"What's coming through is alive - what's holding up is a mirror" This song is about the birth of his son, and overcoming his fear of failure as a father
@@stevencabiati1467 you know that Maynard loves his dual meanings to songs. Absolutely think it could be either way and I think that Maynard meant it that way.
Maynard has said at a show that this song is related to having friends trying to help you make decisions (like the real life versions of the angel and devil on your shoulder), but ultimately you have to make up your own mind. He's also alluded to it being about his son, who's middle name is H. His mother and father divorced when he was very young and he barely saw his father growing up, and he and his son's mother were not married (and may not have been in a long term relationship, that part I'm unclear on). So, reading into all that - he's singing from the perspective of a 30ish year old man who is about to become a father, but who's own father was absent. In the beginning he acknowledges his fears and doubts, and throughout the song he works through these feelings until he is vulnerable enough to just sit with the profound love he has for his baby. Then he can accept that he will continue to fear and doubt, and his child will profoundly alter both his life and himself, over and over - and "it's alright, I don't mind." (Of course as a parent you mind this all the goddamn time, but also you don't- hence the "i dont mind" getting louder and building to a climax of conflict between wanting everything that comes with parenthood while fighting against the loss of self). When he sings "and as the snake is drowned, and as I look in his eyes, my fear begins to fade" he's singing about the death of his fear/anxiety as he looks into his son's eyes for the first time. A totally un-asked-for thesis on one random Tool song, but that's what I get from it.
@lizinatree Hahahaha!!!! Well it may have been an “in-asked for” thesis but it was very well written and informative. I always heard it was about his son but never knew the in depth specifics so it was cool to be informed of the specifics. Thank you for that. I love learning shit that I didn’t know about.
Maybe my fav Tool song, along with The Patient, Culling Voices, Pushit and You Lied from the Salival album and their cover of the great Led Zeppelin song No Quarter.
Yes!!! I love zeppelin and Many may not agree with me but I actually like tool's version better. Other than no quarter, there is no zeppelin cover that is better than the original.
I see a number of other people have already commented about the songs meaning(s) so I won't repeat. Great reaction, and great to see you back reacting to Tool!
. I know!!!! Imagine coming across them now that it's the first time listen and then realizing they have five great albums. So jealous of these reactors. The closest I have gotten was the first time I heard the first release from the new album. I put it on, so much excitement and hearing each note for the first time. Transcendent. But then at the same time I think of all the great moments I've had jamming to these albums over the years, and I can't imagine their absence.
Loved your reaction, glad you’re back to Tool. I haven’t listened to this one for a minute and all the goosebumps came back. Listened to nothing but Ænima for 6 months in my car because every time it was over I wanted to hear it again. Still my fav Tool album.
Good to see you again my friend!! Love how much joy you get from the man, the myth, the octopus.... Danny Carey. Check out his new interview with Modern Drummer! The Tool Army has missed your reactions sir!
TOOL is the greatest band of our time! Maynard’s lyrics, Adam’s awesome guitar style, Justin’s bass and Danny is the best drummer in the world! Four very talented musicians making outstanding music together!!!!! Spiral out!!!!!!!!!!
H it's his son. Maybe went through a fucked up childhood. "Venomous tempts me" but seeing his son he wants his son to have a great father and life. "My blood before me begs me, open up my heart again"
First time watching your reaction absolutely loved what you had to say absolutely love tool was lucky enough to see them live Red Rocks Denver a long time ago lol amazing appreciate you 😊 have a great night 🌉 Kevin Colorado
Aenima is my favorite album of all-time followed by Lateralus. Those albums are like my "Dark Side of the Moon." TOOL is so amazing at arranging their music and building tension and this song is a perfect example of everything they bring to the table. This song and the album is music creation at the highest level. Just my opinion. I LOVE TOOL so much!!!!
So I believe without the skin beneath the storm represents the pure vulnerability of whatever each and every storm may bring but that he will rise up to the occation cause he won't slip away or fade away my opinion
I’ve always thought of this as someone that has stepped thru their shadow - like he has come thru that, but barely. He sees those snakes (demons/vices etc) behind him, and they drag him down. But as he continues to move thru, he gets stronger. This song is him kinda in the middle of a transition - his middle name is H. If you listen to all the albums in a row, it’s almost like a timeline of Maynard’s life
Do a reaction to the song passengers from deftones. Maynard does a duet with chico on that song. Its incredible. One of the only times Maynard has ever done a duet.
And on another note, every song TOOL makes, specifically Maynard James Keenans lyrics, that have a very deep meaning. To him, but also in a way that is vague and generalized enough that you can find a way to use it to fit what you're going thru. In the end, this song is calling attention to the way we create the tragedy that we see around us. And that we can also create the joy by focusing on it instead. Feel good stories don't get the ratings that tragedy does. This is why it feels like it's all we see in TV and social media these days. More people are watching it, than the other. And so the algorithms respond to the viewer.
This is the first time hearing your reaction to this song and I laughed out loud hearing you describe the sound to a mosquito and your wife... classic!!!! I know she doesn't pay any attention to what you do cause if she did... you might be a falsetto now!!!!😂😂😂
There's a tiny whisper in the back of your soul that is telling you...please listen to Parabol/Parabola & Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned... :) 46&2 and Third Eye are very popular songs from the album you're on now. Thanks for letting us ride this spiral of discovery with you!
I was 21 turning 22 in the summmer of 93 when Tool got big….been a ….🤔…fan? 🤷🏼♂️ever since…..I explained to a guy at work years ago that Tool was sorta like a heavy Pink Flyod…..only better 😉🖤🤘🏻
Crazy after all the tool reactions that your finally getting to "H" Better late then never I guess, haha. You should be mad at all the tool fans including me, who have been subscribed to you and haven't pushed this song more!
This song is about him being mad of his dad for leaving him and his mom. The snake is his anger about his dad. But he is too connected to him because they are blood. His blood before him is his dad.
"What's coming through is alive - what's holding up is a mirror" This song is about the birth of his son, and overcoming his fear of failure as a father
Weird, I thought this song was about heroin for the longest time.
@@stevencabiati1467 you know that Maynard loves his dual meanings to songs. Absolutely think it could be either way and I think that Maynard meant it that way.
Exactly this 🤙🏻
This track is a beautiful metaphor
Yep, absolutely! His son's middle initial is H as well..."My blood before me begs me, Open up my heart again"..
@@stevencabiati1467fooled by the title of the song.
Maynard has said at a show that this song is related to having friends trying to help you make decisions (like the real life versions of the angel and devil on your shoulder), but ultimately you have to make up your own mind.
He's also alluded to it being about his son, who's middle name is H. His mother and father divorced when he was very young and he barely saw his father growing up, and he and his son's mother were not married (and may not have been in a long term relationship, that part I'm unclear on).
So, reading into all that - he's singing from the perspective of a 30ish year old man who is about to become a father, but who's own father was absent. In the beginning he acknowledges his fears and doubts, and throughout the song he works through these feelings until he is vulnerable enough to just sit with the profound love he has for his baby. Then he can accept that he will continue to fear and doubt, and his child will profoundly alter both his life and himself, over and over - and "it's alright, I don't mind." (Of course as a parent you mind this all the goddamn time, but also you don't- hence the "i dont mind" getting louder and building to a climax of conflict between wanting everything that comes with parenthood while fighting against the loss of self).
When he sings "and as the snake is drowned, and as I look in his eyes, my fear begins to fade" he's singing about the death of his fear/anxiety as he looks into his son's eyes for the first time.
A totally un-asked-for thesis on one random Tool song, but that's what I get from it.
@lizinatree Hahahaha!!!! Well it may have been an “in-asked for” thesis but it was very well written and informative. I always heard it was about his son but never knew the in depth specifics so it was cool to be informed of the specifics. Thank you for that. I love learning shit that I didn’t know about.
His son's name is H.. So I'm going with that theory
This song is about Maynard becoming a father.
One of my favourite all time Tool songs. Love how much you appreciated it!
the snake behind me- old bad habits
blood before me- a new child is born
that's why he's opening up his heart again
I love your Tool reactions. They are my favorite band
Maybe my fav Tool song, along with The Patient, Culling Voices, Pushit and You Lied from the Salival album and their cover of the great Led Zeppelin song No Quarter.
Yes!!! I love zeppelin and Many may not agree with me but I actually like tool's version better. Other than no quarter, there is no zeppelin cover that is better than the original.
Welcome back brother! 🤘🌀🤙
Keep with this album & move to the next in line of their discography.
You have to admit that 🛠️T⚙️⚙️L🛠️ hits different than Van Halen and the other 80s bands, respect to the 80s, but this is elite 😉👊
Especially since they aren't an 80s band! 😂
Tool hits different than ANY other band!
Live stream idea Mugs eats a bag 🍄 and listens to Lateralus and Fear Innoculum albums 🤔
I see a number of other people have already commented about the songs meaning(s) so I won't repeat. Great reaction, and great to see you back reacting to Tool!
H and Jimmy are 2 of my all time favorite tool jams
brooo i love Tool, it is a joy to watch you reacting to their songs, i would like to be you just to listen to those masterpieces for the first time!
. I know!!!!
Imagine coming across them now that it's the first time listen and then realizing they have five great albums.
So jealous of these reactors. The closest I have gotten was the first time I heard the first release from the new album. I put it on, so much excitement and hearing each note for the first time. Transcendent.
But then at the same time I think of all the great moments I've had jamming to these albums over the years, and I can't imagine their absence.
Awesome song, great reaction
One of my favorites!
Loved your reaction, glad you’re back to Tool. I haven’t listened to this one for a minute and all the goosebumps came back. Listened to nothing but Ænima for 6 months in my car because every time it was over I wanted to hear it again. Still my fav Tool album.
10:00 watch him do this vocal part live th-cam.com/video/oVVH-LYt3aQ/w-d-xo.html
Goosebumps....
Its spiritual in nature for sure
Good to see you again my friend!! Love how much joy you get from the man, the myth, the octopus.... Danny Carey. Check out his new interview with Modern Drummer! The Tool Army has missed your reactions sir!
So glad you recognize the drums on this song (my favorite part). Very tribal and otherworldly. Danny truly is on a different level.
Everyone is a Tool fan they just don't yet know it.
But beware, darkness lies beneath Brother.
Wooo!! ❤
TOOL is the greatest band of our time! Maynard’s lyrics, Adam’s awesome guitar style, Justin’s bass and Danny is the best drummer in the world! Four very talented musicians making outstanding music together!!!!! Spiral out!!!!!!!!!!
I laughed pretty hard "like a mosquito" XD it's true tho.. love this track!
Lol at the mosquito part!😂
Maynard is a master at metaphors and double entendre. He is, in my opinion, the greatest lyricist of all time.
I agree!!
Easily the greatest lyricist. Neil peart wrote most of the lyrics for rush and he's my second best lyricist.
Your Tool reactions are gifts to me. Thank you.
H it's his son. Maybe went through a fucked up childhood. "Venomous tempts me" but seeing his son he wants his son to have a great father and life. "My blood before me begs me, open up my heart again"
MUGS! Yes yes yes!!!!
my fav tool song! your joy is infectious
TOOL Army forever🌀
Great reaction! I love how you like the subtilities in the music. That's what Tool is about for me.
Good to see you back on Tool!! Much love🙏
Love that I found this reaction! Tool is so unique
H is his son. He’s contemplating being a good father to his son even though his father wasn’t.
His dad was and is a good dad. He visits him in Michigan. His step dad was the one he left ohio to get away from
Always been one of my fav Tool songs.
Love you enjoyed this. One of my favorites
First time watching your reaction absolutely loved what you had to say absolutely love tool was lucky enough to see them live Red Rocks Denver a long time ago lol amazing appreciate you 😊 have a great night 🌉 Kevin Colorado
Lateralus album. Its a masterpiece
We missed you too, Mugs!
As a huge TOOL fan, since ‘93 - I must say - thank you so much. I forgot HOW F-ING GDang INCREDIBLE this song is. Hidden gem. Kudos x the spiral.
Hidden from who? Every Tool fan knows every Tool song. And if you're not a Tool fan, you're ignorant to music
@@shiznitshnitzel4 yes, and, occassionally, some songs slip through the cracks.
@@scottdolby every Tool fan loves this song. It's not a hidden gem lol
@@shiznitshnitzel4 I agree. I just haven't heard Iba long while. Currently doing Lateralus album - hard core.
@@scottdolby lateralus is the greatest album ever made - have fun
Aenima is my favorite album of all-time followed by Lateralus. Those albums are like my "Dark Side of the Moon." TOOL is so amazing at arranging their music and building tension and this song is a perfect example of everything they bring to the table. This song and the album is music creation at the highest level. Just my opinion. I LOVE TOOL so much!!!!
3:57 my favorite Maynard melody
You HAVE to go to a TOOL SHOW after all these reactions.. it will be the “sine qua non” of a live show🎉
Considerately....
🤘🏻🌀
You do a good show. Thanks.
So I believe without the skin beneath the storm represents the pure vulnerability of whatever each and every storm may bring but that he will rise up to the occation cause he won't slip away or fade away my opinion
The song in general vaguely is about child birth. From the perspective of the female, this makes alot more sense.
Seeing you react to TOOL's first album, Opiate, would be pretty cool. It contains what is still my favorite song to scream along with, "Jerk Off".
I’ve always thought of this as someone that has stepped thru their shadow - like he has come thru that, but barely. He sees those snakes (demons/vices etc) behind him, and they drag him down. But as he continues to move thru, he gets stronger. This song is him kinda in the middle of a transition - his middle name is H.
If you listen to all the albums in a row, it’s almost like a timeline of Maynard’s life
My favorite Tool song 🎵🎶
epic buckle up
Do a reaction to the song passengers from deftones. Maynard does a duet with chico on that song. Its incredible. One of the only times Maynard has ever done a duet.
Ha, watchin your vids and new one came up, interesting! 😂
❤
Devo H. Keenan
Ænima is such s banger album. Jimmy next? Or did you already
No band can compare to Tool. None. They are the GOAT.
And on another note, every song TOOL makes, specifically Maynard James Keenans lyrics, that have a very deep meaning. To him, but also in a way that is vague and generalized enough that you can find a way to use it to fit what you're going thru. In the end, this song is calling attention to the way we create the tragedy that we see around us. And that we can also create the joy by focusing on it instead. Feel good stories don't get the ratings that tragedy does. This is why it feels like it's all we see in TV and social media these days. More people are watching it, than the other. And so the algorithms respond to the viewer.
This is the first time hearing your reaction to this song and I laughed out loud hearing you describe the sound to a mosquito and your wife... classic!!!! I know she doesn't pay any attention to what you do cause if she did... you might be a falsetto now!!!!😂😂😂
There's a tiny whisper in the back of your soul that is telling you...please listen to Parabol/Parabola & Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned... :) 46&2 and Third Eye are very popular songs from the album you're on now. Thanks for letting us ride this spiral of discovery with you!
th-cam.com/play/PL7wV2XofCmpmzdAvRrY6nT2B631Ca-zyH.html
I mean, I already knew it, but I'd say you are a Tool fan sir. 😊
I think the"mosquito" is a reccuring theme in this album. 😁
I was 21 turning 22 in the summmer of 93 when Tool got big….been a ….🤔…fan? 🤷🏼♂️ever since…..I explained to a guy at work years ago that Tool was sorta like a heavy Pink Flyod…..only better 😉🖤🤘🏻
You did to hear Tupac the changes love the channel
Crazy after all the tool reactions that your finally getting to "H" Better late then never I guess, haha. You should be mad at all the tool fans including me, who have been subscribed to you and haven't pushed this song more!
Maynards real name is James Herbert Keenan
Thomas was set in two. Show me the way to forgiveness. What is showing up as a snake.is killing me
Just the same go. I’m cracked and empty
Under my tears. Our walls came down
We just going to ignore he said his wife sounds like a misquote in his ear.😂😂😂
Even if you're not into playing instruments, do yourself a favor and check out some guitar/drum cover videos to see the skill involved.
72826
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Not doing all of Tool discography is NOT acceptable!
This song is about him being mad of his dad for leaving him and his mom. The snake is his anger about his dad. But he is too connected to him because they are blood. His blood before him is his dad.
H is for hate to his dad. I have been a Tool fan for over 30 years and I know Maynard's biography. See my previous comment.
sir , shhhhhhh , listen awhile........it would be so much better to watch the wave of music drown you...learn to swim.
It’s unreal that these sounds come from only 4 people