Tool is known for their cryptic and thought-provoking lyrics, and “Intolerance” is no exception. The song, which was featured on the band’s 1992 debut album “Undertow,” deals with themes of control, conformity, and societal pressure. In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning behind Maynard James Keenan’s words and explore how they relate to our lives today.
[h2]Breaking Down the Lyrics[/h2]
The first verse of “Intolerance” sets the tone for the rest of the song:
” I don’t want to be hostile
I don’t want to be dismal
But I don’t want to rot in an apathetic existence either”
Here, Keenan expresses his frustration with feeling trapped between two extremes. He doesn’t want to be aggressive or negative, but he also doesn’t want to live a life without passion or purpose. This is a sentiment that many of us can relate to – feeling like we’re stuck in a rut and not sure how to break free.
The chorus is where things really start to heat up:
“I will not be forgotten
This is my time to shine
I’ve got the scars to prove it
Only the strong survive”
These lines are a powerful affirmation of self-worth and resilience. Keenan is saying that he won’t let anyone overlook him or dismiss his struggles. He’s been through tough times and emerged stronger on the other side, and he’s ready to stand up for himself.
The second verse explores themes of conformity and control:
“You’ll never see me
Cause I’m always alone
And I may have failed
But I have loved you all”
Keenan seems to be saying that he refuses to conform to society’s expectations of what success looks like. He’d rather be true to himself, even if that means being an outsider. And despite any failures he may have experienced, he still feels a sense of love and connection to those around him.
[h2]The Relevance of “Intolerance” Today[/h2]
Although “Intolerance” was written nearly 30 years ago, its message is still incredibly relevant today. We live in a world where there’s immense pressure to fit in and conform – whether it’s at work, in our personal lives, or on social media. It can be easy to feel like we’re not good enough or that we don’t measure up to some impossible standard.
But as Keenan reminds us in “Intolerance,” we don’t have to play by anyone else’s rules. We can be true to ourselves and embrace our scars and imperfections. And when we do that, we’ll find the strength to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
[h2]Final Thoughts[/h2]
“Intolerance” is a powerful song that speaks to the human experience in a way that only Tool can. Its themes of control, conformity, and resilience are as relevant today as they were when the song was written over two decades ago. By embracing our individuality and refusing to bow down to societal pressures, we can find the strength within ourselves to shine bright and make our mark on the world.
References:
– Tool – Intolerance Lyrics | AZLyrics.com
– Tool Official Website
