Lyrics to Jambi by Tool: Unraveling the Mysteries of Maynard James Keenan’s Iconic Song
If you’re a fan of alternative metal, then you’ve probably heard of Tool. This iconic band has produced some of the most hauntingly beautiful music in the genre, and one of their most famous songs is “Jambi”. This track features Maynard James Keenan’s incredible vocal range and some truly enigmatic lyrics. In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the meaning behind “Jambi” and providing you with the complete lyrics to this unforgettable Tool hit.
What Is “Jambi”?
Before we explore the lyrics to “Jambi”, it’s important to understand what this song is all about. The title of the song itself is a reference to an Indonesian mythological creature called Jambi. According to legend, Jambi is a powerful genie who can grant wishes to those who summon him. It’s unclear whether Maynard James Keenan had this myth in mind when he wrote the song, but it’s clear that there are some similarities between Jambi and the character he sings about.
The character in “Jambi” is someone who is searching for something deeper and more meaningful in life. He’s tired of living in a world that feels hollow and superficial, and he longs for a connection with something greater than himself. As he searches for this higher power, he encounters Jambi, who seems to offer him guidance and wisdom.
However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that Jambi might not be what he seems. There are hints that this creature might have ulterior motives, or that his gifts come at a steep price. By the end of the song, it’s unclear whether the character has found what he was looking for or if he’s fallen prey to some kind of deception.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics to “Jambi”.
Verse 1: “Here from the king’s mountain view / Here from a wild dream come true”
The song begins with an image of someone standing on top of a mountain, looking out over the world below. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for someone who has achieved great success or who has gained a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The next line, “Here from a wild dream come true”, is more enigmatic. It suggests that something extraordinary has happened, but it’s not clear what that might be.
Chorus: “Feeds like a hurricane, slow and steady pain / I’m alive”
The chorus is one of the most memorable parts of the song, both musically and lyrically. The first line, “Feeds like a hurricane”, suggests that whatever force the character is encountering is powerful and overwhelming. However, the second line, “slow and steady pain”, shows that this force is not necessarily positive or life-affirming.
Despite this pain, however, the character declares that he is still alive. This could be seen as an expression of resilience in the face of adversity.
Verse 2: “All this short-list of nowhere / Shatter all windows and all the ties that bind”
In this verse, the character seems to be expressing frustration with his current situation. He feels trapped in a place that has nothing to offer him, and he wants to break free from everything that’s holding him back.
Chorus: “Feeds like a hurricane, slow and steady pain / I’m alive”
The chorus repeats here, emphasizing its importance in the overall structure of the song.
Verse 3: “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”
This verse is one of the most cryptic in the entire song. On the surface, it seems to be describing a relationship between two people. The character is saying that he will find some kind of center in the other person, but that he will ultimately destroy that center and bring them down.
However, there are many possible interpretations of these lines. It’s possible that the “center” referred to here is something more abstract, like a belief system or a sense of purpose. It’s also possible that the character is speaking to himself, and that he’s promising to destroy his own illusions in order to find deeper truth.
Chorus: “Feeds like a hurricane, slow and steady pain / I’m alive”
Once again, the chorus repeats, underscoring its importance as a central theme of the song.
Bridge: “A million miles away / Your signal in the distance / To whom it may concern / I think I lost my way”
The bridge of “Jambi” introduces some new imagery and ideas. The character describes feeling isolated and disconnected from everything around him. He sees a “signal in the distance”, but it’s not clear what this could be.
The line “To whom it may concern” adds an air of formality to this section, as if the character is addressing someone specific (or perhaps no one at all). He concludes by admitting that he feels lost and uncertain about where he’s going.
Chorus: “Feeds like a hurricane, slow and steady pain / I’m alive”
The chorus returns once again, bringing us back to the central theme of the song.
Outro: “Lions feeding on the goat / Amasses disbelief / Sturdy lullabies / Hurricanes beneath still skies”
The final section of “Jambi” is perhaps the most surreal and enigmatic. The first line suggests violence and destruction, with lions devouring their prey. The second line brings us back to themes of uncertainty and doubt.
The third line, “Sturdy lullabies”, is a particularly memorable image. It suggests that even in the midst of chaos, there are still things that can provide comfort and stability.
The final line, “Hurricanes beneath still skies”, is a paradoxical image that seems to encapsulate the entire song. It suggests that even when everything around us appears calm and peaceful, there are powerful forces at work beneath the surface.
Conclusion
“Jambi” is one of Tool’s most iconic songs, thanks in part to its haunting melody and enigmatic lyrics. While it’s not entirely clear what Maynard James Keenan was trying to convey with this song, it’s clear that he was exploring themes of uncertainty, doubt, and the search for deeper meaning.
If you’re a fan of Tool or just appreciate thought-provoking lyrics, then “Jambi” is definitely worth a closer look. And now that you’ve read through this article, you have the complete lyrics at your fingertips!
