Fortress

System Of A Down's song 'Fortress' delves into the themes of deception, environmental degradation, and the consequences of human actions. The repeated mention of Edmund Kemper, a notorious serial killer who managed to deceive psychiatrists, serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of deception. By stating that Kemper 'fooled the shrinks,' the song highlights how easily people can be misled, even by those who are supposed to be experts. This deception is not just limited to individuals but extends to societal and environmental issues as well.

The 'fortress of forever' symbolizes the Earth or perhaps the human race's legacy, which has been 'forsaken' and 'polluted with blue dye.' The blue dye could represent the pollution of our natural resources—air, water, and the environment as a whole. The repetition of 'man made promise' suggests that humanity has failed to uphold its responsibilities to protect the planet. The song critiques the false promises and the destructive impact of human activities on the environment.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of space exploration with lines like 'Can we tamper, we have gained, outerspace.' This could be interpreted as a critique of humanity's ambition to conquer new frontiers while neglecting the damage done to our own planet. The mention of 'a million years, the devastation of outerspace' suggests that the consequences of our actions are far-reaching and long-lasting. The song ultimately questions the integrity and foresight of the human race, urging listeners to reflect on the impact of their actions on the world and beyond.