Spiders (System of a Down)

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"Spiders"
"Spiders" cover
Single by System Of A Down
from the album System Of A Down
Released 1999
Format CD
Genre Alternative Metal
Length 3:35
Label American Recordings
Writer(s) Daron Malakian, Serj Tankian
Producer(s) Rick Rubin
System Of A Down singles chronology
Sugar
(1998)
Spiders
(1999)
War?
(2000)

Spiders is a song by System Of A Down from their first album, also named System Of A Down. The song was featured on the Scream 3 soundtrack.

[edit] Music

"Spiders", like many of System Of A Down's songs, is written in the key of C minor. The song relies heavily on the Cm, Bb, and Eb chords, as well as Fm, Gm, Ab, B, and Db. "Spiders" uses 4/4 time at a slow tempo, and employs drum-rolls and syncopation in the verses. The music can be described as haunting, ominous, and sad, with its dark melody and echoing vocal overdubs. Serj Tankian's vocals, while low and melodic in the verses, become more energetic and dissonant in the refrains. The song's minor-key intro serves as a musical motif for the rest of the song; it repeats throughout the song in its normal and raised third forms. After the second refrain, Daron Malakian delivers a solo bridge that creates harmonic tension with its B and Db (non-key) chords. The song ends with a soft vocal version of the intro motif.

[edit] Interpretation

It is possible that a spider in this song is a symbol for computer chips (the V-chip). The chip on the cover of the single looks vaguely similar to a spider (small, black, many legs). The spiders all in tune - the chips operating properly.

According to the liner notes on the album (associated with this song), Spiders is best interpreted as a song denouncing government regulation at the personal level (through subliminal advertising, the v-chip, and other government controls). It could be expressing fears that the government is using modern technology to watch the activities of its citizens. The following is quoted from the liner notes: "Your dreams are no longer sacred, as they are subject to a process known as remote viewing."Also, the V- Chip is also mentioned in the lyrics (Your lives are open wide. The V-chip gives them sight...Of all the life running through her hair).

System Of A Down performed the song on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

[edit] External links

System of a Down
Serj Tankian | Daron Malakian | Shavo Odadjian | John Dolmayan
Andy Khachaturian | Arto Tuncboyaciyan
System of a Down discography
Albums: System of a Down | Toxicity | Steal This Album! | Mezmerize | Hypnotize
Demos: Untitled 1995 Demo Tape | Demo Tape 1 | Demo Tape 2 | Demo Tape 3
Singles: "Sugar" | "Spiders" | "War?" | "Prison Song" | "Chop Suey!" | "Toxicity" | "Aerials" | "Innervision" | "Boom!" | "I-E-A-I-A-I-O" | "B.Y.O.B." | "Question!" | "Radio/Video" | "Hypnotize" | "Lonely Day" | "Kill Rock & Roll"
Related articles
Serart | Serjical Strike | Scars on Broadway | |EatUrMusic | Axis of Justice
Categories
System of a Down | System of a Down songs | System of a Down albums
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