(I’m not sure if this theory has been discussed before but here is my opinion on the meaning behind each and every serious Tool lyric.)
“If there were no rewards to reap
No loving embrace to see me through
This tedious path I've chosen here
I certainly would've walked away
By now”
- The Patient
What is the tedious path? Life?
What is the loving embrace? God?
What is he walking away from?
These questions are open-ended and have no definitive answer. There are hundreds of posts where each author attempts to formulate his or her own opinion on what the lyrics mean. What if Maynard James Keenan purposely writes lyrics with unclear meanings as an outlet for others to think, reason, and question serious topics? These topics can encompass religion, philosophy, spirituality, love, hatred, among other things.
Look at these quotes from the front page entering toolshed’s forums,
“I read the interpretations of the lyrics that people send to [the tool web] page. They’re way off, but that’s fine.”
Are the interpretations way off from what Maynard intended? Or is the entire concept of interpreting the songs way off? Maynard may have a clear-cut meaning behind his lyrics; he also may have a meaning that is entirely what the onlooker formulates it to be. Each song could then be inspiration to delve into a serious topic for the interpreters.
Maynard is also quoted as saying, “I’m not going to spoonfeed any-body and rob them of their own personal experiences.”
Personal experience could be the force driving intellectual discussion for each and every song. I’m not trying to say that there is an exact motive to the lyrics. Generally, I feel that Maynard may be referring to personal experiences as guides directing our insights. If we neglect another’s personal experiences when comprehending lyrics, then we are alienating ourselves from another’s insight.
Tool has inspired me to learn about life itself. Religion, spirituality, and philosophy are topics that enter into many Tool songs. These are some of the most important and rewarding subjects to study in life. Whether or not you are religious or spiritual, you cannot discount the affect these two subjects have had on humanity. The more knowledgeable we become about other people and their cultures, the more capable we are to understand other people and ourselves.
(I’m not sure if this theory has been discussed before but here is my opinion on the meaning behind each and every serious Tool lyric.)
“If there were no rewards to reap
No loving embrace to see me through
This tedious path I've chosen here
I certainly would've walked away
By now”
- The Patient
What is the tedious path? Life?
What is the loving embrace? God?
What is he walking away from?
These questions are open-ended and have no definitive answer. There are hundreds of posts where each author attempts to formulate his or her own opinion on what the lyrics mean. What if Maynard James Keenan purposely writes lyrics with unclear meanings as an outlet for others to think, reason, and question serious topics? These topics can encompass religion, philosophy, spirituality, love, hatred, among other things.
Look at these quotes from the front page entering toolshed’s forums,
“I read the interpretations of the lyrics that people send to [the tool web] page. They’re way off, but that’s fine.”
Are the interpretations way off from what Maynard intended? Or is the entire concept of interpreting the songs way off? Maynard may have a clear-cut meaning behind his lyrics; he also may have a meaning that is entirely what the onlooker formulates it to be. Each song could then be inspiration to delve into a serious topic for the interpreters.
Maynard is also quoted as saying, “I’m not going to spoonfeed any-body and rob them of their own personal experiences.”
Personal experience could be the force driving intellectual discussion for each and every song. I’m not trying to say that there is an exact motive to the lyrics. Generally, I feel that Maynard may be referring to personal experiences as guides directing our insights. If we neglect another’s personal experiences when comprehending lyrics, then we are alienating ourselves from another’s insight.
Tool has inspired me to learn about life itself. Religion, spirituality, and philosophy are topics that enter into many Tool songs. These are some of the most important and rewarding subjects to study in life. Whether or not you are religious or spiritual, you cannot discount the affect these two subjects have had on humanity. The more knowledgeable we become about other people and their cultures, the more capable we are to understand other people and ourselves.
Bravo!
__________________ "WITHOUT A LITTLE EVIL, GOOD WOULD NEVER EXIST"
Actually, that should be a lowercase "t" in "NoT" duuuude. Ride the spiral.
I'm well aware of that dumbass. I capitalized it in an effort to show the correction I made, that should've been rather obvious to someone with a little common sense. YOU GO RIDE THE SPIRAL.
__________________ "WITHOUT A LITTLE EVIL, GOOD WOULD NEVER EXIST"
I'm well aware of that dumbass. I capitalized it in an effort to show the correction I made, that should've been rather obvious to someone with a little common sense. YOU GO RIDE THE SPIRAL.
There should be a comma directly after "that" and before "dumbass" since you are addressing the "dumbass." Also, the comma after "I made" should be made either into a semicolon (;) or a period (.) and subsequently the "t" in "that" should be capitalized as it is a new sentence.
P.S. - Not to be nit picky or anything, but you should never use all capital letters unless there is, say for example, a signpost or something of that nature. For more information on when to use all capital letters you can refer to any writer's workshop booklet. They can be helpful.
__________________ "Yeah it's kinda funny, isn't it: How I can build while you just sit there and bitch about your syllabus. "
There should be a comma directly after "that" and before "dumbass" since you are addressing the "dumbass." Also, the comma after "I made" should be made either into a semicolon (;) or a period (.) and subsequently the "t" in "that" should be capitalized as it is a new sentence.
P.S. - Not to be nit picky or anything, but you should never use all capital letters unless there is, say for example, a signpost or something of that nature. For more information on when to use all capital letters you can refer to any writer's workshop booklet. They can be helpful.
LMAO, you are absolutely correct. I should be ashamed of myself.
__________________ "WITHOUT A LITTLE EVIL, GOOD WOULD NEVER EXIST"
i have myself wondered the similar about tool. most questions asked have no answer, so that make me think we have to understand, and find, the answers ourselves. our individual experience is that which leads us to our individual answers to these questions. like you, i also have a drive to learn more about myself and others around me.
That's funny you say this. My ex dated Brian Liesegang of Filter for a hot minute years ago and he told her the same exact thing..Every TooL song is about anal sex. He said MJK used to sleep on his couch when they would come through town.
