Left of Center

Serj Tankian's 'Left of Center' is a powerful critique of modern society, exploring themes of disillusionment, control, and the struggle for authenticity. The song opens with a questioning of reality, asking if we are living in a 'fantasy' and 'swimming in theocracy.' This suggests a world where religious or ideological dogma dominates, leading to a loss of true vision and understanding. The line 'We are far from holy, the wholeness of one' implies a disconnection from a unified, holistic existence, replaced by fragmented and superficial beliefs.

The chorus, with its repeated lines about 'fighting your empire' and 'defending your vampires,' paints a picture of resistance against oppressive forces. The 'empire' could symbolize any form of authoritarian control, while 'vampires' might represent those who exploit and drain the life out of others. The repetition of 'we're going too far' serves as a warning that society is on a dangerous path, driven by ignorance and insolence. This is further emphasized by the lines 'bombing your ignorance' and 'defeating your insolence,' suggesting a need to confront and overcome these destructive tendencies.

In the bridge, Tankian reflects on mortality and the meaning of life, stating, 'If today I die, I cannot deny the life that I lived for what I say.' This introspective moment highlights the importance of living authentically and speaking one's truth, even in the face of societal pressures. The song concludes with a cyclical view of existence, encapsulated in the lines 'We go forward, we go backward, living, dying.' This cyclical nature underscores the ongoing struggle between life and death, progress and regression, and the constant search for meaning in a chaotic world.