Album: Steal This Album! (2002)
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Songfacts®:

  • This frantic rant against the mind-numbing effects of television is just 46 seconds long. Why is it called "36"? Starting from their first studio album, it's the 36th released song by System Of A Down.
  • In a leaked version of Steal This Album (called Toxicity 2), this was titled "Your Own Pace." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Tyler - Mandan, ND, for above 2
  • This song first appeared on System Of A Down's 1995 demo tape, which was called ".36". >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Gary - Mallory, NY

Comments: 5

  • Filipe from PortoThe way I see it this is a criticism to those who would rather be entertained by media, accepting what they have to offer instead of searching for meaningful content to the day they die, thus making their lives irrelevant.

    About the title I don't have any knowledge about it's origin, but I can assure you that song is 46 seconds long and not 36 as stated before.
  • Brittany from G-town, NyOkay. I interpret this song like TV controls people so it is a disgrace and people get old and get old while watching tv and wasting their lives away to the point where they become unneccessary Hence "life, so, unneccessary" .

    This is called 36 because of the fact above; it's the 36th song that System of a Down has on all of their albums. Add up the songs from other albums and it makes 36. PLUS the song is 36 seconds. Not 46. So the title really wasn't a typo.
  • Aaron from Linden, TxThis song refers to the power of perspective and the way the world always needs a demonstration of violent behavior to be entertained.
  • Blake from Hamilton, OhThis song is only 46 seconds, but is a great song. I wonder if maybe a typo made the "36" title? Anyway, I think this is talking about how technological advances are progressing too fast. He says "Live at your own pace." Then he mentions how television is a disgrace. Why? Advertising is causing people to but stuff just because it is new. I may not be correct, but.....yeah, it makes sense.
  • Petrified Monkey from Naked Land, MiWell, this song has been up here for a long time and no ones comented on it...........soooooooo.............i guess i'll be the first.......*clears throat*, here I go.... "I like this song."...........well..........that was easy, wasnt it?
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