U-Fig by System of a Down Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking the Fierce Social Commentary
Lyrics
Who wants to come with me and melt in the sun!
Hide in the sky, hide in the sky!
Who wants to come with me and hide in the sky!
You and me should go outside and
Beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’
All pathetic flag waving ignorant hicks and we’ll
Eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’
Come join the cause, come join the cause!
Who wants to come with me and come join the cause!
Hide in the sky, hide in the sky!
Who wants to come with me and hide in the sky!
You and me should go outside and
Beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’
All pathetic flag waving ignorant jicks and we’ll
Eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’
You and me should go outside and
Beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’
All pathetic flag waving ignorant hicks and we’ll
Eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’
Realize you’re blind
And we’re out of time it’ll show your mind
Melt in the sun, melt in the sun!
Who wants to come with me and melt in the sun!
Hide in the sky, hide in the sky!
Who wants to come with me and hide in the sky!
You and me should go outside and
Beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’
All pathetic flag waving ignorant hicks and we’ll
Eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’ eat em’
You and me should go outside and
Beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’ beat em’
Eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em
Eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em
Eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em eat’em
I’ll show your mind
That you have a mind
In a world chock-full of political anthems and social manifestos, System of a Down’s ‘U-Fig’ stands as a testament to the band’s raw anger and hard-hitting critique of societal issues. With urgency that can’t be ignored and an energy that’s as infectious as it is furious, ‘U-Fig’ is more than just a track—it’s a call to arms against complacency.
Released on their 2005 album ‘Hypnotize’, the song encapsulates the spirit of a generation questioning authority and pushing back against the blind nationalism that was prevalent during the era. Through an intricate dissection of ‘U-Fig’, one begins to understand the layers of meaning underneath the seemingly straightforward aggression.
A Rebellious Clarion Call to the Disenchanted
The relentless repetition of ‘beat em’ beat em’ in ‘U-Fig’ is more than a rhythmic hook; it’s a rallying cry. System of a Down has always had a knack for capturing the disillusionment of those feeling unheard, and ‘U-Fig’ reverberates this sentiment. The visceral calls to action evoke a shared frustration with political propaganda and societal norms that favor ignorance over enlightenment.
As listeners, we’re not just hearing a song; we’re being invited to join in on the resistance. It’s a solidarity anthem that unites the marginalized and amplifies their voices against the ‘pathetic flag waving ignorant hicks’ the song vehemently calls out.
Decoding the Apocalyptic Imagery: Melt in the Sun, Hide in the Sky
‘Melt in the sun, hide in the sky’—the lyrics elicit an apocalyptic vision, blending the destructive with the surreal. It’s a poetic expression of escape, a desire to vanish into the ether away from societal binds. By juxtaposing this with the act of melting in the sun, the band confronts us with the inevitability of decay and the futility of seeking refuge from societal confrontation.
The repeated invitation to melt and hide can also be interpreted as ironic, mocking those who would rather turn a blind eye to the chaos around them than stand and fight. It’s a biting critique on passivity and the avoidance of conflict.
Feeding on the Folly: The Visceral Metaphor of ‘Eat em’
The phrase ‘eat em’ echoes with a cannibalistic ferocity that’s hard to reconcile with pacifism. System of a Down doesn’t just want us to confront societal issues; they want us to consume them, leave no trace of the ignorance that fuels division. It’s a metaphorical devouring of the ills plaguing society—digesting and thus annihilating them.
This is where ‘U-Fig’ moves from being merely an expression of anger to one of transformation. By ingesting what we oppose, we have a chance to turn hate into energy, ignorance into knowledge, and ultimately, effect change.
Revealing the Veiled Consciousness: ‘I’ll Show Your Mind’
In the most introspective line of the song, ‘I’ll show your mind, that you have a mind’, System of a Down probes into the hidden depths of human consciousness. It’s a reminder to the listener to awaken their own thoughts and opinions, rather than blindly accepting the dominant narrative.
This poignant realization brings with it the weight of responsibility. It’s not enough to recognize one’s own capability for thought; one must also act on it before time runs out. The urgency here is palpable and presents a sobering moment of clarity in a song brimming with unbridled fury.
The Anthemic Quality of ‘U-Fig’: A Remembered Rebellion
‘U-Fig’ embodies the quintessential System of a Down sound—aggressive, confrontational, and laden with a powerful message that resonates long after the song ends. It stands as a memorable part of their discography because it captures the essence of what it means to rebel through music.
The lyrics may conjure images of conflict and destruction, but the underlying theme is one of hope and the potential for societal rebirth. ‘U-Fig’ isn’t just memorable for its searing lines and powerful delivery; it’s also a lasting reminder of the band’s commitment to shedding light on the shadows of societal failure.
