System Of A Down

Lyrics

[Intro: Daron Malakian]
You!
Why do they always send the poor?

[Verse 1: Serj Tankian]
Barbarisms by Barbaras with pointed heels
Victorious Victoria’s kneel for brand new spanking deals
Marching forward, hypocritic and hypnotic computers
You depend on our protection, yet you feed us lies from the table cloth

[Chorus: Serj Tankian]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, ooh-ooh
Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine

[Verse 2: Serj Tankian]
Kneeling roses disappearing into Moses' dry mouth
Breaking into Fort Knox, stealing our intentions
Hangars sitting dripped in oil, crying, "Freedom"
Handed to obsoletion, still, you feed us lies from the table cloth

[Chorus: Serj Tankian with Daron Malakian]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, ooh-ooh
Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine
Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine
[Bridge: Daron Malakian]
Blast off, it's party time
And we don't live in a fascist nation
Blast off, it's party time
And where the fuck are you?

[Refrain: Daron Malakian with Serj Tankian]
Where the fuck are you?
Where the fuck are you?
Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why they always send the poor?

[Verse 2: Serj Tankian]
Kneeling roses disappearing into Moses' dry mouth
Breaking into Fort Knox, stealing our intentions
Hangars sitting dripped in oil, crying, "Freedom"
Handed to obsoletion, still, you feed us lies from the table cloth

[Chorus: Serj Tankian with Daron Malakian]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, ooh-ooh
Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine
Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sun
[Refrain: Serj Tankian & Daron Malakian]
Where the fuck are you?
Where the fuck are you?
Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?

[Outro: Serj Tankian & Daron Malakian]
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?
They always send the poor, they always send the poor

System of a Down's song "B.Y.O.B." is a track that became highly recognized for its commentary on the Iraq War. It was the first single to be released from their fourth album Mezmerize. The song incorporates a deeper message that reflects the statement behind its title "Bring Your Own Bombs." As a heavy metal band, System of a Down is no stranger to controversy and their opposition to the war in Iraq was made known through "B.Y.O.B." and helped them reach a wider audience.

About B.Y.O.B.

The protest against the Iraq War can be credited for serving as the inspiration behind System of a Down's song, "B.Y.O.B." Alongside their earlier song like "Boom!," "B.Y.O.B." serves as a reminder of the band's political and social commentary. The title of the song, an abbreviation for "Bring Your Own Bombs," directly references the Iraq War and people's perspectives of it. Despite its controversy, the song received a positive reaction worldwide and was a hit on numerous "Top 40" charts, even reaching #1 on various charts around the globe.

The lively and electric beat of "B.Y.O.B." is what captivates the listener from the beginning. The song's opening features a staccato rhythm and pounding drums that are invigorating, creating an urgency that draws the listener in. The song progresses with a driving guitar and bass riff that is characteristic of System of a Down's sound. The sound and lyrics of the song carry a sense of urgency to draw the listener's attention to the message the band is sending.

The lyrics of "B.Y.O.B" are an example of System of a Down's articulate style, which incorporates irony and satire into their lyrics. The song mentions the Iraq war as a "party," and encourages soldiers to bring their bombs, replacing the usual party favor of booze. Through the lyrics, System of a Down points to the hypocrisy and absurdity of war, especially during a time when the Iraq War was at its peak.

System of a Down's concert performances of "B.Y.O.B" are known for their raw energy and a chanted chorus that encourages audience participation. The song's lyrics have made it a staple in the band's live performance repertoire for fans around the world. Given the political and social message behind the song, it always has relevance even years after it was first released.

Overall, "B.Y.O.B" by System of a Down is an artful combination of sound and lyrics intended not just for entertainment, but also to raise social and political awareness. Its unique sound and strong message have helped to make it a hit, but it's the profundity of its message that captivates audiences and cements the song as a classic in the history of music.

• Release Date: March 29, 2005
• Artist: System Of A Down