War?

System Of A Down's song "War?" is a powerful commentary on the senselessness and hypocrisy of war. The band, known for their politically charged lyrics and unique blend of metal, rock, and Armenian musical influences, often tackles social and political issues in their music. This song is no exception, as it delves into the darkness that accompanies conflict and the justifications used to wage war.

The lyrics of "War?" question the motivations behind historical and contemporary conflicts, particularly those justified by religious or moral grounds. Phrases like "With all your prayers, incantations" and "Beliefs, they're the bullets of the wicked" suggest that religion and ideology are often weaponized to fuel war. The song references the Seljuk Turks and the Crusades, highlighting how religious wars have been a recurring theme throughout history. The repetition of the phrase "We will fight the heathens" underscores the us-versus-them mentality that perpetuates endless cycles of violence.

The song also criticizes the notion of a 'righteous' war, as seen in lines like "No call of the righteous man needs a reason to kill man." It suggests that those in power often use the guise of righteousness to justify their actions, even when those actions result in destruction and loss of life. The concluding lines, "Of war, we don't speak anymore," could be interpreted as a call to end the glorification of war and to recognize the shared humanity that is often forgotten amidst the chaos of battle.