Stealing Society

Album: Hypnotize (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song deals with the degradation of society, and how drug abuse and gang violence contribute to the decline. Growing up in Hollywood, System Of A Down saw their share of junkies. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kimimaro - Boulder, CO
  • "Stealing Society" was written by the SOAD's creative engine: guitarist Daron Malakian and lead singer Serj Tankian. Rick Rubin, who was also their label boss, produced it with Malakian.
  • This is part of the Hypnotize album, which was released in November 2005 just six months after their previous album, Mezmerize. Both album were million-sellers in America and went to #1, but the band needed a break and took one the following year. When they returned in 2010, they toured, but efforts to record proved futile. They didn't release any new material until 2020, when they issued the singles "Genocidal Humanoidz" and "Protect The Land" in support of their fellow Armenians.

Comments: 4

  • Stupid M from EarthI'm totally they guy there singing about. I think it's more like using drugs to escape society
  • Breanna from San Antonio, Txthis song is amazing. to me it holds many different meanings.
  • Carrie from Where I Am, --This is a good song. I think it's about drug abusers from the line "I'm looking for a mother that will get me high, just a stupid mutherf*cker if I die, I die."
  • Hannah from Statesville, NcThis song is amazing !
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.