Chic 'n' Stu
System Of A Down
The Satirical Slice: Dissecting System Of A Down's 'Chic 'n' Stu'
System Of A Down, known for their unique blend of metal and politically charged lyrics, often incorporates satire and social commentary into their music. 'Chic 'n' Stu,' a track from their album 'Steal This Album!' is no exception. The song's title itself is a playful take on the names of two sports commentators, Chick Hearn and Stu Lantz, which hints at the song's underlying theme of media and consumerism.
The lyrics repetitively mention a 'splendid pie,' referring to pizza, and the incessant need to 'buy, buy, buy.' This repetition serves as a metaphor for the consumer culture that is constantly fed to the public through advertising. The song suggests that this bombardment leads to an artificial need for goods, hence the repeated line 'Need therapy, therapy, advertising causes need.' System Of A Down is critiquing how advertising manipulates consumers into believing they need things that are not necessary, effectively creating a cycle of consumption and dissatisfaction.
The song's bridge, 'Advertising's got you on the run,' reinforces the idea that consumers are perpetually chased by marketing tactics that influence their choices and create a sense of urgency to purchase. System Of A Down uses their music to challenge listeners to think critically about the world around them, and 'Chic 'n' Stu' is a prime example of how they blend heavy music with heavy messages, encouraging a reflection on the impact of advertising on our daily lives and mental health.