B.Y.O.B.
system of a down (usa) Lyrics


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Why do they always send the poor?

Barbarisms by barbaras
With pointed heels
Victorious victorious kneel
For brand new spankin' deals

Marching forward hypocritic and
Hypnotic computers
You depend on our protection
Yet you feed us lies from the tablecloth

Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine

Kneeling roses disappearing into
Moses' dry mouth
Breaking into fort knox stealing
Our intentions

Hangers sitting dripped in oil
Crying freedom
Handed to obsoletion
Still you feed us lies from the tablecloth

Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine

Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine

Blast off!
It's party time!
And we don't live in a fascist nation!
Blast off!
It's party time!
And where the fuck are you?

Where the fuck are you?
Where the fuck are you?

Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?

Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?

Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?

Kneeling roses disappearing into
Moses' dry mouth
Breaking into fort knox stealing
Our intentions

Hangers sitting dripped in oil
Crying freedom
Handed to obsoletion,
Still you feed us lies from the tablecloth

Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine

Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sun

Where the fuck are you?
Where the fuck are you?

Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?

Why don't presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?

Why do they always send the poor?
Why do they always send the poor?




They always send the poor!
They always send the poor!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of System of a Down's song B.Y.O.B are a politically charged commentary on the hypocrisy of war and the way in which the poor are often sent to fight and die while the powerful profit from conflict. The opening line of the song, "Why do they always send the poor?" sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which go on to criticize the way in which politicians and those in power use propaganda and lies to manipulate the masses into supporting their wars.


The "barbarisms by barbaras with pointed heels" likely refer to the rulers who use their power to exploit others. The second verse speaks about the hypocrisy of those in power who claim to protect their citizens while simultaneously lying to them. The chorus, "Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time, Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine" may suggest that while people are distracted by entertainment and leisure, wars continue to rage on in the background.


The final verse questions why it is always the poor who are sent to fight wars, and why politicians do not lead by example and fight themselves. The repeated question of "Why do they always send the poor?" calls attention to the class divide and the way in which the wealthy manipulate those who are less privileged for their own gain.


Overall, the song's lyrics offer a scathing critique of war and the unequal distribution of power and wealth in society. By blending heavy metal and punk rock music styles, System of a Down creates an intense and unforgettable listening experience that drives home the song's message.


Line by Line Meaning

Why do they always send the poor?
The system of war seems to be skewed in a particular manner where always the poor end up fighting the wars.


Barbarisms by barbaras
The idea of war is archaic and uncivilized and only leads to destruction.


With pointed heels
The people in power and their representatives only care about winning and asserting their authority.


Victorious victorious kneel
They bring in military power that kneels down only to people in power, not to the common man.


For brand new spankin' deals
The powers that be only care about making new deals that help them and do not lend any advantage to the common man.


Marching forward hypocritic and
Those who represent the powers that be march forward pretending to be heroes when they are actually hypocrites.


Hypnotic computers
People blindly follow the ones in power like computers that have been trained a certain way.


You depend on our protection
People always follow and depend on the ones in power for their safety and well-being.


Yet you feed us lies from the tablecloth
Despite depending on them, the people are constantly being lied to and misled by the powers that be.


Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time
Everyone's oblivious to the reality of war and political issues and just wants to enjoy life.


Dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine
We are destroying ourselves while we act like everything is fine and fun.


Kneeling roses disappearing into
The common man is being silenced and ignored by the powers that be.


Moses' dry mouth
There is a feeling of hopelessness and despair amongst the common man.


Breaking into fort knox stealing
People are breaking into places of power to get their voices heard and to make changes.


Our intentions
The intentions of the common man are being ignored and not taken into consideration by the powers that be.


Hangers sitting dripped in oil
The tools of power and violence are being used to silence the people.


Crying freedom
The people are calling for freedom and change but no one is listening.


Handed to obsoletion
The common man is being pushed to the margins and to a state of uselessness.


Still you feed us lies from the tablecloth
The people are being constantly manipulated and misled by the powers that be despite all their efforts.


Where the fuck are you?
The common man feels abandoned and left to fend for themselves.


Why don't presidents fight the war?
The ones who have actual power are not the ones fighting the wars and putting their lives on the line.


They always send the poor!
The balance of power and responsibility in war is unfairly tilted towards the less privileged.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DARON MALAKIAN, SERJ TANKIAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@DaFuqBoom

I remember having this on my Windows XP PC in folder with other SOAD and other nu-metal bands clips in 144p quality. Watching this was a stunning entertainment.

@indoktrynator119

Good to see you here, help us hit 1 bilion in they other clip called "chop suey"

@peachygoogles6359

Dayymmmmmm 144p? Ayayayayahee.
That sounds like some Lifewire bootleg stuff

@felixalpha153

Hi dafuq
I'm your subscriber

@xxrandom_userxx9994

@@indoktrynator119 i think you mean chop suey

@beyza4339

I watched the video in 144p after reading this just tp figure out your feelings at that time

114 More Replies...

@not.supermario

"Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?" Really the most relevant statement in any war.

@ibrahimk8271

democrasy shit. a lot of "self-righteous" kings of the dark ages lie on ground with his peasant soldiers but our democrat leaders of "the people" are too important for to die in a battleground. i think if the kings had oppurnity of sending kids to school after their 5 age, they'll think either monarchy is the best goverment type for human honour. but we're living in republics so we think republics are best.

@luluna5228

what does the first line even mean, and yes lets just send the richest people on earth to fight

@theInsaneDoctor

@@luluna5228 Why is it that the people that declare the wars never have to fight them

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