Darts by System of a Down Lyrics Meaning – An Exploration of Human Nature and Existential Desires
Lyrics
For darts screech by my desires
May I please remain in this space
For darts screech by my desires
Art thou not human man
Art thou not human man
Art thou not human man
Art thou not human man
Art thou not human man
Art thou not human man
Art thou not human man
Art thou
Human man art thou
Life threatening lifestyles
A hitman, a nun, lovers
Life threatening lifestyles
A hitman, a nun, lovers
Arise as did the gods Ninti
Arise as did the gods Ninti
Arise as did the gods Ninti, and Ishkur
Clock men for they will fail
Fear not the gods that come from the sky
Long not for the one who’ve lost their way
Long not for the one who’ve lost their way
Arise as did the gods Ninti
Arise as did the gods Ninti
Arise as did the gods Ninti, and Ishkur, Ishkur mother-fucker
Can you help me? I don’t know
At the crossroads of aggressive instrumentation and thought-provoking lyricism stand System of a Down, a band never shy about diving into the chaotic pool of existential angst. ‘Darts,’ a track from their 2001 album ‘Toxicity,’ serves as a gripping testament to this legacy, offering listeners a labyrinthine exploration into the human condition.
With a fierce blend of unconventional melodies and cryptic lyrics, ‘Darts’ invites us into a world where introspection meets external criticism. The song’s earnest yearning to understand humanity’s place in the cosmos emerges not only as a common thread in System’s tapestry but also as a siren call for those yearning for meaningful discourse amidst the cacophony of modern life.
The Echoes of Desire: Parsing the Poetry in ‘Darts’
System of a Down’s lyrical enigma presents itself in full force with ‘Darts.’ The repeated pleas to ‘remain in this space’ suggest a yearning for sanctuary as the woes of the world—likened to whizzing darts—threaten the singer’s peace. This refrain rings as a powerful metaphor for the tumultuous nature of our desires, as elusive and fleeting as darts in flight.
What makes the poetic landscape of ‘Darts’ mesmerizing is its cryptic simplicity. It doesn’t spoon-feed listeners with clear narratives or resolutions. Instead, it fosters a visceral connection, as if the darts were both a physical and metaphysical menace, weaving through the fabric of our everyday agonies and ecstasies.
Unpacking Human Identity: Are You Not A Human, Man?
The chant, ‘Art thou not human man,’ is repeated like a mantra, compelling listeners to engage in self-reflection. System of a Down challenges our sense of identity, nudging us toward a deeper understanding of what it entails to be human, an entity capable of profound thought but so often lost in the triviality of existence.
This existential inquiry imbues the song with a philosophical undercurrent that courses through its verses. Each repetition strikes a blow to the presupposed monolith of human uniformity, demanding acknowledgment of individual complexity and the multifaceted nature of our shared humanity.
The ‘Life Threatening Lifestyles’ – A Critique of Social Constructs
By juxtaposing a hitman, a nun, and lovers within the phrase ‘Life threatening lifestyles,’ there’s a subtext that life, in its multitude of manifestations, harbors intrinsic perils. System of a Down is known for laying bare the ironies of society’s roles, and ‘Darts’ upholds this tradition by sketching characters who embody these contradictions.
These archetypes—violence, purity, and passion—when framed as ‘life threatening,’ speak to how society’s prescribed roles can turn into traps that threaten the essence of our being. Each lifestyle carries its own risks, subtly critiquing the paths we are often compelled to walk, regardless of their alignment with our true selves.
Sumerian Deities and the Quest for Ascension
The invocation of Sumerian gods Ninti and Ishkur represents an appeal to antiquity and adds layers of mysticism to an already enigmatic song. In this context, ‘Arise as did the gods’ can be interpreted as a call to transcend the baseness of ordinary existence, to possibly reach the divine within.
These deities, linked with creation and storms respectively, symbolize forces of nature and life itself. Their mention suggests a parallel between the life-giving and destructive capabilities within each person. It’s System’s way of hinting at the inherent duality, or even multiplicity, of the human spirit.
‘Ishkur, mother-fucker’ – Dissecting System’s Provocative Language
While much of ‘Darts’ holds a mystique that is interpretable on several levels, the abrupt and vulgar shout of ‘Ishkur, mother-fucker’ operates as an abrupt awakening from the mythological daze. It’s quintessential System, fusing the sacred with the profane, to both shock and recalibrate the listener’s attention.
This line serves as a manifestation of the band’s commitment to unhinged expression, disrupting expectations and perhaps underlining the chaotic dance between reverence and irreverence that defines much of human history. It’s a jarring reminder that even the divine can be dragged into the muck of human anger and frustration, reflecting the turbulent inner world that ‘Darts’ seeks to map out.
