Conquest to the lover and your love to the fire
Permanence unfolding in the absolute
Forgiveness is the the ultimate sacrifice
Eloquence belongs to the conqueror
The pictures of time and space are rearranged
In this little piece of typical tragedy
Justified Candy, brandy for the nerves
Eloquence belongs to the conqueror

You and me, we'll all go down in history
With a sad Statue of Liberty
And a generation that didn't agree
You and me, we'll all go down in history
With a sad Statue of Liberty
And a Generation that didn't agree

I forgot to, I forgot to let you know that
Justified Candy, brandy for the nerves
Eloquence belongs to the conqueror
Conquest to the lover and your love to the fire
Permanence unfolding in the absolute
Forgiveness is the ultimate sacrifice
Eloquence belongs to the conqueror

You and me, we'll all go down in history
With a sad Statue of Liberty
And a generation that didn't agree
You and me, we'll all go down in history
With a sad Statue of Liberty
And a generation that didn't agree
Generation, ah

What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?
Suffering now

Suffering now

You and me, we'll all go down in history
With a sad Statue of Liberty
And a generation that didn't agree
You and me, we'll all go down in history
With a sad Statue of Liberty
And a generation that didn't agree

Generation (belonging, belonging to)


Lyrics submitted by Phyxius, edited by Otheranother

Sad Statue Lyrics as written by Serj Tankian Daron Malakian

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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Sad Statue song meanings
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  • +5
    General Comment

    First off, allow to say to those of you not used to my posts, this is gonna be very long, just a heads up.

    This song says what it says in very round about ways.

    Allow me to analyze each line for the allusions and inferences they make before attempting to understand what the entire line is saying.

    Conquest to the lover, And your love to the fire, Permanence unfolding in the absolute.

    Conquest (victory over another) [goes] to the lover (of conquest? Of victory?) And your love [of the] fire (destruction) Permanence (of events) unfolding in the absolute(ness of reality).

    Paraphrased: Victory will go to those who wish to take it – those who wish dominance, and the permanence of their actions is absolute (we cannot rewrite history).

    What I believe he is saying is that people can conquer others if they so desire such dominance, and that conquest of other people (once it has happened) is permanent not in that the people will always be conquered, but they always will have been conquered. The point of saying that people will conquer others is that he says these people still make a choice to conquer others, regardless if they say it is a means to an end, or the ends, the physical reality of someone conquering and someone being conquered still exists.

    Forgiveness is The ultimate sacrifice.

    The previous three lines were much vaguer. This line says exactly what it means. To forgive is a sacrifice you make. This seems slightly out of place in the rest of the song, so allow me to return later as more of the purpose of the song is unfolded.

    Eloquence belongs, To the conqueror.

    This seems very much like the saying “to the victor goes the history.” Remember the War between the US and Mexico? The US conquered Texas, New Mexico, and California, and took them from Mexico. Yet, it is very rarely mentioned anywhere but an in-depth US history class (here in the US anyway). In fact, when it is mentioned, mostly it is told as a story of the citizens of Texas (and California and New Mex. Etc) wanting horribly to be freed from Mexico. The fact of the matter is that the only residents of Texas who wanted to join the US were US citizens who had migrated to Texas (some with the sole purpose of establishing a population in Texas which wanted to join the US). Yet, we won the war, and we write the text books. There are many, many examples from history where a war is remembered not as it happened, but as the victors of the war told the story (see WWI). Also, imagine the text books the Nazis would have written about the holocaust if they had won the war.

    The pictures of time and space are rearranged, In this little piece of typical tragedy.

    The [picture] of “time and space” (history) are (is) rearranged, In this little piece of typical tragedy.

    This seems to further this point. “the picture of time and space are rearranged. Not that anything between time and space is intermixed, but history and the events therein are “rearranged.” This little piece of typical tragedy – humans have suffered throughout history, thus the word “typical” seems to fit well after the word tragedy. He still seems to be referring to any war (any typical tragedy) or any conflict amongst humans. It doesn’t seem to refer to any particular war or conflict, but the statement seems to attempt to more generally describe any conflict or war (any typical tragedy). To summarize: History is rewritten in any typical event of human suffering, due namely to the fact that the victors of such a suffering rewrite the history of it.

    Justified Candy! Brandy for the nerves,

    Justified [things which bring me happiness]! Brandy [to numb] the nerves (the mind).

    Realigned: Justified: Candy Brandy for the nerves

    These two lines say pretty much the same thing. We justify things that make us happy or numb our minds. Which is interesting, because it could be argued that things that make us happy do just that – numb our minds. When we are blissful, we are ignorant of our current reality (hence the phrase, “ignorant bliss” – notably NOT worded “blissfully ignorant”). It would be safe to say the two are added just for emphasis, and say pretty much the same thing.

    However, what does this have to do with the rest of the song? Lets reconsider now what all has been said. The actions of people who conquer others remain permanent through history; to forgive is the ultimate sacrifice; history is rewritten favorably to by the conquerors; and we justify that which numbs our mind. Ah ha! It would be fair to say that from the perspective of the conquerors, remembering history differently (where you were the nice guy, not that bad guy) helps to deal with any guilt of the actions of conquering someone. However, it also may be fair to say that if you watched someone be conquered and did nothing, it may help absolve you of any guilt as well to remember the events of history as the conquers being somehow “justified” in their actions of conquest.

    Eloquence belongs, To the conqueror.

    Well shit, this line has a ton to do with the previous one, it makes very much sense now right next to the one before it.

    Now we delve further down the rabbit hole:

    You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree.

    The generation that didn’t agree means more than just one thing. It seems to refer to the almost schizophrenic character of the American public at the moment (two minds – one body), but also the larger fissure between humanity – at this moment of the greatest contact between humans ever, it is also the moment where our differences are in our faces the most. Its one thing for someone to worship a different god when the are a 2 months boat ride away from me, but it is an entirely different thing when they are two clicks of a mouse away.

    To the entire stanza now: The first time I listened to this, it sounded like most other interpretations have claimed. We will go down in the text books with the statue of liberty frowning upon us due to the differences of our generation.

    As a started to listen to this song more and more however, a new meaning that fit much better with the rest of the meaning began to materialize. Two separate, but meaningful interpretations arise: 1) Let us remove from our minds the meaning of go down in history for a moment. What if this served more as a warning – we will go down. Due to our sad statue of liberty and the disagreement of our generation. (History serves more as a poetic tool to rhyme with agree). 2) I like this meaning better, as it seems to make more sense with the words SOAD has given us to make sense of. The meaning of the first line remains constant with what the common conception is – that we will go down in the history books. The sad statue of liberty (the title line of this song) might have a much more profound meaning. In this line, I believe, the rational and reasoning for the rest of the song lies. First lets consider the statue of liberty. What is it? What is it supposed to be? It is THE symbol of American freedom. Liberty (which means freedom) has been the corner stone of America (I have not experienced this for myself, but at least in the words of my predecessors) for the past 200 years. Now, however, we are losing those liberties. The government is the strongest in comparison with its subjects than it arguably ever has been. Many Americans are complaining that the government has taken away more and more rights of American citizens and some feel it may be nearing a critical point – a point where once certain rights are removed, the government would retain freewill, to do and say as they please in regards to its citizens, and not be fearful of any legal repercussions (this is what most proponents of democracy say is the problem with dictatorships). (If you would like to read more about this, I have an essay on the web about this. Please check it out at without-sight.pixelfaction.com/MCA/. If you disagree with this point, please at least read that essay before commenting on this point.) This is why the statue of liberty is sad. This is BECAUSE our generation cannot agree. We spend all our time arguing with each other, and have mostly ignored the fact that our government is doing this. The other point is that we have justified this governmental removal of citizens’ rights because we need to protect ourselves from foreign threats (another disagreement of our generation).

    So we repeat the song again

    You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree.

    I forgot to I forgot to let you know that...

    Justified Candy! Brandy for the nerves, Eloquence belongs, To the conqueror.

    Conquest to the lover, And your love to the fire, Permanence unfolding in the absolute.

    Forgivness is The ultimate sacrifice. Eloquence belongs, To the conqueror.

    You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree.

    You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree.

    Generation..............

    Finally a new lyric:

    What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!!

    This doesn’t need analyzied. It needs said again, and again, and again, until someone can answer this with a valid reason.

    To analyize this in context of the song though, The actions of people who conquer others remain permanent through history; to forgive is the ultimate sacrifice; history is rewritten favorably to by the conquerors; and we justify that which numbs our mind to these travesties; we as humans are sinking fast due to the removal of human rights; and now why do we ignore the suffering of humans? That seems to paint an adequate picture of what SOAD seems to be trying to say. The context of human suffering does not need to be the people of Darfur or the bystanders in Iraq, but HUMAN suffering – all of us are suffering (obviously some much more than others).

    Allow me to allow someone more eloquent than me to explain what I mean by this:

    “No man is an island, entire of itself every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee.

    -- John Donne”

    WOAH!!!!!!!

    Suffering, suffering now!

    You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree.

    You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree.

    Generation..........

    Like I was saying a few lines above:

    What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!! What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?!!!

    remember - it tolls for thee

    durwinon January 26, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    When I hear this song, I think about years from now, my brother's in high school, learning about what happened in 2000-2004 and beyond... He learns about the seperation of the people, the tension between the three sides; right, wrong, and don't care. Pictures like a yearbook of all the people who fought for the cause. Be it for the war, or for no war. I imagine how he will look back on these early years of the 21st century... He's only 6... What will have changed in the decade and some that it will take for him to become an adult? Will he become a soldier? Will he rally for peace? And his kids, and mine, and our grandchildren... and their children... What will they think of us when they read about it? Wil they call us heros or cowards? Will they call us greedy?

    We'll never truly be free.

    finalxhouron May 19, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    In my opinion, the chorus is the most powerful part of this song. To me, it says that we, all the people of the early 21st century, (old and young) will be remembered for our great disagreement over the wars in the middle east. Sadly, I can't agree that youth are all against the war in iraq. Many of my friends believe in it, believe in the lies.

    It is saying that we will go down in history for the war we started in Iraq, and we won't be remembered for it kindly. or, depending on what the govt allows, maybe we will. after all, one day, this will be taught in schools.

    Lastly, it also says to me that the things the Statue of Liberty stands for are no more; peace, freedom, justice, and equality.

    a great song by SOAD

    IWhoAmDanteon September 21, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is too broad to be going into specific wars. It seams more in general, the nature of politics and government.

    "Justified Candy! Brandy for the nerves, Eloquence belongs, To the conqueror." --> The conqueror writes history because they are persuasive speakers. They are able to pacify people's anxiety ("Brandy for the nerves"). It's "[j]ustified [c]andy," like we're as easily pacified by sugarcoated words as children are by candy.

    " You and me will all go down in history, With a sad Statue of Liberty, And a Generation that didn't agree." You and me, as though he's inviting people to join him in revolution/rebellion? The thing is, no one will believe us at the time. We will get a sad statue over time for our efforts. Plain and simple: There are people who are ahead of their time and try to change the world for the better, but they aren't the eloquent conquerors, so it's hard to gather followers.

    The sad statue of Liberty could say many things, but I think it means that liberty is won at a price. It's a sad business to go against the crowd, be mocked, and still do it for the people's liberty. Usually, liberty is won with pain and bloodshed. America fighting Britain, abolition of slavery: they're sad stories, but they stand like statues to remind us of the liberty we currently have.

    YoruOwlon February 28, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The new SoaD cd hasn't dissapointed me one bit. Not quite original from toxicity, but some pretty strong songs. I think this might be the best one the album.

    I think this is just another governement protest song. How the govrnement ears are deaf to to the cries of human suffering. And with that its also an anti war song I think.

    But the chorus is really beautiful.

    KingFatasson May 06, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love the chours in this song! This album deffintly is great.

    namelessboarderon May 07, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this is by far my fave song of mezmerize ... i thnk it may have something to do with the bible's revelations. there's a lot of stuff that people believe talks about USA in revelaion and there is a pretty acurate description of whaty many believe refers to the statue of liberty. as for the meaning i cant really draw any conclusion ... great song tho

    jacob_c7on May 08, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    "What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?"

    Definitely one of the most powerful songs in a song ever. Already one of my favorites off Mezmerize.

    Ms Self Destructon May 15, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    These lyrics are good but a couple of corrections are in order (not showing off, just have the album sitting in front of me). The second verse should read:

    The pictures of time and space are rearranged, In this little piece of typical tragedy, Justified candy, Brandy for the nerves

    Fantastic song and chorus anyway, and I'll agree with Ms_Self_Destruct's comment, that is such a powerful line.

    Achmodeon May 16, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    excellent song, i agree with all of system's politics, but on this song, i dont seem to care, as it just takes me somewhere else. that chorus is bloody great!

    VodkaLixon May 17, 2005   Link

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