Chop Suey!

About this song

Rick Rubin, who produced Toxicity, considers this song one of his most important projects. The song was first going to be called "Self-Righteous Suicide," but the record company objected and the band chose the title "Chop Suey!" instead. After its August 2001 release it climbed the charts, then largely disappeared from radio after 9/11, when Clear Channel placed it on a list of songs it temporarily blackballed.

What it's about

The singer appears to challenge listeners to reconsider how they judge people caught up in self-destructive behavior. The song ends with a biblical link to Jesus before his death on the cross, with the singer's "self-righteous suicide" meant to win forgiveness for these sinners.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 30 other songs, like “2001 by The Hood Internet”.
• Covered 21 times, including “Chop Suey by The Dead South”.
• Written by Daron Malakian, Serj Tankian, Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan.
• Produced by Serj Tankian, Rick Rubin and Daron Malakian.
• Recorded at Cello Studios (Hollywood.