The writing credit for the song is Malakian/Odadjian/Tankian.
Although it never achieved the mainstream success of "Chop Suey!" and "B.Y.O.B.", Toxicity remains one of System of a Down's most popular songs among fans. The song was ranked #14 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs [1].
The song is in C minor key and it is played on dropped C tuned guitar.[citation needed]
"Toxicity" is a downloadable song for the music video game series Rock Band, and is a featured track in Guitar Hero: Metallica.
It made #53 on the Y2KROQ Top 200 Songs of the Century.
The video was directed by Shavo Odadjian. The beginning of the video shows the streets of Los Angeles, California, then cuts to the band. Daron Malakian can be seen wearing a Los Angeles Kings jersey with his last name on the back most of the time in the video. During the verses, a projector shows homeless people lined against the streets. The end of the video is a reference to a Pantera music video.
Toxicity
System of a Down Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking at life through the eyes of a tire hub
Eating seeds as a pastime activity
The toxicity of our city, our city
You, what do you own the world?
How do you own disorder? Disorder
Now somewhere between the sacred silence
Somewhere, between the sacred silence and sleep
Disorder, disorder, disorder
More wood for their fires, loud neighbors
Flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck
Eating seeds as a pastime activity
The toxicity of our city, of our city
You, what do you own the world?
How do you own disorder? Disorder
Now somewhere between the sacred silence
Sacred silence and sleep
Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep
Disorder, disorder, disorder
You, what do you own the world?
How do you own disorder?
Now somewhere between the sacred silence
Sacred silence and sleep
Somewhere, between the sacred silence and sleep
Disorder, disorder, disorder
When I became the sun
I shone life into the man's hearts
When I became the sun
I shone life into the man's hearts
Toxicity by System of a Down is a song that delves deep into the themes of human behavior, societal structures, and the toxic elements that plague our world. With the opening lines, “Conversion, software version 7.0, looking at life through the eyes of a tire hub, eating seeds as a pastime activity, the toxicity of our city, our city,” the song immediately sets a bleak tone. The lyrics reflect on the way humans have become numb to the toxic nature of the world we live in, and how we have adapted to it. By viewing life through the lens of technology and indulging in trivial activities, we have created a dystopian world.
The repeated phrase, “You, what do you own the world? How do you own disorder?” is aimed at the privileged section of society. The band comments on how the wealthy, who believe they own the world, often contribute to the disorder and chaos that plagues it. The lines “More wood for their fires, loud neighbors, flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck” refer to the selfish behavior of people who are only concerned with their own well-being, even if it causes discomfort for those around them.
In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a somewhat hopeful turn. These lines, “When I became the sun, I shone life into the man's hearts”, offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that any individual has the power to bring about positive change, and to dispel the toxicity in society. The song closes with the same phrase that repeats throughout: “Disorder, disorder, disorder”, reminding the audience that we have a long way to go before our world can be considered truly healthy.
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Conversion, software version 7.0
We are living in a digital age where we rely on technology to understand the world.
Looking at life through the eyes of a tire hub
We are not seeing the world for what it truly is when we view it through the lens of human-made objects.
Eating seeds as a pastime activity
As a society, we are engaging in meaningless activities that do not provide any meaningful sustenance.
The toxicity of our city, our city
Our environment is polluted and unhealthy for all inhabitants.
You, what do you own the world?
Do you believe you have control over everything in life?
How do you own disorder? Disorder
Chaos and disorder are inevitable in life, and trying to control or 'own' them is futile.
Now somewhere between the sacred silence
In the moments between stillness and complete chaos, there exists a delicate balance in life.
Sacred silence and sleep
The times when we are quiet of mind and sleeping are often the most peaceful.
Somewhere, between the sacred silence and sleep
There is a moment of clarity that exists between tranquility and rest.
Disorder, disorder, disorder
Chaos and disorder will always be present, and they must be acknowledged and accepted.
More wood for their fires, loud neighbors
As a society, we are taking more and more from the world without regard for the consequences.
Flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck
We are often distracted by insignificant things and forget to focus on what is important.
When I became the sun
When I found enlightenment and understanding about the world around me.
I shone life into the man's hearts
I brought a new perspective that helped others see the beauty and significance of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Serj Tankian, Daron V. Malakian, Shavo Odajian, John Dolmayan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Culprit
There's something special about them. They hit that perfect balance between harmony and pure chaos.
Morgan Asher
it literally makes me emotional. they are brilliant and their music is straight ART. the way their lyrics are so deep, all while discussing issues in the world. i love them so much
Culprit
@Morgan Asher After everything their families went through, you know that they have a strong opinion when it comes to politics. They've heard so much from their family about how things can so easily fall apart. They are a breath of fresh air every time I listen to them.
yellowmilkdud
Serg writes and listens to a lot of classical music and he experiments with different genres too. Makes the band really good! Plus everyone else 😊
Culprit
@yellowmilkdud Imagine if they did a concert with a full orchestra like Metallica did way back in the day. I'd give my house to see that
Mars Pie
@Morgan Asher my mom went to glendale high with Daron! Such a cool dude. I went to the same school and they would play SOAD/Serg at the assemblies during the Armenian genocide week. 🤘🏼
Lucas Nunes
isso é um hino. gratidão.
Denilzon Quispe1
hermoso tema ...me hace recordar mi niñes
Ararat Zargaryan
Never seen a drummer like this guy. Man hes just killing it. So many emotions in one song.
Pat Mc
Yep ..hes number 2… copeland from the police #1