The sanity it brings me.
I cannot explain what it is about TOOL that sets me right.
I don't know how to explain it.
It all just makes sense to me when I hear their music.
What is all? It's just everything.
It's the sound of their music, the lyrics, the sound of Maynard's voice.
I remember the first time I heard them. It was around 2 in the morning because that's when MTV's headbangers ball was on. I was up feeding Mark who was just a tiny baby.
I would always get up, warm his bottle, and sit in the recliner and feed him. I would turn on MTV and leave the volume on low so it didn't disturb him.
That's when I saw Sober.
This video came on, this strange but intriguing guitar started, and I watched and listened to this amazing piece of music. That was it. I was hooked.
The next day I went out and bought Undertow.
I must have listened to the entire cd a thousand times in the weeks that followed.
I couldn't stop listening to it. I told every one I knew, they had to hear this.
These lyrics hung on me like a soft and worn out out coat.
I am just a worthless liar.
I am just an imbecile.
I will only complicate you.
Trust in me and fall as well.I will find a center in you.
I will chew it up and leave,
I will work to elevate you
just enough to bring you down.Trust me.
Over the past years, I've bought every single one of their cds and fallen in love with all of them.
Something about all those powerful lyrics, mixed with some heavy music, held onto me more tightly than any other band has been able to do.
With each new cd, I found songs I could totally relate to, I found songs I laughed about, cried over.
His songs about his mother, (Maynard's mom) made my heart ache.
The song, Wings for Marie PT.2, off of 10,000 days, kills me every time I hear it.
You're the only one who can hold your head up high,
Shake your fists at the gates saying:
"I've come home now!
Fetch me the spirit, the son, and the father.
Tell them their pillar of faith has ascended.
It's time now!
My time now!
Give me my, give me my wings!"You are the light and way that they will only read about.
Set as I am in my ways and my arrogance,
(With the) burden of proof tossed upon the believers.
You were my witness, my eyes, my evidence,
Judith Marie, unconditional one.
It makes me tear up just reading them. I can hear the song in my head when I read them. I feel this anguish and heartache.
I love the songs about religion, I am drawn to them, they invoke parts of me, fill me with rage at the idiocy and blind faith of it all.
He sings what I'm thinking.
From Opiate:
If you want to get your soul to heaven,
trust in me.
Don't judge or question.
You are broken now,
but faith can heal you.
Just do everything I tell you to do.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow.
Let me lay my holy hand upon you.
Even on 10,000 days, when some of the songs have a spiritual nature, I can still hear how it bothers him.
Some people say that after the passing of his mother, he found God.
But I still hear the battle within himself, not quite sure anymore, wanting to believe his mother is in a better place, but still having his own doubts.
His music evolves with him as he grows older and changes.
Every piece, every note, every word, finds a way into me.
They find a way to fit into me.
I am greatful when music can do that.
Music isn't just something I listen to, to dance to, it's always on, not just ambient noise, I always hear it.
It makes me feel alive, stirring in me emotions and memories.
TOOL does that all the time. Every one of their songs hits me some where, reminds me that I'm still right here.
Comments
I remember when the 10,000 days cd came out because you posted the lyrics to that song (Wings for Marie). I remember thinking how heartbreaking those words were. I have never heard the song but I've felt it.
There is so much power in music.
Posted by: Brandi | March 3, 2007 2:09 AM
hey kat
you may or may not remember me :)), but a week or so ago you were talking about an online game site that was great for you and your boys , could you please e-mail me the game name i think it was party someting,, ??? my son wants to play something other than runescape thanks heaps for your time
joanne
Posted by: joanne | March 3, 2007 3:16 AM
Tool is awesome!
Posted by: Lisa | March 5, 2007 11:13 AM
Man it's been ages since I've listened to anything by Tool!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 5, 2007 1:43 PM
My husband loves Tool. He listens to it on the way home from work to de-stress!
Posted by: Colleen | March 5, 2007 2:48 PM
Man, I used to watch Headbanger's Ball all the time (back when MTV was still cool). This is one of those songs I've been meaning to get and always forget. Thanks for reminding me.
Posted by: LaDonna | March 5, 2007 7:46 PM
The lyrics are what pulls me into a group or artist as well!
Posted by: Cecile | March 5, 2007 9:28 PM
Heartfelt post. I will have to listen to Tool now.
Posted by: CyberCelt | March 6, 2007 10:45 AM
I don't know the music, but the lyrics you've posted are powerful. I'll have to look them up!
Posted by: skeet | March 6, 2007 9:30 PM
Tool rocks :)
You have good taste, but I knew that already ;)
Posted by: Loretta | March 7, 2007 10:35 AM
I have never heard of Tool from this part of the world (I live in Malaysia) but yea, will get to doing it soon, especially after reading this :)
Posted by: pelf | March 7, 2007 10:41 AM