The Descent into Despair: System Of A Down's 'Tentative'

System Of A Down's 'Tentative' is a powerful song that delves into themes of disillusionment, war, and the failure of institutions to protect or save humanity. The band, known for their politically charged lyrics and unique blend of metal, often addresses social and political issues, and 'Tentative' is no exception. The song's title itself suggests a lack of certainty and a feeling of being provisional or temporary, which reflects the unstable state of the world described in the lyrics.

The opening lines, 'Superstition taking all of us for a ride,' may refer to the way people often cling to irrational beliefs or ideologies, which can lead to destructive outcomes, such as war. The 'signs of the Right' could be interpreted as a critique of right-wing politics and its sometimes aggressive, militaristic tendencies. The imagery of bombs falling 'with no sight' evokes a sense of blind destruction, where the consequences of actions are not considered. The repeated questions in the chorus, 'Where you going? To the bottom? Do you hear us? We are rotting,' serve as a haunting reminder of the decline and decay that war and detachment from reality can bring about.

The song's climax, with the repeated line 'Where do you expect us to go when the bombs fall?' is a desperate plea for reason and salvation in a world seemingly abandoned by both human and divine intervention. The repetition of 'no one's gonna save us now' underscores a feeling of hopelessness and the inevitability of doom. 'Tentative' is a stark reminder of the consequences of detachment and the importance of staying connected to the reality of our actions and their impact on the world.

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  1. Chop Suey!
  2. Lonely Day
  3. A.T.W.A.
  4. Radio/Video
  5. Revenga
  6. Aerials
  7. Jet Pilot
  8. Cigaro
  9. Roulette
  10. Needles
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