System of a Down, or SOAD for short, has been a staple in the alternative metal scene since the late 1990s. With their unique sound and politically charged lyrics, they have gained a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at two of their most iconic songs, "Wake Up" and "Kitchen Table."The Wake Up Call: Exploring System of a Down's "Wake Up" and "Kitchen Table"
"Wake Up" is the fourth track from SOAD's debut album, "System of a Down." It starts off with a hauntingly beautiful guitar riff and then explodes into a powerful and hard-hitting chorus. The lyrics, written by frontman Serj Tankian, touch on themes of consciousness, conformity, and the impact of media on our thoughts and actions. The song's chorus, "Wake up, grab a brush and put a little makeup / Hide the scars to fade away the shakeup," is a commentary on society's pressure to conform and hide our true selves. It is a call to action, urging listeners to break free from the constraints of societal norms and think for themselves. The song's bridge, which features a spoken word section, is perhaps one of the most iconic parts of the track. It is a powerful and thought-provoking statement, challenging listeners to question the world around them and not blindly accept what they are told. Overall, "Wake Up" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases SOAD's ability to create music that goes beyond just entertainment and delves into deeper societal issues.The Power of "Wake Up"
"Kitchen Table" is the fifth track from SOAD's third album, "Steal This Album!" Unlike "Wake Up," which is a more melodic and introspective track, "Kitchen Table" is a full-on assault on the senses. The song is a perfect example of the band's ability to fuse different genres, with elements of punk, metal, and even rap present in the song. The lyrics of "Kitchen Table" touch on themes of addiction, greed, and the corrupt nature of society. The chorus, "Everybody's going to the party have a real good time / Dancing in the desert blowing up the sunshine," is a sarcastic and satirical take on the hedonistic lifestyle often associated with fame and wealth. The song's bridge, which features a rap section by Tankian, adds another layer to the track. It is a fast-paced and intense delivery of lyrics that further emphasize the song's message of societal corruption and excess. Overall, "Kitchen Table" is a high-energy and politically charged song that showcases SOAD's ability to push the boundaries and create music that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.The Intensity of "Kitchen Table"
Some may wonder what the connection is between these two songs, other than being written and performed by the same band. The answer lies in the underlying message and themes present in both tracks. Both "Wake Up" and "Kitchen Table" touch on issues of societal norms, media influence, and corruption. They urge listeners to question the world around them and not blindly accept what they are told. While "Wake Up" is a more introspective and melodic take on these themes, "Kitchen Table" is a more aggressive and in-your-face approach. It can be argued that "Wake Up" is the wake-up call, while "Kitchen Table" is the call to action. Together, these two songs showcase SOAD's ability to not only create powerful and thought-provoking music but also to use their platform to shed light on important societal issues.The Wake Up Kitchen Table Connection
In conclusion, "Wake Up" and "Kitchen Table" are two of System of a Down's most iconic and powerful songs. They both showcase the band's unique sound and ability to tackle important societal issues through their music. Whether you prefer the melodic and introspective nature of "Wake Up" or the intense and politically charged energy of "Kitchen Table," there's no denying the impact that these songs have had on the alternative metal scene and beyond. So next time you listen to these songs, take a moment to truly listen to the lyrics and digest the powerful messages that they hold. And as SOAD would say, "Wake up!"Final Thoughts