agenda. It highlights the dangerous potential of ideologies and beliefs when they are used to justify acts of war and violence. By establishing this connection between beliefs and wickedness, the song encourages listeners to critically examine their own convictions and the motivations behind war.The lyric "Of war, we don't speak anymore" portrays war as a taboo and uncomfortable subject that is often avoided in conversation. This lyric emphasizes the silence and lack of discourse surrounding the topic, which can lead to a perpetuation of conflict and violence. It calls attention to the importance of acknowledging and discussing the reality of war in order to find peaceful resolutions and prevent its recurrence.In a creative interpretation, the lyric "One was written on the sword, for you must enter a room to destroy it, destroy it, destroy it" can be seen as a metaphor for the destructive cycle of war. The "room" represents the conflict itself, and the act of entering the room symbolizes engaging in war. The lyric implies that once war has begun, it becomes difficult to escape its destructive force. The repetition of "destroy it" intensifies the urgency and desperation to put an end to the violence.Furthermore, the line "No International security, no call of the righteous man" raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of wars fought under the guise of international security and righteousness. It challenges the idea that wars fought in the name of justice or self-defense are inherently noble. The song questions the authority behind these claims and highlights the potential for manipulation and abuse of power on an international level.In a final creative interpretation, the repeated lyric "We will fight the heathens" can be seen as a critique of the dehumanization and demonization of the enemy. By referring to the opposing forces as "heathens," the song comments on the way wars often rely on creating an "us versus them" narrative, where the enemy is portrayed as morally inferior or evil. This lyric reminds us of the need to recognize the humanity in all individuals involved in conflicts, promoting empathy and understanding as a means to resolve conflicts peacefully.Overall, "War? (Demo)" by System Of A Down serves as a powerful social commentary on the multifaceted nature of war. Its thought-provoking lyrics engage listeners in questioning the motivations behind conflicts and the consequences that arise from them. The song encourages critical thinking and fosters a desire for peaceful resolutions, urging listeners to reflect on the destructive cycle of war and the importance of open dialogue and understanding in our increasingly polarized world.