Uncovering the Meaning of “Schism” by Tool
This is a syndicated article from GuitarChalk.com, where you can read the original piece.
One of the most popular tracks in Tool’s history (perhaps the most popular track) is “Schism.”
But what does it actually mean?
Maynard James Keenan tends to keep fairly quiet and out of public view, intentionally leaving much of the meaning behind the lyrics he writes up for interpretation. I think sometimes he’s just messing with us, but that’s neither here nor there.
“Oneness and existing in one consciousness is better and should be sought after as the supreme goal in all walks of life.” ~ My Paraphrase (no one)
So the answer to this question is up for debate, but I’ll put forward two very likely answers.
Is there a method to the madness? I believe there is. Flickr Commons image via Kallao
1. The Split or “Schism” between the Unified and Divided Church
The definition of schism speaks to a division or disunion, especially that denotes two pronounced and opposing viewpoints. It’s very common to see it applied to religion, politics, and philosophy, and not simply a matter of physical distance or petty disagreements between people.
In the song “Schism”, knowing the “pieces fit” is referring to unified religion, perhaps Christianity specifically, before it was separated, forming factions, and schisms between people with differing beliefs.
This is similar to the gnostic idea of the Monad, which is put forward as the true God of oneness, yet gave in to creating lesser, more fractured gods like the Demiurge. Granted, Keenan doesn’t specify anything about Gnosticism in the song, but it follows the belief pattern of having “oneness” in times past, and now being fractured into different sects, while longing to return to that oneness or singular conscience.
Essentially, “Schism” laments that fracturing or, at the very least, describes its existence and a desire to correct it.
While we assume, based on other Tool lyrics, that Keenan is focusing on religion, there are several other areas this could easily apply.
Gender, for instance.
2. The “Schism” between Genders
In the music video for “Schism” there are two human likenesses — one male and one female. Through most of the video they attempt, without success, to combine into one another and form one person.
At the end of the video, the two beings are finally able to combine into one creature. This is essentially the same thing we saw earlier, but now put into a different context.
The same concept is echoed if you move onto the next song on the album, namely the music video for “Parabola”. In that video, you see two eyes, one blue and one pink, enter into a human likeness, and form a Third Eye in the middle of the human’s forehead. One could surmise that Keenan is once again promoting the idea of oneness and a merging of the two sexes and/or genders.
The Simple Worldview Put Forward by “Schism”
Whether Keenan intends it or not (I’m assuming he does), it’s clear that “Schism” is communicating a rather simple worldview:
- Separation/difference is bad
- Unification/oneness is good
Based on this, one could also argue that definitions, differences, and guidelines are a source of division, and therefore “bad” or not to be trusted. Oneness and existing in one consciousness is better and should be sought after as the supreme goal in all walks of life.
Whether or not this is the intended meaning of “Schism” it is absolutely what the song, and the music video, communicate.
What’s your take?
What do you think “Schism” means? Is Tool just messing with us? Have I totally missed the mark? Let me know in the comments section.
Author
Bobby is the founder of Guitar Chalk, and is responsible for developing most of its content. He has worked with leading guitar industry companies including Sweetwater, Ultimate-Guitar, Seymour Duncan, PRS, and many others. You can shoot him an email to get in touch.
