Temper

System Of A Down's song "Temper" is a powerful and unflinching critique of American foreign policy, social injustice, and the hypocrisy embedded within the nation's political and cultural systems. The band, known for their aggressive style and politically charged lyrics, uses this song to highlight the contradictions and moral failings of the United States, particularly in its pursuit of war and its treatment of marginalized communities.

The lyrics open with a condemnation of the military-industrial complex, pointing out the absurdity of seeking peace through violent means such as Patriot missiles. The imagery of civilian targets being blown to bits underscores the human cost of war, while the sarcastic tone in lines like "Parade! Laugh! Rejoice! Sing! We are the victors of...nothing" mocks the hollow victories claimed by those in power. The song criticizes the prioritization of military spending over the welfare of the populace, highlighting the irony of a nation that spends millions on bombs while its people suffer from poverty and exploitation.

The chorus, "Country without a race, Formed from people you disgrace," speaks to the systemic racism and xenophobia that have shaped American history. The reference to the "killers of Kennedy's with no fright" alludes to the political assassinations that have marred the nation's past, suggesting a deep-seated culture of violence and impunity. The repeated phrase "The American way!" is used ironically to question the values and actions that are often touted as quintessentially American.

The song also addresses domestic issues, such as racial discrimination, police brutality, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. The line "Freedom cried the marching man, Flags ripped out of their black hands" evokes the civil rights struggles and the brutal suppression of dissent. The mention of missing children on milk cartons and mothers selling their children for crack paints a grim picture of societal decay and neglect. By calling out the President and the government, the band demands accountability and change, urging listeners to question the status quo and resist complacency.