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 ↴ 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
Sacred silence and sleep
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.
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
@yetiisaghost
LYRICS:
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
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.
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.
@Nova-bv5qb
Lyrics:
McDonald's is the place to rock
It is a restaurant where they buy food to eat
It is a good place to listen to the music
People flock here to get down to the rock music
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
McDonald's will make you fat
They serve Big Macs
They serve Quarter-Pounders
They will put pounds on you
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
McDonald's hamburgers are the worst
They are worse than Burger King
A Big Mac has twenty-six grams of fat
A Quarter-Pounder has twenty-eight grams of fat
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Rock on London
Rock on Chicago
Wheaties, breakfast of champions
@nunomiguel4
Lyrics:
Conversion, software version seven point O
Looking at life through the eyes of a tire hub
Eating seeds as a past-time 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
More wood for the fires, loud neighbors
Flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck
Eating seeds as a past-time 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
@Gabriel-nn2ku
LYRICS
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, 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
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
@mattitomatti
Lyrics:
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, of our city
New, 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
More wood for their fires, loud neighbours
Flashlight reveries caught in the headlights of a truck
Eating seeds as a pastime activity
The toxicity of our city, of our city
New, 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
New, 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
@jojothehippiealien6573
LYRICS 🤟🏽
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
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
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
@tengri9073
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
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
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
@elisabethar2336
The drummer is just pure class. He doesn't even eat seeds
@ismaelcardenas1133
Its eating seems
@mikestoneadfjgs
@@ismaelcardenas1133 false. your ears broken? lol
@ismaelcardenas1133
Look up lyrics
@ismaelcardenas1133
What do you have to say know
@ismaelcardenas1133
Say now
@theonlyculprit
There's something special about them. They hit that perfect balance between harmony and pure chaos.
@morganasherr
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
@theonlyculprit
@@morganasherr 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 😊