Spiders (System of a Down song)

Infobox Single
Name = Spiders


Artist = System of a Down
from Album = System of a Down
B-side =
Released = February 1999
Format = CD, Airplay
Recorded = November 1997 - March 1998 Sound City Van Nuys, CA Akademie Mathematique of Philosophical Sound Research Hollywood, CA
Genre = Alternative metal
Length = 3:35
Label = American
Writer = Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian
Producer = Rick Rubin, System of a Down
Certification =
Chart position =
Last single = "Sugar" (1998)
This single = "Spiders" (1999)
Next single = "Chop Suey!" (2001)

"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.

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.

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"). There are also faint voices that can be heard in the background in the beginning repeating what Serj says.

Music Video

A music video was shot in 1999 and was directed by Charlie Deaux. The video is reminiscent of Tool videos except for that the band members are featured in the video as opposed to clay figures or special effects used in the Tool videos.

Track listing

tracklist|collapsed= |lyrics_credits=yes |music_credits=yes
title1=Spiders |lyrics1=Tankian |music1=Malakian |length1=3:35

External links

* [http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=3299 Songfacts and interpretations for "Spiders"] from songfacts.com
* [http://www.systemofadown.com/words-soad.html#7 Song lyrics]