System of a Down’s “Deer Dance,” featured on their seminal album Toxicity, is a track rife with potent imagery and socio-political commentary. Since its release, the song “System Of A Down Deer Dance” has ignited numerous interpretations among listeners, solidifying its place as a powerful and thought-provoking piece within the band’s discography. While the band themselves have offered some context, the beauty of “Deer Dance” lies in its capacity to resonate with diverse experiences and perspectives. This article delves into the lyrical content of “Deer Dance” and explores various fan interpretations, aiming to unpack the multifaceted meaning behind this System of a Down anthem.
Exploring the Lyrics of “Deer Dance”
“Deer Dance” immediately grabs attention with its jarring opening and Serj Tankian’s distinctive vocal delivery. Key lyrical phrases paint vivid, often disturbing pictures. Lines like “Pushing little children with their fully automatics” and “Batallions of riot police” evoke scenes of conflict and oppression, suggesting themes of authority versus the vulnerable. The phrase “We can’t afford to be neutral on a moving train” hints at the urgency of taking a stand against injustice, while “Invitation to peace,” juxtaposed with “War staring you in the face,” creates a sense of irony and perhaps, forced peace. The song also touches upon themes of societal apathy (“Plastic existence”) and a potentially naive optimism in the face of harsh realities (“The little boy smiles it’ll all be well”). These lyrical fragments, combined with the song’s intense musicality, form a foundation for a multitude of interpretations.
Fan Interpretations of “Deer Dance”
The open-ended nature of System of a Down’s lyrics in “Deer Dance” has led to a rich tapestry of fan interpretations over the years. Here, we explore some of the most prominent viewpoints:
Police Brutality Interpretation
One of the most prevalent readings of “Deer Dance” centers around the theme of police brutality. Many fans, like Austin Mitchell and Skye, directly link the lyrics to instances of excessive force by law enforcement. The lines “Pushing little children with their fully automatics” are seen as a direct reference to aggressive police tactics against protestors, particularly young people. Jakub Habas and SystemFAN03 specifically connect the song to a protest at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which coincided with the 2000 Democratic National Convention. The KROQ free show incident, detailed by “the infamous chesse bandit” in Serj Tankian’s essay, further reinforces this interpretation. The essay describes a chaotic scene where police in riot gear responded to a large crowd, ultimately cancelling the System of a Down performance. This event, witnessed firsthand by the band, provides a compelling real-world context for the song’s themes of police overreach and the suppression of public gatherings. These interpretations suggest “Deer Dance” as a powerful commentary on the use of force against civilians and the potential for authorities to incite fear rather than maintain peace.
Political Commentary/Global Policing Interpretation
Heather offers a broader political perspective, viewing “Deer Dance” as a critique of American military interventionism and global policing. The line “We can’t afford to be neutral on a moving train” is interpreted as a statement against neutrality in the face of global conflicts, potentially referencing events like the Iraq War. Heather suggests that phrases like “Batallions of riot police” could represent the American military’s self-perception, masking a more aggressive reality. The “plastic existence” and the “little boy smiles it’ll all be well” lines are seen as commentary on American complacency and ignorance regarding the consequences of their military actions abroad. This interpretation broadens the scope of “Deer Dance” beyond domestic police brutality, positioning it as a critique of larger geopolitical power dynamics and the global projection of force.
Armenian Genocide Interpretation
Another significant interpretation, put forth by Artin and Karney, connects “Deer Dance” to the Armenian Genocide of 1915. They argue that the lyrics, particularly “Pushing little children with their fully automatics, they like to push the weak around,” resonate with the historical context of the genocide, where Armenian civilians, including women and children, were forcibly deported and killed by the Ottoman Turkish government. Karney highlights the “Invitation to peace” line as potentially ironic, referencing the deceptive promises made to Armenians before their forced displacement into the Syrian desert. This interpretation imbues “Deer Dance” with a historical weight, casting it as a lament for past atrocities and a condemnation of the persecution of vulnerable populations.
Serj Tankian’s Essay: The Band’s Perspective
Serj Tankian’s essay, included in the fan interpretations, offers a unique insight into the potential inspiration behind “Deer Dance.” While not explicitly stating the song’s meaning, the essay recounts the events surrounding the cancelled KROQ free show in 2001. Tankian describes the escalating tension, the police presence in riot gear, and the resulting “circle of fear.” He advocates for communication and understanding over fear-based reactions, suggesting that the incident exposed a breakdown in trust and a tendency towards aggressive responses from authorities. The essay emphasizes the band’s regret over the cancelled show and their opposition to decisions driven by fear. This firsthand account provides a concrete event that likely influenced the themes of “Deer Dance,” particularly the sense of unease and the confrontation between crowds and authority figures.
Howard Zinn Reference
Finally, “therealpointymango” points out the direct reference to Howard Zinn’s anti-Vietnam War work, You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train, in the line “We can’t afford to be neutral on a moving train.” This reference adds another layer of political depth to the song, directly linking it to a history of activism and dissent against war and injustice. Zinn’s work championed taking a stand against oppression, aligning with the overall tone of protest and resistance found in “Deer Dance.”
Conclusion
System of a Down’s “Deer Dance” is a powerful example of music that transcends simple categorization. While interpretations range from specific events like police brutality at protests to broader historical tragedies like the Armenian Genocide, and even encompass critiques of global politics, they all converge on themes of power, oppression, and the urgent need for awareness and action. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to spark dialogue and resonate with listeners facing diverse forms of injustice and conflict. “Deer Dance” remains a potent reminder of System of a Down’s capacity to create music that is not only musically innovative but also deeply engaged with the complexities and challenges of the world.
