This is honestly one of the most haunting music videos ever made. The children playing cheerfully while providing a living metaphor for the horrors of war. Just brilliant
These kids are now old enough to understand and appreciate the message behind the fun they were having on that day, hell, some of them are almost old enough to serve. time flies
Hey there! I was one of the kids in the music video. I’ve recently come back to it now to cherish the memories. I turn 23 next month and it’s kinda ironic but I’m training to be a pilot right now.
Can we all just stop to appreciate how powerful of a message this video sends? Our soldiers are people's children, and they're dying for someone else's conflict. This shit is just art honestly
This is why I love Serj so much. The message the video conveys along with the song. Playing uncle Sam, he is happy seeing the children fighting. Playing into the fears engrained into children to fight the war that never ends. The chorus speaks on many different situations. 9/11 victims and the victims of the war, both soldier and civilian. "Dont waste your time on coffins today" speaks on how the Bush administration didnt want US military caskets spoken of or filmed. Also how the 9/11 victims were buried in the rubble. "I want you to see from behind those empty walls" yet again 9/11 victims and also the American public that doesnt see the horrors of the war. "I loved you yesterday before you killed my family" is a great representation of the relationship between the US and the middle east. In the music video Serj's grin becomes wider the more the video progresses and he becomes far more excited. His smile fades as the children who were enjoying the idea of war finally sees through the window (empty wall) exactly what the war leads to and they no longer want to play war. 10/10 Serj. You can see so many points of views in the lyrics and the video helps further convey the message.
My take on it is that's It's about seeing past your empty walls aka walls that are empty aka one's ideology and willful ignorance. The kids are metaphors for nations sending their youth to war while ignoring their suffering because they can't see past their cause and ideology.
In the 7th grade I created a presentation based on this song. The prompt was "some form of language that moved you". I am grateful for a teacher that gave me space to speak about something I actually cared about. I am grateful Serj gave me content that resonated. I remember being self-conscious as I played the video in front of my classmates, they listened to pop music, and this surely would not win me a crowd. To go against the grain was to rasp yourself on splinters and open yourself to criticism. Both of which felt abrasive to me as a 12-year-old kid. But I remember the pride I felt when no one turned down the speakers, when the class went silent for 4 minutes. All I did was talk about the song for a bit, play a video, and tell some friends how I felt. Now, 30 years old, I recognize the impact Serj has had on me. Not just musical taste. Not just my disdain for brother man sending the poor, but rather the play on the octave, the scream before the orchestra. We are but leaves before a storm. It may seem a frail hope, but even leaves and boughs can shelter thunder and tumult. Serj, if you read this, know that your words will become myth, myth will transcend story, and that stories can yield a new truth. You owe nothing, yet you give everything. An inspiration no doubt Thank you
Theclockworkman "dont waste youe time on coffins today" humans arent worth it. Don't you see their bodies burning ! Desolate and full of yearning? Dieing from anticipation, choking on intoxication" Hes speakin about how our world has decayes into hell, the concept of hell. Not a physical realm. the children are the people of this natio, the west. Captured and captivaed entirely within the confides of their homes, FULL OF YEARNING, DIEING OF ANTICIPATION we are all waiting for that big change that won't come until someone MAKES IT
Sheldon J. Plankton it also shows many scenes from the iraq war like the kids pulling down the teddy bear clearly thats showing the us troops pulling down saddam husein statue and also shows a kid crashing showing a car bomb and some other stuff
The future??? Slaughters have been happening for years. He’s literally the grandchild of an Armenian survivor. Between the war on terror that killed more civilians than anything else, the Armenian genocide that’s been ongoing as well as genocides in Congo, Sudan, and Palestine (literally decades), it’s hard to actually pinpoint a time when this song hasn’t been relevant for 100 years.
Still one of the most emotionally charged videos I’ve ever seen. Knowing what the children’s play scenes (unbeknownst to them) represent is a more powerful visual tool than even a depiction of a real war scene could ever evoke.
I was 19 when the 9/11 attacks took place. People grew up with went and fought the initial resulting war. I also watched this when the video first premiered (may have been on MTV2 at the time..) My initial reaction was chills,but when those final bells toll at the end, and the children get up to wotness the soldiers being brought back in coffins broke me. It still does. Sobbing while I am writing this. Brilliant masterpiece.
This is possibly my favorite song from Serj. And I think the fact that the video for it has all the subtlety of a brick to the head actually plays in its favor.
My favorite part of the video was always the beginning with the girl and the two block towers. First the plane hits and the towers topple and shes suprised and confused, then a cut scene, then back to her devastated and mourning looking down at the blocks, another cut scene, then u see her look up with anger in her eyes. That perfectly showed what it felt like to live during that time.
i didnt feel like that. but i already had a good understanding that europe had full control of my country at that time from studying eugenics and all the torturous conditions thrust onto the people here which europeans received the most benefit from.
This video is SCARY good... between Serj's ego and Daron's control issues this would have been the perfect SOAD song... i know some people hate when Daron sings but his harmonies and backing vocals on earlier SOAD works were exactly what was needed
This proves that Serj can lead any band. If I was SOAD, I would have listened and done anything I could to keep that talent satisfied with the direction of the band in order to continue churning out albums after Hypnotize.
I mean.. they kind of tried lol. The rest of SOAD had to beg him to make the last two albums but he just wanted to do his own thing. His solo stuff after this sounds a lot different.
If you’re still listening to this you have great taste in music and understand life in general and not through a broke lense this world will always repeat itself because it’s a broken system . I’ve been listening to this since I was a kid and never understood the picture but hell they sell cop stuff and army stuff to kids and we read into it and our kids know this stuff at a young age just crazy honestly. “I loved you yesterday before you killed my family” not in the military so I can’t see this the way y’all do but I can only imagine it hurts some.
This video chokes me up every time I watch it. Those who served will never be whole again, we were all just children playing a game but the consequences were real.
Beyond relevant in 2021. The sheer amount of accuracy in four minutes of describing 20 years of war is unreal. From the precursor influence of the Cold War (Stalin's statue being ripped down), to the destruction of the Twin Towers, to the invasion of Afghanistan and resulting decade+ of war. What an excellent song and video to capture just a fraction of the pain and destruction in the 21'st century.
As a Marine that served through 2006-2012...this video holds a private message to me. Serj was able to see the manipulation where as many of us were not. Don't ever mistake that American veterans are criminal though, we do what we are taught as does anyone that is subjective to a mandatory agenda to succeed. Just the same as anyone who may have a different viewpoint, we all think we are fighting for the best of interests, until we become better informed.
The storytelling progress of this video is insane. From knocking the towers, to toppling the Saddam statue, to the Guantanamo bay prisoner. Holy crap what a display of art. Illustrated by children nothing could better show the insanities of war. Watching it a second time and getting more references, the mission accomplished speech, the car bomb; holy shyster. What an masterpiece.
This almost brought me to tears. I've been a fan since self titled and its been almost 20 years. I have heard this song many times but not in a long time and wow. So powerful and moving.
Yes! Its been 21 years ago when system of a down had their first mainstream hit. I didn't discover them until 16 years ago and I remember in 8th grade computer class I would go to their website and they had their songs on there System and serj brings back many great memories
It’s almost like music that’s truly good is timeless and ageless. Most of the crap out nowadays won’t be remembered in 5 years. There’s a reason why people still listen to old music.
Yes solo serj brings me back to my highschool days and system of a down brings me back to my middle school days lol I'm almost 30 now and I remember jamming this song while I was being dropped off of school with my grandma LMFAO
All SOAD songs are really darker than we can imagine. The reality of what their music represents or speaks about is devastating, but yet a reality we live upon a blind eye like to most things... soad alyways goat
I remember watching this for the first time on MTV when I was in 4th grade and finally rediscovered it all these years later. It definitely hits a lot different now that I understand what’s goin on in the music video and the message behind this great song.
I wonder if they would allow him to make a music video like this in today's time. Nothing against the video it was a stellar piece of art, I'm just wondering if they'd let him in 2024 because of you know all the reasons.
War is ugly, what it brings is ugly. if only we could just love eachother and help. But instead we usually find a way to put someone down in order to raise ourselves. I’m not saying that’s what I do but it’s something I see, and I wish we could just smile, give hugs and carry on with our day.
Serj really spreads awareness about what is happening in the world, if you get the message. Pray for Armenia, as they are unrightfully under attack again, right now, by Azerbaijan and Turkey.
i live in turkey and i really hate seeing people hating each other about this nonsense war. each side wants other side's people to be dead but they are forgetting the fact that both sides are in great pain and so much people are suffering. no one should stick to that made up borders and realize whole world is actually everyone's land. nobody should even have the right to be happy about death of others. i think this song really sums it all up.
@@pasolinifangirling7314 I agree very much!! As an Armenian I’m really sick and tired of this hate each side are spreading I just want both side to recognize that at the end we all are just normal human beings and fighting against each other’s just brings more pain to the citizens of them both countries
Azerbaijan has signed a seise fire with Armenia in exchange for a piece of Azerbaija occupied by mostly Armenians.. sadly the Armenians were forced to burn their homes and leave town .
I never thought I'd come back to this song, almost a decade later, and realize how "Empty walls, see behind your empty walls" have never been more current.
Listened to Serj and SOAD for years, but never saw the official video to this. I just want to commend these children for their superb performance. (Even though they're not children anymore)
I first saw this video when I was in high school and thought it was a little quirky, but cool. I later went on to serve 10 years in the Marine Corps, and watching this video now is horrifying. Brilliant, but horrifying. Happy Veterans' Day
It’s seems like the older I become the more I love Serj and Daron’s lyrics. Both of there output in and out of System is easy to get into and yet with repeated listens there’s always more than meets the eye. Remember that perception has more power than reality
thank you youtube for this recommendation. its been so many years since ive heard this masterful voice. havent heard system of a down or serj tankian in years. his music is legendary.
~ LYRICS ~ Empty Walls Serj Tankian Your empty walls Your empty walls Pretentious attention Dismissive apprehension Don't waste your time, on coffins today When we decline, from the confines of our mind Don't waste your time, on coffins today Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication I want you To be Left behind those empty walls Don't You see From behind those empty walls Those empty walls When we decline, from the confines of our mind Don't waste your time, on coffins today Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication I want you To be Left behind those empty walls Don't You see From behind those empty walls Want you to be Left behind those empty walls Don't You see From behind those empty walls From behind those empty walls From behind those empty walls The walls From behind those empty walls I left you yesterday before you killed my family Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication I want you To be Left behind those empty walls Told you To see From behind those empty walls Want you to be, left behind those empty walls Told you To see From behind those empty walls From behind those empty walls From behind those fucking walls From behind those goddamn walls Those walls Those walls
Anyone still listening 07/18 this song goes way back from me to me and my dad spending time listening to these songs by him I’m 22 now and I can’t stop thinking back in time
I couldnt find anyone posting a comment of the full lyrics so here they are Your empty walls Your empty walls Pretentious attention Dismissive apprehension Don't waste your time, on coffins today When we decline, from the confines of our mind Don't waste your time, on coffins today Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication I want you to be Left behind those empty walls Taunt you see From behind those empty walls Those empty walls When we decline, from the confines of our mind Don't waste your time, on coffins today Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication Don't you see their bodies burning? Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication I want you to be Left behind those empty walls Taunt you see From behind those empty walls I want you to be Left behind those empty walls I taunt you to see from behind those empty walls From behind those empty walls From behind those empty walls The walls From behind those empty walls I loved you (From behind those empty walls) Yesterday, before (From behind those empty walls) You killed my family (The walls) Don't you see their bodies burning Desolate and full of yearning Dying of anticipation Choking from intoxication? Don't you see their bodies burning (I want you) Desolate and full of yearning (to be) Dying of anticipation (left behind) Choking from intoxication? (those empty walls) I want you to be left behind those empty walls Taunt you to see from behind those empty walls I want you to be left behind those empty walls Taunt you to see from behind those empty walls From behind those empty walls From behind those fucking walls From behind those goddamn walls Those walls, those walls
I think there are those who never read descriptions and would appreciate this.... Then there's those like me, who listened to this obsessively ten years ago and as such still have this memorized XD
@@whodatn4l948 I cant say exactly, because the info changes by unit, but as far as I know I was told that it was a mission to train the Iraqi national guard. Now this is with the understanding that the area is still hostile so there may be more to it than just a simple training mission.
@@gotrekgurnisson9934 There are much more austere consequences if one of the worlds top 40 economies decides to invade another major economy. Much different that the smaller conflicts we have saw the past 20 years.
This is honestly one of the most haunting music videos ever made. The children playing cheerfully while providing a living metaphor for the horrors of war. Just brilliant
Art.
Yeah, haunting. It's really something. Well said.
So true!.. MAkes you think..
2021 approves
@@J0ELLEx sz
These kids are now old enough to understand and appreciate the message behind the fun they were having on that day, hell, some of them are almost old enough to serve. time flies
Thats wild to think about. i was around that age (maybe a bit older) and am now 24.. Shits crazy
Crazy how relentless something can be that you can't even touch huh
Fact
Hey there! I was one of the kids in the music video. I’ve recently come back to it now to cherish the memories. I turn 23 next month and it’s kinda ironic but I’m training to be a pilot right now.
Wow thats like so deep bro
2024, this shit hits harder than ever 😢
As it's now November, this song will be with me in my thoughts as we move forward to 2025
Agreed
@@MadaraUchiha-ly8wr Happy Thanksgiving
@@CHILLknowsfootball Thankyou, happy Thanksgiving 👍
777@@CHILLknowsfootball
Can we all just stop to appreciate how powerful of a message this video sends? Our soldiers are people's children, and they're dying for someone else's conflict. This shit is just art honestly
r/iamverydeep
It's all fun and games until someone's brainwashed into coming back in a body bag.
@@jacobcampbell2443 Stop ruining a meaningful song with reddit. This isn't some JB shit
It Is!
your free to say no to the military, so do it
This is why I love Serj so much. The message the video conveys along with the song. Playing uncle Sam, he is happy seeing the children fighting. Playing into the fears engrained into children to fight the war that never ends. The chorus speaks on many different situations. 9/11 victims and the victims of the war, both soldier and civilian. "Dont waste your time on coffins today" speaks on how the Bush administration didnt want US military caskets spoken of or filmed. Also how the 9/11 victims were buried in the rubble. "I want you to see from behind those empty walls" yet again 9/11 victims and also the American public that doesnt see the horrors of the war. "I loved you yesterday before you killed my family" is a great representation of the relationship between the US and the middle east. In the music video Serj's grin becomes wider the more the video progresses and he becomes far more excited. His smile fades as the children who were enjoying the idea of war finally sees through the window (empty wall) exactly what the war leads to and they no longer want to play war.
10/10 Serj. You can see so many points of views in the lyrics and the video helps further convey the message.
My take on it is that's It's about seeing past your empty walls aka walls that are empty aka one's ideology and willful ignorance. The kids are metaphors for nations sending their youth to war while ignoring their suffering because they can't see past their cause and ideology.
This is the only video that can make me cry every time I watch it. That ending....
Boot
Theres alot more reference than 9/11. Iraq night operation, toppling of hussein statue, suicidal mission and more
Deep but true
In the 7th grade I created a presentation based on this song. The prompt was "some form of language that moved you".
I am grateful for a teacher that gave me space to speak about something I actually cared about.
I am grateful Serj gave me content that resonated.
I remember being self-conscious as I played the video in front of my classmates, they listened to pop music, and this surely would not win me a crowd. To go against the grain was to rasp yourself on splinters and open yourself to criticism. Both of which felt abrasive to me as a 12-year-old kid. But I remember the pride I felt when no one turned down the speakers, when the class went silent for 4 minutes. All I did was talk about the song for a bit, play a video, and tell some friends how I felt.
Now, 30 years old, I recognize the impact Serj has had on me. Not just musical taste. Not just my disdain for brother man sending the poor, but rather the play on the octave, the scream before the orchestra.
We are but leaves before a storm. It may seem a frail hope, but even leaves and boughs can shelter thunder and tumult. Serj, if you read this, know that your words will become myth, myth will transcend story, and that stories can yield a new truth.
You owe nothing, yet you give everything.
An inspiration no doubt
Thank you
I resonate with you across space and time
This is the ONLY man in the world who can play in the middle of a kindergarten class while wearing a top hat AND look cool doing it..
2 word brendin yuri
words* and no captain airliner forhead wouldn't look cool or nearly as cool as serj I say that as a fan of panic lol@@tsb_shadow_ronin1152
J. Gona while reenacting the twin towers tragedy with tous
Is english not y'alls first language?
Smashing pumpkins
I like how serj has always sang about most of the world's problems and it has deep meaning. Damn I miss SOAD.
Michael Russell what exactly do u think he's singing about with this song?
Mnop Xangelus He's singing about the effects of 9/11
Theclockworkman "dont waste youe time on coffins today" humans arent worth it. Don't you see their bodies burning ! Desolate and full of yearning? Dieing from anticipation, choking on intoxication" Hes speakin about how our world has decayes into hell, the concept of hell. Not a physical realm. the children are the people of this natio, the west. Captured and captivaed entirely within the confides of their homes, FULL OF YEARNING, DIEING OF ANTICIPATION we are all waiting for that big change that won't come until someone MAKES IT
Sheldon J. Plankton it also shows many scenes from the iraq war like the kids pulling down the teddy bear clearly thats showing the us troops pulling down saddam husein statue and also shows a kid crashing showing a car bomb and some other stuff
Miss old SOAD back when serj did 90% of the vocals
Watching this again for the first time in years hits totally different. Unreal. Back when we were able to freely convey information. Wow
Godamn! Serj predicted the future as this is happening right now. My man, hope you we will live forever.
Lol wym this is a direct result of the iraq/usa war.
History never changes, just repeats itself
The future??? Slaughters have been happening for years. He’s literally the grandchild of an Armenian survivor. Between the war on terror that killed more civilians than anything else, the Armenian genocide that’s been ongoing as well as genocides in Congo, Sudan, and Palestine (literally decades), it’s hard to actually pinpoint a time when this song hasn’t been relevant for 100 years.
The events that took place around 6 years before the video predicted the song itself.
Still one of the most emotionally charged videos I’ve ever seen. Knowing what the children’s play scenes (unbeknownst to them) represent is a more powerful visual tool than even a depiction of a real war scene could ever evoke.
Serj Tankians voice is very beautiful, for rock and opera, he can sing all kind of music
I fully get your point, he's a master of his genre. I wouldn't say all music though. There's so many artist out there that you just need to find.
Can he sing kpop?
Probably not and that's a good thing
@@a.cauilan4632 that's why he is the best
@@samvelmailyan9042 I completely agree
@@a.cauilan4632 its not a good comparison between rock and kpop.rock better than kpop btw
I was 19 when the 9/11 attacks took place.
People grew up with went and fought the initial resulting war.
I also watched this when the video first premiered (may have been on MTV2 at the time..) My initial reaction was chills,but when those final bells toll at the end, and the children get up to wotness the soldiers being brought back in coffins broke me.
It still does. Sobbing while I am writing this.
Brilliant masterpiece.
Yep, I was 26 on 9/11.
At first I was like "ooh nice music"
Then I almost spit out my drink when I saw the kid throw that plane into the twin towers. I love Serj
Damaygo did you catch the car/suicide bomber at 3:05?
Or the teddy bear that was the statue of Saddam Hussein
lol ikr. Like damn even after seeing this again from years ago. It still hurts seeing that.
@@kyleladd9216 is it just me or is the kid at 3:21 supposed to represent the abu ghraib photo?
* 2:31
This song created a formidable memory in my life when it was released. Serj was and is such an amazing artist.
This is possibly my favorite song from Serj. And I think the fact that the video for it has all the subtlety of a brick to the head actually plays in its favor.
How relevant this song is in January of 2020.
Tim McClymont very !
February of 2020 :v?
@@andres._.4461 it ain't even February yet lmao
It's very sad...
Y lo será.
2:57 his deeper singing voice here is so addicting to listen to. My favourite part of the track
His facial expressions are just unbelievable good :o
And his pronunciation is wonderful )
Это точно)
Crazy Eyes deployed at full strength
My favorite part of the video was always the beginning with the girl and the two block towers. First the plane hits and the towers topple and shes suprised and confused, then a cut scene, then back to her devastated and mourning looking down at the blocks, another cut scene, then u see her look up with anger in her eyes. That perfectly showed what it felt like to live during that time.
i didnt feel like that. but i already had a good understanding that europe had full control of my country at that time from studying eugenics and all the torturous conditions thrust onto the people here which europeans received the most benefit from.
I don't agree with most Takian's political views, but it's undeniable how artistically impeccable this man is.
This video is SCARY good... between Serj's ego and Daron's control issues this would have been the perfect SOAD song... i know some people hate when Daron sings but his harmonies and backing vocals on earlier SOAD works were exactly what was needed
2:41
Kid: Mommy there is a strange man in the ball pit
Mother: You will be fine its just Serj Tankian
Mdr
Hahahaha! 😂
XDDD
😂🤣😂
GrimAesthetic lol
This proves that Serj can lead any band. If I was SOAD, I would have listened and done anything I could to keep that talent satisfied with the direction of the band in order to continue churning out albums after Hypnotize.
I mean.. they kind of tried lol. The rest of SOAD had to beg him to make the last two albums but he just wanted to do his own thing. His solo stuff after this sounds a lot different.
Serj had too much fun in the ball pit. Can't blame him.
Thefishoverlord I Think This Was What Trunks Did He, Vegeta, Goku, Teen Gohan And Bulma Jumped In The Ball Pit Trunks Gets Owned By A Fucking Turret
+Sonic The Hedgehog Captain Capitalization! We need your help! Someone is going to properly capitalize, you must stop them!
I agree :D
4 reall
@@PapaTrikegenuinely crazy response
If you’re still listening to this you have great taste in music and understand life in general and not through a broke lense this world will always repeat itself because it’s a broken system . I’ve been listening to this since I was a kid and never understood the picture but hell they sell cop stuff and army stuff to kids and we read into it and our kids know this stuff at a young age just crazy honestly. “I loved you yesterday before you killed my family” not in the military so I can’t see this the way y’all do but I can only imagine it hurts some.
This video chokes me up every time I watch it. Those who served will never be whole again, we were all just children playing a game but the consequences were real.
Haven't seen this video in years, just broke down crying at work while watching it.
It’s absolutely amazing how this song continues to be relevant. Serj really did create something timeless.
You're definitely right about that. That's a song for any era. Yesterday today and tomorrow
Usually older songs with a message come back to be relevant today.
Im here from the future, and again its actual children in gaza.
Beyond relevant in 2021. The sheer amount of accuracy in four minutes of describing 20 years of war is unreal. From the precursor influence of the Cold War (Stalin's statue being ripped down), to the destruction of the Twin Towers, to the invasion of Afghanistan and resulting decade+ of war. What an excellent song and video to capture just a fraction of the pain and destruction in the 21'st century.
I believe it was Saddam’s statue being taking down during the Iraq invasion.
@@kertoun8785 was about to comment this
I think that was supposed to be Sadam's statute
One of these most UNDERRATED song on planet…
So damn true...
Not exactly. I remember this being played on KROQ when I lived in CA on constant rotation
Idk bro, this is Serj's most popular song as a solo artist
@@The_Guy1337being overshadowed by him being the lead singer for SOAD, a lot of people don’t even know he had a solo career
As a Marine that served through 2006-2012...this video holds a private message to me. Serj was able to see the manipulation where as many of us were not. Don't ever mistake that American veterans are criminal though, we do what we are taught as does anyone that is subjective to a mandatory agenda to succeed. Just the same as anyone who may have a different viewpoint, we all think we are fighting for the best of interests, until we become better informed.
Bran C i get everything you said, but I don't get why you have to go to other countries to defend your country?
What MOS were you?
Nyoom
Thanks for serving
yoyo yoyo world police, thays what we are, better than the fight being brought to us I suppose
Serj has talent mayn 🎉
"only the dead have seen the end of war"
True 😢
what the actual fuck are you even talking about? @.@
Plato
Tru
@@johndickerson2126 you cant talk to the dead you imbecile!
No human will ever be able to! Flee from your demons!
It makes me so sad that this song is so relevant again.
Egy kibaszott mestermű egy kibaszott zsenitől. Honor for the Genius.
The storytelling progress of this video is insane. From knocking the towers, to toppling the Saddam statue, to the Guantanamo bay prisoner. Holy crap what a display of art. Illustrated by children nothing could better show the insanities of war. Watching it a second time and getting more references, the mission accomplished speech, the car bomb; holy shyster. What an masterpiece.
I am willing to bet that if serj lives to be 100 years old his voice would still probably be gold.
Da italiano devo ricordare a tutti che Serj è un tenore come voce, non dimenticatelo mai e apprezzate la musica che ha fatto e che farà....
This almost brought me to tears. I've been a fan since self titled and its been almost 20 years. I have heard this song many times but not in a long time and wow. So powerful and moving.
Yes! Its been 21 years ago when system of a down had their first mainstream hit. I didn't discover them until 16 years ago and I remember in 8th grade computer class I would go to their website and they had their songs on there
System and serj brings back many great memories
Serj's face has to be the only living interpretation of the Guy Fawkes mask from V for Vendetta.
This is the best video I have ver seen, this song hits so hard "Don't you see their bodies burning?"
Its almost 2020 but this song just never gets old
Too right m8.
@Dominos Ad Ft. Hatsune Miku It IS 2020, and this song is only getting more relevant as time progresses and repeats itself.
and it's getting more relevant, annoyingly.
It’s almost like music that’s truly good is timeless and ageless. Most of the crap out nowadays won’t be remembered in 5 years. There’s a reason why people still listen to old music.
Yes solo serj brings me back to my highschool days and system of a down brings me back to my middle school days lol I'm almost 30 now and I remember jamming this song while I was being dropped off of school with my grandma LMFAO
The oldest Rock N Roll bands probably listen to Serj Tankian, and see him as one of the absolute legends. I know I would.
All SOAD songs are really darker than we can imagine. The reality of what their music represents or speaks about is devastating, but yet a reality we live upon a blind eye like to most things... soad alyways goat
serj has no need to breathe and it makes it a pain in the ass to sing along
It's because he grew up around symphonies and was in symphonic school as a child lol
Maybe he breathes like insects, with his entire body... pff.. lungs are for amateurs, not for Serj :D
He has evolved past oxygen.
Makin me think of "inward singing" by Tenacious D, lol
@@petersima9907 nah,its all rectum like a turtle
And this is what happens when you leave Serj alone in a room with a bunch of kids..
War breaks loose and becomes a beautiful music video
Lyrics got me so hard... I have no words, still gives me chills. Absolutely masterpiece.
more relevant today than ever. peace and love to all in Ukraine and Russia and everywhere in the world
I remember watching this for the first time on MTV when I was in 4th grade and finally rediscovered it all these years later. It definitely hits a lot different now that I understand what’s goin on in the music video and the message behind this great song.
Serj, ya did it. You have taken your place amongst the pink rock prophet with your Toxicity album and subsequent commentary in riveting form.
Beautiful song about the tragedies of war. The video made me shed a tear, thinking about kids growing up to go off to war... Insane.
I'm so happy that this is always an ad-less video. Long live Serj Tankian and SOAD!
2021 and this song has never been more relevant.
I wonder if they would allow him to make a music video like this in today's time.
Nothing against the video it was a stellar piece of art, I'm just wondering if they'd let him in 2024 because of you know all the reasons.
This guy is one of the most brilliant musicians to ever do it. Just amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
This song shouldn't be forgotten in 2020
Forsure.
This song should never be forgotten
especially with the toppling of the teddy statue!
it still isn't. we're closing in to 2022.
Still isn't, it's 2024 now
War is ugly, what it brings is ugly. if only we could just love eachother and help. But instead we usually find a way to put someone down in order to raise ourselves. I’m not saying that’s what I do but it’s something I see, and I wish we could just smile, give hugs and carry on with our day.
The symbolism behind this music video and the lyrics is so well done. Why I keep coming back to it
Serj really spreads awareness about what is happening in the world, if you get the message.
Pray for Armenia, as they are unrightfully under attack again, right now, by Azerbaijan and Turkey.
i live in turkey and i really hate seeing people hating each other about this nonsense war. each side wants other side's people to be dead but they are forgetting the fact that both sides are in great pain and so much people are suffering. no one should stick to that made up borders and realize whole world is actually everyone's land. nobody should even have the right to be happy about death of others. i think this song really sums it all up.
@@pasolinifangirling7314 I agree very much!!
As an Armenian I’m really sick and tired of this hate each side are spreading
I just want both side to recognize that at the end we all are just normal human beings and fighting against each other’s just brings more pain to the citizens of them both countries
Azerbaijan has signed a seise fire with Armenia in exchange for a piece of Azerbaija occupied by mostly Armenians.. sadly the Armenians were forced to burn their homes and leave town .
this is one of the most powerful things ever made
Serj Tankian walks the fine line between genius and madman ❤
I never thought I'd come back to this song, almost a decade later, and realize how "Empty walls, see behind your empty walls" have never been more current.
Listened to Serj and SOAD for years, but never saw the official video to this. I just want to commend these children for their superb performance. (Even though they're not children anymore)
I first saw this video when I was in high school and thought it was a little quirky, but cool. I later went on to serve 10 years in the Marine Corps, and watching this video now is horrifying. Brilliant, but horrifying. Happy Veterans' Day
Makes so much sense hearing it, while what is happening now in Ga-z-a. 🇵🇸🇵🇸
🇮🇱
why are you even in a Serj Tankian video if you support Isra*el@@PauIdenino
🇵🇸🍉
@@PauIdeninoIsrael is doing genocide and that's bad actually
The Armenian Genocied hasn’t been recognized for over 100 years…….RIP to all the Armenian Christians slaughtered for no reason……
Finally! I've been trying to find you for 10 years! And now that I got you right where I want you!...I'd like to enjoy you forever. :)
This song hits harder in 2023 than it did when it came out.. serj, youre a fucking beast. Mad respect, always...
HIS VOICE IS JUST SO DAMN MAJESTIC WTHH
It’s amazing and different gotta love serq
Yes frrr
POWERFUL imagery at the end of this song. The bells actually scared the shit out of me at first at the end (wearing ear buds).
One of the most powerful yet humbling voices. This man is a legend. For talent and wisdom
It’s seems like the older I become the more I love Serj and Daron’s lyrics. Both of there output in and out of System is easy to get into and yet with repeated listens there’s always more than meets the eye.
Remember that perception has more power than reality
thank you youtube for this recommendation. its been so many years since ive heard this masterful voice. havent heard system of a down or serj tankian in years. his music is legendary.
Yess I’m just so happy I grew up on this
🤘🏼💀🤘🏼
That multi-layered singing is so good and the song is still relevant.
Yes but no longer appreciated
That was my favorite Song in 2010! And now is this Song the best i heared in my life!
This and all of soad made me who i am
More relevant than ever in this world.
I just love this guy, he speaks about every issue of the world. We need to start on the world.
This video has so many layers to it. Its a work of art
If the sight of children reenacting history doesn't give you a reality check about the entire US military situation, nothing will.
~ LYRICS ~
Empty Walls
Serj Tankian
Your empty walls
Your empty walls
Pretentious attention
Dismissive apprehension
Don't waste your time, on coffins today
When we decline, from the confines of our mind
Don't waste your time, on coffins today
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
I want you
To be
Left behind those empty walls
Don't
You see
From behind those empty walls
Those empty walls
When we decline, from the confines of our mind
Don't waste your time, on coffins today
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
I want you
To be
Left behind those empty walls
Don't
You see
From behind those empty walls
Want you to be
Left behind those empty walls
Don't
You see
From behind those empty walls
From behind those empty walls
From behind those empty walls
The walls
From behind those empty walls
I left you
yesterday before
you killed my family
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
I want you
To be
Left behind those empty walls
Told you
To see
From behind those empty walls
Want you to be, left behind those empty walls
Told you
To see
From behind those empty walls
From behind those empty walls
From behind those fucking walls
From behind those goddamn walls
Those walls
Those walls
Anyone still listening 07/18 this song goes way back from me to me and my dad spending time listening to these songs by him I’m 22 now and I can’t stop thinking back in time
Talking about the world problem using music, this guy is a legend
HEY ONE MORE QUESTION !!!!
@@mateoemirpechbaltazar1824 Talking to me?
@@youwantmyname9208 yes one more question ¿do you spek espansh?
That's what he always did tho
@@mateoemirpechbaltazar1824 nope
I couldnt find anyone posting a comment of the full lyrics so here they are
Your empty walls
Your empty walls
Pretentious attention
Dismissive apprehension
Don't waste your time, on coffins today
When we decline, from the confines of our mind
Don't waste your time, on coffins today
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
I want you to be
Left behind those empty walls
Taunt you see
From behind those empty walls
Those empty walls
When we decline, from the confines of our mind
Don't waste your time, on coffins today
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication
I want you to be
Left behind those empty walls
Taunt you see
From behind those empty walls
I want you to be
Left behind those empty walls
I taunt you to see from behind those empty walls
From behind those empty walls
From behind those empty walls
The walls
From behind those empty walls
I loved you (From behind those empty walls)
Yesterday, before (From behind those empty walls)
You killed my family (The walls)
Don't you see their bodies burning
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication?
Don't you see their bodies burning (I want you)
Desolate and full of yearning (to be)
Dying of anticipation (left behind)
Choking from intoxication? (those empty walls)
I want you to be left behind those empty walls
Taunt you to see from behind those empty walls
I want you to be left behind those empty walls
Taunt you to see from behind those empty walls
From behind those empty walls
From behind those fucking walls
From behind those goddamn walls
Those walls, those walls
Ok thanks but if people don’t know about this comment they can just look in the description too
I think there are those who never read descriptions and would appreciate this.... Then there's those like me, who listened to this obsessively ten years ago and as such still have this memorized XD
Ya know that the lyrics are in the description right?
Should be "taught you to see", not "taunt you to see". Taunt makes no sense there.
@@h3lblad3 Well "taunt you" is in the official lyrics in the description of the video, so....
The imagery in this video is on point.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, this video embodies that. The symbolism is so accurate
Very few artists can conjure up such thought provoking masterpiece
This is the type of song that hits me out of nowhere and I still know all the words
Just as I finished my soad vinyl collection, I find I need to collect Serj's solo masterpieces as well.
This explains the war and all the awful things that happen to innocent woman, men, and children. The system and serj know how to show stuff like this.
Another song relevant to this year.
Get down with the sickness😂
this song hits on 9/11... being a soldier with friends who are currently deployed in Iraq right now.
Currently being deployed to Iraq for what exactly?
@@whodatn4l948 I cant say exactly, because the info changes by unit, but as far as I know I was told that it was a mission to train the Iraqi national guard. Now this is with the understanding that the area is still hostile so there may be more to it than just a simple training mission.
Might want to find a different song then. This song isn’t pro-army.
I can no longer say that a music video never made me cry.
All these years later this song still resonates DEEPLY within me.
Grazie Serj per tutte queste canzoni che fanno riflettere ma allo stesso tempo danno tantissima energia
This hits different when we are at times of war. 😐
We are at war now and have been for the last 20 years. It just looks different.
You made me think about it.
If you haven’t done it before, look into the reason behind the whole album. Then everything hits different.
Viva la russia
@@gotrekgurnisson9934 There are much more austere consequences if one of the worlds top 40 economies decides to invade another major economy. Much different that the smaller conflicts we have saw the past 20 years.
Used to love this song as a kid. Now that I finally found it and understand it's true meaning, I love it even more.
I've had this song stuck in my head for the past few days despite not listening to it in literal years and I don't know why.
This song strikes a new nerve considering what has happened.
Как всегда круто Сергей! МОЛОДЕЦ!
Серёга Танков)
Серж, не Сергей. Он Армянин а не русский.
The ending made the message clear as day, and it's an amazing twist. "War isn't a game"
God bless you, Serj Tankian!
I love Serj so much. He is so special.