They Say
Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway
A Rebellion Against Modern Society: Unpacking 'They Say' by Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway
In 'They Say,' Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway deliver a powerful critique of contemporary society, laced with a sense of rebellion and disillusionment. The song opens with the lines, 'I walked the line, the line I choose / I see the people in front of me,' suggesting a personal journey and the observation of societal behaviors. The 'wall of news' metaphorically represents the overwhelming and often tragic information disseminated by the media, which the narrator watches with a critical eye.
The chorus, 'Let's fuck the world with all its trend / They say it's all about to end,' captures a sense of frustration and defiance against societal norms and trends. The repetition of 'they say' underscores the pervasive sense of doom and the idea that external voices are predicting an imminent end. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the constant barrage of negative news and the feeling of helplessness it can engender.
The song also touches on themes of political disillusionment, as seen in the lines, 'I watched the president kiss his family / I watched the president fuck society.' This stark contrast highlights the hypocrisy and disconnect between political leaders and the people they govern. The repeated phrase 'for we live in sin, for we will win' suggests a belief in the inevitability of societal decay but also a rebellious hope for overcoming it. The nostalgic longing for 'the old times' further emphasizes a dissatisfaction with the present and a yearning for a simpler, perhaps more genuine past.
Overall, 'They Say' is a raw and unfiltered expression of discontent with modern society, media, and politics, wrapped in a rebellious and defiant tone. It challenges listeners to question the status quo and consider the impact of societal trends and political actions on their lives.