The Meaning Behind The Song: Dreaming by System Of A Down
Dreaming by System Of A Down is a song that has been interpreted in many different ways by listeners. This article explores the meaning behind the lyrics, and the message that the band was trying to convey through this song.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The lyrics of Dreaming are cryptic and metaphorical. The song starts with the lines “We’re the prophetic culture / And you’re the fucked-up mainstream”, which set the tone for the rest of the song. The verses are filled with imagery and references to spirituality, while the chorus speaks of dreaming and the power of imagination.
The second verse of the song contains the lines “We’re the prophetic culture / And you’re the fucked-up mainstream / Although we seem like we’re losing / We’re surrealists and we’re dreaming”, which suggest that the band feels like they are the outsiders, while the mainstream culture is flawed.
The chorus of the song is repeated several times throughout the track, with the lyrics “Dreaming of screaming / Somebody kick me out of my mind / I hate these thoughts I can’t deny / Make me be somebody else”. This implies that the narrator is struggling with their thoughts, and wishes that they could escape them.
The Message
The message behind Dreaming is one of escapism, and the power of imagination. The band is encouraging listeners to dream, and to believe in the power of their own thoughts and ideas.
The lyrics also suggest that the band feels like outsiders in mainstream culture, as they refer to themselves as the “prophetic culture” and criticise the “fucked-up mainstream”. This could be seen as a commentary on the state of the music industry at the time, or a more general critique of society as a whole.
Ultimately, however, the message of the song is one of hope. The band is urging listeners to embrace their dreams and to believe in themselves, no matter how difficult the path may seem.
FAQs
What inspired System Of A Down to write Dreaming?
It is not clear what specifically inspired System Of A Down to write Dreaming. However, based on the lyrics and the overall message of the song, it is likely that the band was drawing from their own experiences with feeling like outsiders in mainstream culture.
What is the meaning behind the line “We’re surrealists and we’re dreaming”?
The line “We’re surrealists and we’re dreaming” is a reference to the surrealist art movement, which was known for its use of dreamlike imagery and symbolism. The band is suggesting that they too are surrealists, in that they are using their music to create a dreamlike world for their listeners.
What is the significance of the line “Somebody kick me out of my mind”?
The line “Somebody kick me out of my mind” speaks to the idea of being trapped in one’s own thoughts. The narrator is struggling with their own thoughts and wishes that someone could rescue them from their own mind.
What is the role of spirituality in the song?
The song contains several references to spirituality, including the line “Our mountain’s green and always has been / And then the festival of lights 4.5 / Our trees blossom and grow”. The band seems to be drawing on spiritual metaphors to suggest that the power of the imagination is a force beyond the physical material world.
What is the significance of the repeated use of the word “dreaming”?
The repeated use of the word “dreaming” in the song is intended to reinforce the idea of the power of the imagination. The band is urging listeners to embrace their dreams and to believe in themselves, no matter how difficult the path may seem.
What is the significance of the lines “Make me be somebody else”?
The line “Make me be somebody else” suggests that the narrator is struggling with their own identity and desires to be someone else. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the pressures of society to conform and fit in, or a more general lamentation on the human condition.
What is the overall message of the song?
The overall message of the song is one of hope and the power of the imagination. The band is urging listeners to embrace their dreams and to believe in themselves, no matter how difficult the path may seem.
What impact did Dreaming have on System Of A Down’s career?
Dreaming was not one of System Of A Down’s biggest commercial hits, but it has become a fan favourite over the years. The song showcases the band’s unique sound and style, and helped establish System Of A Down as one of the most innovative bands of their era.
What other songs by System Of A Down explore similar themes?
Many songs by System Of A Down explore themes of identity, spirituality, and social commentary. Some notable examples include Chop Suey!, Aerials, and BYOB.
What is the significance of the line “We’re the prophetic culture”?
The line “We’re the prophetic culture” is a reference to the band’s belief that they are ahead of their time, and that their music represents a prophetic vision of the future. The band is suggesting that they are creating a new culture that is different from what mainstream society is producing.
What makes Dreaming unique compared to other System Of A Down songs?
Dreaming stands out as one of System Of A Down’s more contemplative and introspective tracks. The song explores themes of identity and the power of the imagination in a way that is more subdued and nuanced than many of the band’s other songs.
What is the significance of the festival of lights referenced in the song?
The festival of lights referenced in the song is likely a reference to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which is also known as the festival of lights. The band is drawing on this religious metaphor to suggest that the power of the imagination is something that transcends any one specific cultural or religious tradition.
How does Dreaming fit into System Of A Down’s broader discography?
Dreaming is a standout track on System Of A Down’s second album, Toxicity. While the song is not one of the band’s biggest hits, it has become a fan favourite over the years and is often cited as one of System Of A Down’s more underrated songs.
What is the significance of the line “Somebody should have warned you”?
The line “Somebody should have warned you” is likely a reference to the idea that the narrator is warning listeners about the pitfalls of mainstream culture. The band is suggesting that there are dangers and shortcomings in conforming to the norms of society, and that listeners should be aware of these risks.
