System Of A Down is renowned for their politically charged lyrics and powerful musical delivery, and “Deer Dance” stands out as a potent example of their protest anthems. Released on their critically acclaimed album Toxicity in 2001, the song delves into themes of police brutality, social injustice, and the suppression of peaceful protest. Understanding the Deer Dance Lyrics System Of A Down requires dissecting its vivid imagery and confronting message. This article will explore the depths of these lyrics, revealing the song’s enduring relevance in today’s world.
The song immediately opens with a scene of conflict and oppression: “Circumventing circuses / Lamenting in protest / To visible police / Presence-sponsored fear.” This imagery sets the stage for a confrontation where peaceful protest is met with an overwhelming and intimidating police presence. The phrase “presence-sponsored fear” is particularly impactful, suggesting that the very presence of law enforcement is designed to instill fear and discourage dissent. The lines “Battalions of riot police / With rubber bullet kisses / Baton courtesy / Service with a smile” employ sarcasm to highlight the brutality masked by a veneer of civility. “Rubber bullet kisses” and “baton courtesy” are chilling euphemisms that underscore the violent reality of police actions, contrasting sharply with the expected “service with a smile.”
The lyrics then shift to a specific location, “Beyond the Staples Center you can see America / With its tired poor avenging disgrace / Peaceful loving youth against the brutality / Of plastic existence.” The Staples Center reference is significant, placing the song in the context of the 2000 Democratic National Convention protests in Los Angeles. This line broadens the scope beyond just police brutality to encompass wider societal issues, depicting a stark contrast within America itself. “Tired poor avenging disgrace” suggests a population pushed to its limits, rising up against perceived injustices, while “peaceful loving youth” emphasizes the non-violent nature of the protesters juxtaposed against the “brutality / Of plastic existence,” which could be interpreted as the artificiality and superficiality of modern society that fuels discontent.
The recurring lines, “Pushing little children / With their fully automatics / They like to push the weak around,” are perhaps the most disturbing and memorable part of “Deer Dance.” The phrase “pushing little children” is not meant to be taken literally but serves as a metaphor for the abuse of power against the vulnerable and defenseless in society. “Fully automatics” represents the excessive force employed by authorities, and the repeated assertion “They like to push the weak around” conveys a cynical view of those in power who exploit their position to dominate and oppress. This repetition amplifies the song’s central critique of authority and its tendency towards abuse.
The interlude, “A rush of words / Pleading to disperse / Upon your naked walls, alive / A political call / The fall guy accord / We can’t afford to be neutral on a moving train,” further develops the themes of protest and political urgency. “Pleading to disperse” likely refers to police orders to break up protests, while “upon your naked walls, alive” suggests graffiti and street art as forms of political expression. “A political call” reinforces the song’s activist message. “The fall guy accord” is more ambiguous but might refer to political deals or compromises that betray the people, and “We can’t afford to be neutral on a moving train” is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to take a stand and not remain passive in the face of injustice.
The song’s title, “Deer Dance,” and the line, “A deer dance, invitation to peace / War staring you in the face, dressed in black / With a helmet, fierce / Trained and appropriate for the malcontents / For the disproportioned malcontents,” introduce a layer of irony. A “deer dance” might evoke images of peaceful, natural rituals, contrasting sharply with the “war staring you in the face.” The “war dressed in black” and “helmet, fierce” directly describe riot police, highlighting the militarized nature of their response to protest. “Malcontents” is a derogatory term used to dismiss protesters, and “disproportioned malcontents” could be interpreted as a critique of how dissent is often exaggerated and demonized by those in power to justify excessive force.
Finally, the line, “A little boy smiled, it’ll all be well / And I say a little boy smiled, it’ll all be well,” offers a glimmer of hope amidst the grim depiction of conflict. The “little boy’s smile” could represent innocence, optimism, or even naivety in the face of overwhelming adversity. The repetition might suggest a yearning for hope and peace, even while acknowledging the harsh realities of the situation.
In conclusion, “Deer Dance lyrics System Of A Down” is a powerful and multi-layered protest song that critiques police brutality, social injustice, and the suppression of dissent. Through vivid imagery, sarcasm, and metaphor, the lyrics paint a stark picture of conflict and oppression, while also hinting at the possibility of hope and resistance. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its unflinching portrayal of these issues and its potent call for awareness and action.
