Old School Hollywood
System Of A Down
Nostalgia and Disillusionment in 'Old School Hollywood'
System Of A Down's song 'Old School Hollywood' delves into the themes of nostalgia and disillusionment with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The lyrics paint a picture of a bygone era, referencing figures like Tony Danza and Frankie Avalon, who were once prominent in the entertainment industry. The repeated mention of 'Old school Hollywood baseball' serves as a metaphor for the golden days of Hollywood, a time when it was seen as a magical place full of larger-than-life personalities and endless possibilities.
However, the song also carries a tone of disillusionment. The phrase 'Washed up Hollywood' juxtaposed with 'Old school Hollywood' suggests a fall from grace. The once-glamorous Hollywood is now depicted as a place where former stars are merely shadows of their former selves, standing in the sun and wasting time. This duality reflects the band's critical view of how fame and success can be fleeting, and how the entertainment industry often discards its once-revered icons.
The line 'Hey man, don't you touch my belt' adds a personal touch to the narrative, hinting at the superficial and sometimes absurd nature of Hollywood culture. The imagery of standing in the sun and melting further emphasizes the harsh realities behind the facade of fame. System Of A Down uses these vivid metaphors and cultural references to critique the superficiality and transient nature of Hollywood fame, making 'Old School Hollywood' a poignant commentary on the entertainment industry's darker side.