Marmalade

System Of A Down's song 'Marmalade' delves into a surreal and darkly poetic exploration of human desires, fantasies, and the often taboo nature of these themes. The lyrics are rich with vivid and sometimes disturbing imagery, creating a tapestry of metaphors that challenge the listener to interpret the underlying messages. The opening lines, 'Stretching, filing / Against her skin / Blessed are those / Who are not kin,' suggest a sense of forbidden intimacy and the breaking of societal norms. This sets the tone for a song that is both provocative and introspective.

The recurring themes of sin, sex, and indulgence are evident throughout the song. Phrases like 'In sin we breathe / In sex we tie' and 'Duct tape her legs / To the red sky' evoke a sense of bondage and the intertwining of pleasure and pain. The use of 'custard dreams' and 'marmalade flesh' adds a layer of sensuality and decadence, contrasting with the more violent and unsettling imagery. This juxtaposition highlights the complexity of human desires and the often blurred lines between pleasure and suffering.

The song also touches on themes of mortality and existential reflection. Lines such as 'If today I die / And can't deny / The poison chosen / For tonight' suggest a contemplation of life's fleeting nature and the choices we make in the face of our mortality. The references to 'borrowed keys' and 'hollowed reveries' further emphasize a sense of impermanence and the ephemeral nature of our experiences. System Of A Down's 'Marmalade' is a haunting and thought-provoking piece that invites listeners to confront their own inner desires and the darker aspects of the human psyche.