Goodbye Blue Sky
System Of A Down
A Farewell to Nature: System Of A Down's 'Goodbye Blue Sky'
System Of A Down's 'Goodbye Blue Sky' is a poignant commentary on the environmental and societal impacts of human progress. The song opens with a historical reference to Mesopotamia, often considered the cradle of civilization, where a new type of thinking—totalitarian agriculture—was developed. This shift marked the beginning of humanity's domination over nature, setting the stage for the environmental degradation that the song laments. The phrase 'Goodbye blue sky' serves as a metaphor for the loss of natural beauty and purity, replaced by the consequences of industrialization and modern agriculture.
The lyrics express a deep sense of frustration and disillusionment with the current state of the world. The repetition of 'Goodbye blue sky' underscores the irreversible damage being done to the planet. The song criticizes humanity's role in this destruction, highlighting the irony of our existence: we are here to nurture the planet, yet we end up causing its downfall. The mention of falling asleep 'as peoples as animals on this planet' suggests a collective ignorance or apathy towards these pressing issues, further exacerbating the problem.
The latter part of the song shifts focus to societal issues, with the singer expressing disdain for 'unequal globalisers,' fashion, and certain types of people. This could be interpreted as a critique of consumerism, inequality, and superficial values that distract from more significant concerns like environmental preservation. The raw emotion in the lyrics reflects a deep-seated anger and a call to action, urging listeners to wake up and take responsibility for the planet and society. System Of A Down uses their unique blend of aggressive and melodic music to deliver a powerful message about the urgent need for change.