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aetherfox — A Breakdown Of Schism
Published: 2003-06-02 23:21:07 +0000 UTC; Views: 854; Favourites: 4; Downloads: 85
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Description
This is a graphical article I profuced in Photoshop so I could distribute it more widely. I hope you enjoy, comment and spread the word please, this took a long long long time to make. It might be the first of an ongoing series, where I analyse good songs for a deeper meaning. I need support though. Thanks. Enjoy.Related content
Comments: 16
i understand that it actuially has a very specific relationship that it is refering to: the relationship between church and state. so very close, and yet so seperate.
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I don't think the song is about a single relationship, but simply about all relations and how people tend to throw them away by not listening to the other person.
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Schism is an amazing song, a real stand-out even amongst the high standards of all Tool songs (and has a great film clip too). I like your thinking here, and a song like this definately deserves a look at it's deeper meaning.
This is ironic in a way though, because a central philosophy in a lot of Tool's work is that people should think more for themselves, which includes the way they interpret art and lyrics such as these. Maynard has said many times that he wants people to draw their own meaning from the words he writes.
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very well said, but like you stated, there is plenty more hidden between the lines, music, and the video.
this is very well written, you got stuff that i missed.
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Well, okay, after I hit 'add my comments' I felt a need to expand on that a little. For a band like Tool, love has to be somewhat different anyway. These are people who obviously know what's up in the world; they're the type who can easily see what's wrong, and more importantly pick out people who don't understand things. So when one of them falls in love, it's 99% certain to be with someone who doesn't 'get' it (Seeing how 99% of people in the world don't 'get it' to begin with...). So when one of them falls in love with someone, part of that process is going to be freeing them, expanding their mind and realm of thought to at least something more approaching his own.
So for them, part of love is freeing them (And yes, the same holds true for someone in the Matrix, too... I wonder what would happen if Neo, or anyone else for that matter, had fallen in love with someone who was still jacked in.) from their normal thought processes. That's going to take a lot of guidance, risks, and work... the types of things discusses and told in songs like 4 Degrees. Picture the band members as teachers, sitting down with the woman like a little kid and explaining this all to her bit by bit.
Anyway, yeah. Done again.
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Nice job on this... I've got some of my own around somewhere, but I don't really know where they are. Pushit (Particularly the slow version) is much more of a love song in my eyes... that and 4 Degrees.
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Excellent song, excellent breakdown. I agree for the most part.
I really like the way you view the "blame the other" theme as dealing with fate. I didn't go that deep, and saw it as being he wants to blame the other person involved in the relationship for the deterioration of the relationship, though neither can really be blamed. Sort of the way you never want it to be your own fault when anything goes wrong. But now that I look at it your way, I like that a lot better.
I compleatly agree with what you said about the stanza at line 25 being in the past and showing acceptance for what has happened, I've thought the same thing myself. However, I thought the "second guessing" was more about a mistrust in the actual relationship, not trying to fix things after they're through. Basically, if they don't grow a little- start trusting each other again, open the lines of communication, then they are doomed to crumble.
And I like what you've said about the last stanza, it does have a very finalizing and reflecting tone to it.
Anyway, that's just my two cents. You've done a great job, this is definitely a fav.
You might want to check out the tool page- [link] , they've got a great opinion section where other people write what they think songs mean, it's pretty interesting.
And yeah, starting a series with this sort of thing would be great! I'll note you with some thoughts if I find the time someday
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you broke this down so well... I feel this is the exact meaning of the song man, it's just.... awesome. sweet indeed, and thank you for the shout at the bottom in the credits. Muchly appreciated.
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OK
I agree for the most part
But i woudlnt think of it as a "outer" love song.
I get exacvtly what you mean and i disagree
Its not exactly a person,
just liek my latest poem.. it wasnt written for a specific person it was about me
and my ego.
Take a look at many other songs delving into jungian psychology
the words "between suppsoed lovers
and between supposed brothers"
put thsi into key as do
"point the finger blame the other"
I think thsi is more about communication
or rather.. loss of comunication with your shadow or with your ego.
You were on a good track however i can see it couldbe deemd as a relationship, but personaly, i doubt it.
Well doen thought good on you for takign the time
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Beautifully said.
I think its one of their deeper 'lyrical' songs, that is simple yet sends a strong "this is how it is" message. It tells us not to let our communication crumble. Which he and I think is the key to a healthy relationship. Whether its with a Loved one, Family member or God.
I love lines
5-6 "Pure intention side-by-side -> set souls in motion"
Love Will Happen.
7-8 "Disintigrating as it goes -> Testing Communica.."
Its a Downhill Test.
--->Pass the test.
I totally agree with you on the last stanza being a very good conclusion. I think he kind of saw it building to that coldness and truth throughout the song, but wasnt sure. After the guitar solo, he was uneasy about letting it out, but when he did. He knew he was right.
(This little bit was my 2 cents)
I think you did a great job and hope you do another one. Its always good to get fresh view on music or poetry-with-noise.
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