Jesse Michaels – vocals
Tim Armstrong – guitar
Matt Freeman – bass
Dave Mello – drums
Sound System
Operation Ivy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One thing that I can depend on
Try to describe to the limit of my ability
It's there for a second, then its given up what it used to be
Contained in my music somehow more than just sound
This inspiration coming and twisting things around
Because you always know that it's gonna have to go
You always know that you'll be back in the cold
Point of departure sublimated in a song
It's always coming to give me that hope
For just a second then its gone but
Static pulse inside of music bringing us escape
It's always temporary changing nothing in its wake
Just a second where we're leaving all this shit behind
Just a second but its leaving just this much in mind
To resist despair that second makes you see
To resist despair because you can't change everything
To resist despair in this world is what it is to be free
Wake up turn my box on
Bust the shade let the sun in
Times getting tougher bout time to start running
Box in my hand music by my side
Skanking to the rhythm of the music by my side
The first verse of Operation Ivy's song "Sound System" speaks to the power of music, specifically the role music plays in bringing the artist back up, no matter how low they may feel in that moment. The artist reflects on the fleeting nature of music, noting how it's there for just a second before it's gone. However, despite its temporary nature, the artist finds inspiration in the sound system that surrounds them, something contained within the music that's more than just sound. In this inspiration, the artist discovers the hope that they need to persevere through their struggles.
The second verse of the song speaks to the escapism and temporary nature of music. The static pulse within music is likened to an escape, something that can take us away from our troubles for just a moment. However, the escape that music provides is fleeting and changes nothing in its wake. Ultimately, it's the brief moment of respite that allows us to resist despair - the second where we're leaving all our problems behind. In this paradoxical moment of being free, we accept the reality of the world and find hope in spite of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Sound system gonna bring me back up
The song's sound system is a reliable source of comfort for the singer
One thing that I can depend on
The singer knows that the sound system will never let him down
Try to describe to the limit of my ability
The singer is attempting to articulate his experience with the sound system to the best of his abilities
It's there for a second, then its given up what it used to be
The singer recognizes that the sound system's effect is temporary and fleeting
Contained in my music somehow more than just sound
The singer feels that his music has a deeper significance beyond its sound
This inspiration coming and twisting things around
The sound system and music inspire the singer, leading him to new insights and perspectives
Because you always know that it's gonna have to go
The singer acknowledges that the temporary reprieve provided by the sound system will eventually end
You always know that you'll be back in the cold
The singer understands that he will inevitably return to the harsh realities of the world
Point of departure sublimated in a song
The singer uses his music as a means of escape or departure from his troubles
It's always coming to give me that hope
Although temporary, the sound system and music give the singer hope and optimism
For just a second then its gone but
The effect of the sound system and music is fleeting, but impactful nonetheless
Static pulse inside of music bringing us escape
The sound system and music have a cathartic and escapist effect on the listener
It's always temporary changing nothing in its wake
Although providing temporary relief, the sound system and music do not effect real change in the world
Just a second where we're leaving all this shit behind
The sound system and music provide a brief reprieve from the hardships and struggles of life
Just a second but its leaving just this much in mind
Although fleeting, the effect of the sound system and music remains with the listener
To resist despair that second makes you see
The brief escape provided by the sound system and music strengthens the listener's resolve and helps them resist despair
To resist despair because you can't change everything
The singer recognizes the limitations of his power to effect change in the world, but advocates for resilience and optimism nonetheless
To resist despair in this world is what it is to be free
The singer believes that the ability to resist despair is a form of freedom and personal agency
Wake up turn my box on
The singer wakes up and turns on his sound system
Bust the shade let the sun in
The singer opens the shades to let the sun into his room
Times getting tougher bout time to start running
The singer recognizes the challenging times he lives in and feels the need to escape
Box in my hand music by my side
The singer holds his sound system in one hand and his music in the other
Skanking to the rhythm of the music by my side
The singer dances to the beat of his music while holding his sound system
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: DAVID M MELLO, JESSE MICHAELS, ROGER MATTHEW FREEMAN, TIMOTHY ARMSTRONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind