If you’re a fan of Tool, then you know that their lyrics are not just mere words. They carry deep meanings and emotions that resonate with their fans on a personal level. One such song that stands out is “Crawl Away.” In this article, we’ll dive deep into the lyrics and uncover the hidden meanings behind Maynard James Keenan’s words.
But before we do that, let’s take a quick look at the song itself.
“Crawl Away” was released in 1993 as part of Tool’s debut album “Undertow.” The song has a haunting melody, which is complemented by Maynard’s powerful vocals. It is a song about breaking free from toxic relationships and finding your own path in life. Now, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics.
Verse 1:
As he walks away
The sun goes down
He takes the day but I’m grown
In this verse, Maynard talks about someone walking away from him while the sun sets. He acknowledges that the person has taken his day away but adds that he has grown in the process. This line could be interpreted in many ways. Perhaps Maynard is talking about someone who used to hold him back or drain him emotionally. Or maybe he is referring to someone who left him when he needed them the most.
Chorus:
And in your way
In this blue shade
My tears dry on their own
The chorus talks about how Maynard is trying to move on from the past. The phrase “in your way” could mean that someone is blocking his path towards healing and growth. The “blue shade” could represent sadness or depression. But despite all of this, Maynard insists that his tears will dry on their own.
Verse 2:
I don’t understand why you
Always try to make me feel
Like I’m nothing
But your slave
In the second verse, Maynard talks about how someone has made him feel like he is nothing but a slave. This line could be interpreted as an abusive relationship, where one person tries to control and manipulate the other. Maynard’s words are powerful here, as he refuses to be anyone’s slave.
Chorus:
And in your way
In this blue shade
My tears dry on their own
Bridge:
I don’t want this
Remember that
I’ll never forget where I come from
The bridge talks about Maynard’s desire to break free from the toxic relationship. He doesn’t want to be in this situation anymore and wants the other person to remember that. But despite all of this, he will never forget where he comes from. This line could mean that Maynard understands his roots and values his past experiences.
Chorus:
And in your way
In this blue shade
My tears dry on their own
Outro:
I don’t mind
I don’t care
As long as you’re here
The outro talks about Maynard’s willingness to let go of the past and move forward. He doesn’t mind or care about what happened before, as long as the other person is there with him.
Now that we’ve analyzed the lyrics of “Crawl Away,” it’s time to talk about its hidden meanings.
One interpretation of the song is that it talks about Maynard’s struggle with addiction. The lyrics “my tears dry on their own” could represent him trying to overcome his addiction and move forward with his life. The phrase “in this blue shade” could represent the feeling of being lost or alone while struggling with addiction.
Another interpretation of the song is that it talks about Maynard’s struggle with fame and success. The line “I’ll never forget where I come from” could represent his desire to stay true to himself despite the fame and fortune. The phrase “always try to make me feel like I’m nothing but your slave” could represent the music industry trying to control him.
In conclusion, “Crawl Away” is a powerful song that talks about breaking free from toxic relationships and finding your own path in life. Maynard’s words are full of emotion and meaning, which resonate with Tool’s fans on a personal level. Whether it’s addiction, fame or something else entirely, the song has hidden meanings that can be interpreted in many ways.
References:
Tool. (1993). Crawl Away [Recorded by Tool]. On Undertow. Los Angeles: Volcano Entertainment.
“Crawl Away” Lyrics. AZLyrics. Retrieved from https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tool/crawlaway.html
