At age five, Serj Tankian moved with his parents to Los Angeles, California. After high school, he studied marketing. He took singing lessons for four years and also took guitar lessons as a young child. In 1993, he founded the band Soil (not to be confused with SOiL) with Daron Malakian, which later went on hiatus, and later changed to System of a Down. Tankian is not only a member of the band System of a Down, but also has his own record label which is called Serjical Strike Records, a sub-division of Columbia Records. He also performed guest vocals on songs such as Mushroom Cult by Dog Fashion Disco, and Mein by Deftones. He produced "Enter The Chicken" by Buckethead, and provided vocals to the Buckethead songs "We are One," "Coma" and "Waiting Here." With Serjical Strike Records, he endeavors to offer those musicians often ignored by the mainstream a possibility to release their music and be heard. The first release of Serj's new label was Serart, a project consisting of Tankian, himself, and Arto Tunçboyaçiyan, an Armenian friend of Tankian's.
Tankian is also very involved politically. Together with Tom Morello (ex-Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, The Nightwatchman), he founded the organization Axis Of Justice. Tankian often speaks publicly against violence and injustice in the world.
Serj is a vegetarian and likes to read poetry but other than that, few details are known about Tankian's private life. He is especially interested in Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot and Edgar Allan Poe. Serj hates celebrity gossip. He believes it is a waste of time and due to the spreading of rumors, can destroy close relationships .
Two days after the attacks on September 11, 2001, Serj posted a highly controversial essay on the band's website. It was promptly taken down by Sony, the band's record label. Sony's opinion was that Tankian had tried to justify the terrorist attacks and that his claims were unfounded.
Tankian's first poetry book, Cool Gardens, was published by MTV Books and released on October 1st, 2002. It is a collection of seven to eight years of Tankian's reflections on life, and features artwork by fellow Armenian, Sako Shahinian. The book has received much praise in the artistic community.
In late 2007, Serj released his first solo album "Elect the Dead" Serj later went on to perform live around the world on a tour to promote his solo album, backed by another band on his label, the FCC (Flying Cunts of Chaos). In 2010, Serj released a live album "Elect the Dead Symphony" during which he performed with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. Afterwords, they embarked on a worldwide tour with the orchestra.
In September of 2010, Serj released another solo album "Imperfect Harmonies" through Serjical Strike Records, his record label. In December of 2010, it was announced by fellow members of his band System of a Down that they would be reuniting for a world tour in 2011. Fellow bandmate Shavo Odadjian released through his Twitter account that they would reunite. In May of 2011, they began their worldwide tour in Canada, with stops in America, England, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Austria, and Russia. They will also be heading to South America to play in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
The Figure It Out Songfacts reports that Serj's third solo album, "Harakiri" will be released on July 10, 2012. The lead single, "Figure it Out," was released on May 1, 2012.
Saving Us
Serj Tankian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why do we dance around the issues 'til the morning light?
When we sit and talk and tear each other's lives apart
You were the one to tell me, "go"
You were the one for me and now you're going through the door
When you take that step, I love you, baby, more and more
We need to laugh and sing and cry and warm each other's hearts tonight
Tearing us, you're tearing us
You're breaking us, you're breaking us
You're killing us, killing us
You're saving us, you're saving us
You're tearing us, you're tearing us
You're breaking us, breaking us
You're killing us, killing us
Why do we sit around and break each other's hearts tonight?
Why do we dance around the issues 'til the morning light?
When we sit and talk and tear each other's lives apart
You were the one to tell me, "go"
You were the one for me and now you're going through the door
When you take that step, I love you, baby, more and more
We need to laugh and sing and cry and warm each other's hearts tonight
Observing love for everything and loving all of mother God
You're tearing us, you're tearing us
You're breaking us, you're breaking us
You're killing us, killing us
You're saving us, you're saving us
You're tearing us, you're tearing us
You're breaking us, you're breaking us
You're killing us, killing us
You're saving us
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Forever alive, forever alive
Forever, forever
Forever alive, forever alive
Forever
Never and ever again
You're tearing us, you're tearing us
You're breaking us, you're breaking us
You're killing us, killing us
You're tearing us, you're tearing us
You're killing us
Forever alive
Forever alive
Forever
Forever alive
Forever alive
Forever, ever and ever again
The lyrics to Serj Tankian's "Saving Us" speak to the cycle of destruction and salvation in relationships. The first verse questions why we seem to be in the habit of hurting each other, avoiding issues until they become unbearable, and tearing each other's lives apart. The second verse acknowledges the pain of separation but also the growth that can come from it. The chorus presents a contrast of tearing/breaking/killing versus saving, indicating that the same action can have both positive and negative outcomes within a relationship. The third section emphasizes the importance of communication and emotional connection in repairing and nurturing relationships. The repetition of "forever alive" in the bridge suggests the possibility of renewal and resilience in the face of these challenges.
The overall message of the song seems to be that relationships are complicated and require effort and vulnerability, but that ultimately they provide opportunities for growth and connection. The cycle of hurt and healing is a necessary part of this process, and both positive and negative outcomes can emerge from conflicts.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do we sit around and break each other's hearts tonight?
Why are we wasting our time hurting each other?
Why do we dance around the issues 'til the morning light?
Why do we avoid the real problems until it's too late?
When we sit and talk and tear each other's lives apart
When we communicate but end up hurting each other more
You were the one to tell me, "go"
You were the one who ended our relationship
You were the one for me and now you're going through the door
You used to be the one I loved, but now you're leaving
When you take that step, I love you, baby, more and more
When you leave, my love for you only grows
We need to laugh and sing and cry and warm each other's hearts tonight
We should be enjoying each other's company and making each other happy instead of fighting
Observing love for everything and loving all of mother God
We should appreciate love in all things and love God's creations
You're tearing us, you're tearing us
You are causing us pain and breaking us apart
You're breaking us, you're breaking us
You are destroying our relationship
You're killing us, killing us
Your actions are leading to the death of our relationship
You're saving us, you're saving us
Your leaving is saving us from more pain and suffering
Forever alive, forever alive
Our love is eternal and never dies
Forever
Our love is timeless
Forever alive, forever alive
Our love is forever and constant
Forever
Our love is unending
Never and ever again
Our love will never truly end
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Serj Tankian
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@VinnyDrugs
Lyrics:
Why do we sit around and break each other's hearts tonight?
Why do we dance around the issues 'till the morning light?
When we sit and talk and tear each other's lives apart.
You were the one to tell me go...
But you were the one for me,
And now you're going through the door,
When you take that step I love you baby more and more,
We need to laugh and sing and cry and warm each other's hearts tonight,
Observing fun of everything and loving all our mother's... God
Tearing us,
You're tearing us,
You're breaking us,
You're breaking us,
You're carrying us,
Carrying us,
You're saving us,
You're saving us...
Why do we sit around and break each other's hearts tonight?
Why do we dance around the issues 'till the morning light?
When we sit and talk and tear each other's lives apart.
You were the one to tell me go...
But you were the one for me,
And now you're going through the door,
When you take that step I love you baby more and more,
We need to laugh and sing and cry and warm each other's hearts tonight,
Observing fun of everything and loving all our mother's... God
Forever alive,
Forever alive,
Forever,
And never and never again...
You're tearing us,
You're tearing us,
You're breaking us,
You're breaking us,
You're killing us,
Killing us,
You're saving us,
You're saving us..
@flyingsparrow7707
+Akane Okanaya Im ashamed of not crying here, but I already did cry 100% on Disturbed - sounds of silence
oh yeah and I cried on the streets a lil today, when I was actually smiling, so maybe I thought im out of tears. The ONE AND ONLY doesn't exist, but in the physical world real human beings like me do.
SO
talked to a almost-homeless man, old, old-fart-care aint doing it for him, he takes 20 tablets a day he said, he mostly eats, shits and lies in his bed, he showed me his bags and all the stuff on him (in wheelchair). Antonov Stojan
Another one, fell from the roof, 18 m he said (I think its alil exaggerated) lost his job, got pushed around and I found him on the street, they call him wolf, didn't give me his name
found a mother-son in the station 1-2 AM. Were trying to go to some Refugee camp, didn't give these ones any money though, instead bought them from Mcdonalds (well SORRY, nothing was open) asked for hot milk, nopes, so I bought COLD O-Juice and a 9McNuggets, dont think there is anything else in there with better nutirition. Tried helping them with the trains and all, didn't know their language, used my hands. Its not difficult.
Im Just over 20, but what I went through people seem to count equal with their bitchcrafting GF, asshole BF, mad/screaming parents. I ain't gonna write about me here. You can find me on the site "Fight against ISISThis is how you may ignorantly be promoting ISIS agenda". There is a lil of me on there
December 29, 2015 at 12:45 am (my time, at least)
much love, The Omn*i*
@skylarcarson1120
Serj is a true artist. He puts across a message that most don't dare to touch at this level, and conveys it in a way thats understandable and personal for everyone. I have the most respect for Serj and what he stands for. Not to mention he's an amazing musician.
@thesaiyantonian3723
I agree million percent
@UsUnitedClan
lmfao this shit has been going on since metal music came out with black Sabbath so don't act like Serj came up with something new and shit!
@skylarcarson1120
I dont think Serj is the only one. I recognize other artists do this, but I'm speaking about Serj. Just because I commented on his video doesn't mean I think he's the only artist that speaks through their lyrics. I quite obviously dont listen to as much Black Sabbath as I do Serj, so thatd explain why im on his video commenting, instead of theirs (I'm not bashing Sabbath, I like them, but I just don't listen to as much.)
@UsUnitedClan
skylar carson uh you sure did actually re-read your comment young lady
@skylarcarson1120
"most don't dare to touch". Not saying nobody does, but most dont, especially now a days. I'm not saying what you said is wrong, and I'm not going to argue, I'm clearly saying what I beleive now in these comments, and if you don't agree well then, its okay, we all have opinions, you aren't entitled to agree with me, nor am I with you. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
@bakukirby27
From a guy who was once homeless, this touched me.
@ClaudiaAvilesG
I'm really glad you're not homeless anymore. :) Seriously.
@cloudlink994
Claudia Avilés que tierno el comentario
@Kougaku
I've been there as well my friend. I'm glad you've managed.