Released: 2005
Features: System Of A Down
“B.Y.O.B.” by System of a Down packs a punch with its in-your-face critique of the military-industrial complex and the government’s role in warfare. The song questions the motives behind war and the disparity between those who decide to go to war and those who are actually sent to fight.
Right off the bat, the song hits you with “Why do they always send the poor?” This isn’t just a question; it’s a pointed criticism of how governments often send the less privileged to fight wars while the elite stay safe. The line “Barbarisms by Barbaras with pointed heels” possibly mocks the superficiality and barbarity of those in power, using the imagery of high fashion to symbolize their detachment from the reality of war. The phrase “marching forward hypocritic and hypnotic computers” suggests people are blindly following their leaders, likened to computers, without real awareness or understanding.
The chorus, with its “Everybody’s going to the party, have a real good time,” drips with irony. The ‘party’ here is actually the battlefield, symbolizing how war is often glorified. The absurdity of “dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine” contrasts the grim reality of war with the idea of a carefree party, showcasing the disconnect between the perception and reality of conflict. This juxtaposition invites listeners to reflect on the bizarre way society treats war as both entertainment and a distant reality that doesn’t affect the everyday person.
The repeated questions about why presidents don’t fight the war but “always send the poor” hammer home the message of systemic injustice and exploitation in warfare. The vivid imagery of “kneeling roses disappearing into Moses’s dry mouth” and “hangars ceiling dripped in oil, crying ‘Freedom’” portrays a desolate picture of sacrifice and the ultimate cost of war under the guise of freedom. The recurring “still you feed us lies from the tablecloth” suggests a continuous deceit by those in power about the true nature and consequences of war.
“B.Y.O.B.” isn’t just a song; it’s a protest. It uses the power of rock to challenge listeners to think critically about war, power, and societal class distinctions. The relentless repetition of critical questions and the mocking tone towards the end of the song, where it asks “where the fuck are you?” and repeats “Why do they always send the poor?” serves as a rallying cry for awareness and change. Through its explosive energy and clever lyrics, “B.Y.O.B.” stands as a bold statement against the glorification of war and the exploitation of the vulnerable by those in power.
