Chrysalis
02-17-2003, 02:32 PM
Though many people posting opinions about the song are focusing on the meaning of the song itself, what I find most beautiful about it is the difference between the first and second versions (Aenima vs. Salival).
The first version it seems he's talking about the idea of being pushed to do something your not comfortable with or being forced into a frightening situation. He cares about who he is speaking of enough that their presence puts him in a state of fear, vulnerablility. The evolution between the first and second song is what grabs me because it feels as if he saying the exact opposite in the second version.
At this point he may have looked at this situation as an opportunity to grow. Fear being a good thing, vulnerability being a good thing. He is establishing that when he's pushed into the "gap" fear will grip him, and he may not have control of himself anymore (and neither will the other entity because they have already let go, hence the line "we both may disappear")- but that letting himself go is the point. If we always fear what could possibly happen in a situation we will never grow. We must be open to anything so we can conquer it and move on.
"There's no love in fear" - In the first version it seems as if this line is saying that the situation is causing fear that will prevent love. In the second version it's almost as if he is speaking to himself and saying "There's no love in fear" -- So don't fear.
The entire tone of the song seems to change in the second one. It goes from a somewhat hardened, defensive type of music to a loving and accepting kind of music. It's like he has come to grips with himself and let go of the insecurity. If anyone here has read "the wisdom of insecurity" by Alan Watts it seems this song (and many other songs by Tool) focus around this idea.
The theory (and fact of the matter) is that fear grips so many of us and prevents us from moving forward. The idea of insecurity and not being willing to step forward "through our shadows" and move on through the fear prevents us from so much. It puts us to sleep and robs us of our potential.
The first version it seems he's talking about the idea of being pushed to do something your not comfortable with or being forced into a frightening situation. He cares about who he is speaking of enough that their presence puts him in a state of fear, vulnerablility. The evolution between the first and second song is what grabs me because it feels as if he saying the exact opposite in the second version.
At this point he may have looked at this situation as an opportunity to grow. Fear being a good thing, vulnerability being a good thing. He is establishing that when he's pushed into the "gap" fear will grip him, and he may not have control of himself anymore (and neither will the other entity because they have already let go, hence the line "we both may disappear")- but that letting himself go is the point. If we always fear what could possibly happen in a situation we will never grow. We must be open to anything so we can conquer it and move on.
"There's no love in fear" - In the first version it seems as if this line is saying that the situation is causing fear that will prevent love. In the second version it's almost as if he is speaking to himself and saying "There's no love in fear" -- So don't fear.
The entire tone of the song seems to change in the second one. It goes from a somewhat hardened, defensive type of music to a loving and accepting kind of music. It's like he has come to grips with himself and let go of the insecurity. If anyone here has read "the wisdom of insecurity" by Alan Watts it seems this song (and many other songs by Tool) focus around this idea.
The theory (and fact of the matter) is that fear grips so many of us and prevents us from moving forward. The idea of insecurity and not being willing to step forward "through our shadows" and move on through the fear prevents us from so much. It puts us to sleep and robs us of our potential.