Shimmy

System Of A Down's song 'Shimmy' presents a critique of societal norms and the education system, wrapped in the band's signature style of energetic and aggressive rock music. The lyrics juxtapose the concepts of education and fornication, suggesting a tension between societal expectations and individual desires. The repetition of 'Education, fornication, in you are, go!' implies a cycle of indoctrination where individuals are pushed into a system that values conformity over personal freedom.

The chorus, 'I think me, I want life, I think me, I want a house and a wife, I want to shimmy, shimmy, shimmy through the break of dawn, yeah,' expresses a yearning for a simple, fulfilling life, contrasting with the rigid structure of the education system. The desire to 'shimmy' through the break of dawn symbolizes a wish to break free from constraints and live life on one's own terms. This sentiment is reinforced by the urgency in the repeated lines 'Don't be late for school again, boy/girl,' which serve as a reminder of the pressures to adhere to schedules and expectations.

The song culminates in a powerful statement against indoctrination and subjugation, with the lines 'Indoctrination of a nation, Subjugation of damnation.' System Of A Down is known for their political and social commentary, and 'Shimmy' is no exception. It challenges listeners to question the systems they are part of and to seek personal freedom beyond the confines of societal norms.