First time listening to Tool Ænima (Reaction!) | Philosophy in Music

[@MaddSpazz2000]

Mom=mother nature. Loving the Reactions dude keep it up! I see people getting mad in the comments that you didn't interpret it "correctly". Y'all can shut up fr. The point of Tool is that it makes you think, go ahead and offer your interpretation, but don't chastise a dude for not understanding a Tool song on his first listen, ya'll probably heard this shit hundreds of times.

[@Zeta9966]

Honestly. I think he was pretty spot on other than the Learn To Swim bit. The Jungian aspect is 100% dead on, but Maynard is asking for a cleansing of people literally. Praying for the big one to drop LA into the ocean and do the world a favor…. Thus creating Arizona Bay 🤣

[@TheMilton1215]

1000% agree. Tool takes patience and multiple times of hearing to really feel what he is saying. Even after many people think they know what it means, Maynard says it means something else. But that's the beauty of it. People find their own meanings as in poetry.

[@tiamat29]

spot on, julio, spot on!!!

[@soth1sol]

mom = divine feminine ...the female aspect in every single tool video saving male aspect from himself. she is the "question" in question authority. she is the "mer" in mer de noms. she is the untouched virgin of mind.

[@DannyLeeOGT]

I actually give him more credit for coming up with an interpretation I have not already heard x,00000 times 😂 My man went somewhere none of us who have poured years of dedicated and frustrating research have ever went! Maynard is a trickster and master of manipulation so it does make the journey all the more meaningful

[@p-mac8413]

The song is about the inevitable breaking off of LA into, as Bill Hicks said, "the Pacific Bowl to be flushed away like the turd city it is, leaving nothing but a cool, beautiful serenity called... Arizona Bay."

[@74artgrrl]

You are exactly right. Bill Hicks was a tragically talented orator/comedian who leaned towards political and sociological comedy. Very underrated, Bill Hicks. Died far too young.

[@lchicks86]

So refreshing to see intelligence. So hot.

[@Vegaroth]

By "mother' he means Mother Nature. The one that will bring the floods, the tidal waves, the meteor, the earthquake. "Mom's comin' 'round to put it back the way it ought to be" Unfortunately, I don't see your angle of him being benevolent or trying to help everyone. To me, his "Learn to swim" is a threat. "Learn to swim, cause California will become Arizona Bay" He's merciless in this song. He keeps calling out people and saying "it's going to happen, and it's deserved, so you better learn to swim, LA will be not here soon". I appreciate a different perspective tho. Cheers man

[@cuteasxtreme]

The merciful part is that he’s giving a warning. “If you dipshits don’t learn how to swim…”

[@forgetful47]

Thats how i always "heard" the song as well. Ive lived in close proximity to the La county line and occasionally find myself having to go there and i dread it everytime. I sing this song in my head whenever i have to go to LAX and see all the trendy LA ass holes oblivious to their own ignorance of life

[@beelzebob23]

There is a reason he moved to Arizona.

[@notimportant3686]

in a way he IS trying to be benevolent, in fact he says as much " don't just call me a pessimist, try and read between the lines"

[@JoeyJoJoJr0]

^^edit: lol this^^ But Maynard also sings "Don't just call me pessimist, try to read between the lines"

[@mattwatson6295]

THing about Maynard man. It's either wildly metaphorical and has the ability to let you apply your own meanings. Or like Aenima, he means exactly what he says and he fucking hates L.A. Learn to swim because he wants L.A to sink into the Pacific and become Arizona Bay. Edit: Really enjoying your journey, brother.

[@davidr3146]

He wants the San Andreas fault to trigger and sink LA into the ocean. Thus creating Arizona Bay.

[@SebsDuran]

Absolutely love this. Thanks so much for this.

[@SebsDuran]

This context is amazing

[@Minuz1]

Two songs that perfectly illustrate this: Hooker with a penis and Prison sex.

[@Zundfolge]

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar ... he hates LA. :D

[@sevenduster27]

A reference to Bill Hick's vision/hopes of California breaking off in an earthquake leaving a Arizona to have a bay.

[@thehooptytube]

The song “The Grudge” helped me get over my personal grudge with my own mother. I gave it away! Now my mother and I are healing together. Leaving the pain behind and looking forward to the future. Thanks for the reactions bro. When ya get a chance I recommend doing “The Grudge”.

[@brittanyblue4495]

F*ck yeah to you being able to heal and have a relationship with your mom. That isnt easy, and is so rad when it happens. ✌

[@thehooptytube]

Thanks @@brittanyblue4495.

[@jordancolephoto9862]

thats beautiful, dude. good on ya for putting in the work to fix what seemed unfixable.

[@claytonbearden7793]

@@jordancolephoto9862 That was well put. I love ToolArmy we can sometimes be insufferable at times, but we also have an enlightened state of mind and tend to look out for and support each other, the world could use more of that, we miss compassion desperately.

[@moritzkorsch9029]

Amazing. I always knew this music enables people to profoundly change their lives and think about and deal with depressing topics better. Much love to you

[@MikeyBeastPop]

Arizona Bay will be the new coast line when the San Andrea‘s fault line finally cracks and a large portion of Cali falls into the sea including LA. If you own a hard copy of the CD they have a cool holographic image of what it will look like when the tectonic plate slips.

[@bdavem]

Yes, and if you flip the cover slip around, there's a holograph of a dude sucking his own dick...interesting to say the least lol. I had forgotten about that cd cover til I read your comment!

[@hunterfitch5951]

Fun fact: it’s called lenticular

[@tykroner1133]

The Pot, Vicarious, and Schism. 3 of my favorite Tool songs. I know you’ll get to them eventually and I’m STOKED to see you react to them 🤙🏻 All Love Sebs ❤️

[@juicesghost8501]

This is my favorite album of all time. I never imagined back in 96 that we would still be analyzing it 25 years later. Even a song as simple in meaning as this is such a masterpiece. You allude to it when the tension breaks, the song literally gives way at the "praying for mayhem" line. Just as Maynard wants the Andreas fault line to give way, it is beautiful, giving you that feeling of mother earth taking back everything like she always does, to reset what we have done. Geniuses.

[@voidwraithprime8521]

The thing to know about Tool's evolution: they changed bassists after the Undertow album. The arrival of their new bassist, Justin Chancellor, really helped jumpstart their musical progression. He's a master, and combining with Danny Carey just took the band to another level.

[@nucl3arboNg]

Technically it was "during" the Aenima album, but ya not arguing the rest.

[@thetruthhurtsu]

Why did they change bassist?

[@danielrivera1005]

Look up Bill Hicks (comedian), Maynard was a huge fan and they even had Bill be the opener on some of their shows. Also ,the album Aenima was dedicated to him after he died. This song and Third Eye are influenced by him .

[@jayflach3408]

They straight use some of his material for the lyrics mostly off of the album Arizona bay.

[@experienceanimation217]

Bill Hicks one night stand is a gem

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Hicks was the best....soooo far ahead of his time,just a brilliant comedian,he’s up there with Carlin to me

[@claytonbearden7793]

They were all friends, Maynard has been doing dead pan stand up for years and Bill was one of his inspirations.

[@bcgbrad5650]

He is featured inside the album art. A real tribute to Bill Hicks. Amazing.

[@bryanrodier4615]

Please do wings 1&2. Bring your tissues. Also Disposition Reflection Triad all together. Loving your reactions. Stay on the spiral

[@quixoticshieldmaiden5109]

I have been watching you fall in love with TOOL for a minute now and I have loved every minute but this video got you my follow. When Maynard comes in with "I'm praying for rain, I'm praying for tidal waves" it literally does something to me. My heart flutters and my eyes close as I take it in. It's a feeling I can't describe. Would love to see you do swamp song and I really hope you keep the reactions coming. Awesome video. Thank you

[@Cosmic_Observer33]

That part near the end where he says "I'm praying for rain, I'm praying for tidal waves, I wanna see the ground give way, I wanna watch it all go down" always struck an emotion cord with me as well.

[@davidrunkle8696]

Love your interpretation of this. That’s the beauty of a tool song people can interpret it in so many different ways and find meaning. Generally speaking, what he saying is that he hopes California will fall into the ocean and that we can all learn to swim in Arizona Bay. When he refers to mom, most people believe he’s asking mother nature to flush it all away and make things how it used to be before the ridiculousness of LA.

[@randycramer1013]

Sebastián has quickly become my favorite TooL reactor and KZbinr. Just a sharp dude that gets it almost immediately. Always positive, inspirational and genuine. I can't wait for his "final exams"... Wings for Marie PT 1 & 2. He may be ready sooner than I thought! Keep being a great husband, father and human and thank you sharing. Much love, bro 🤜 Can you please react to and comment on VICARIOUS next?!

[@wearenotamused6455]

For me... the last 20 seconds of drum and guitar outro signifies the deluge that will wash away our insecurities and ignorance to bring about the coming age of Aquarius... hence the flood, flush it all away, etc. The new oceanic bay called Arizona Bay ala Bill Hicks.

[@voidwraithprime8521]

"Descending", imo, is his updated, more eloquent method of tackling this same topic. More sad than mad. Somehow less optimistic while being more beautiful.

[@thetruthhurtsu]

Dude you get it. The song is emotional and it helped me with anger. Maynard delivers the message so great man. I love this song! It’s probably the most played song on my phone besides “when doves cry” by Prince.

[@eggstu]

Do the Holy Trinity. Disposition, Reflection, Triad. It's off the Lateralus album and you will love these songs. Just search KZbin for Bill Hicks and Arizona Bay, if you watch it, this song makes more sense. Hell-A

[@adampadilla74]

Learn to swim and see you in Arizona bay is a reference to the results of the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake that is over due (9+ on the Richter Scale). The quake could potentially destroy or sink California making Arizona beach front property.

[@georgedorney7412]

Keep them coming my friend!! Your reactions to Tool are the best out there!!!! And I try to check them all out

[@jethrofloyd67]

This was the first Tool song I ever heard, and I was hooked right at the "praying for rain" section. An absolutely beautiful passage after that savage tribal "learn to swim" section... No one composes music like Tool and no one can deliver these concepts like they do, and I could hear that in one song, so I started buying their albums one at a time and I love rediscovering them through friends and youtubers like yourself. Like the two words combined, an enema of our anima, this whole album is more or less about shedding skin and dealing with your darkness in order to move forward...among probably other things because Tool isn't about telling a story so much as exploring a concept, which is absolutely perfect for overthinking and you wouldn't believe the rabbit holes you can fall down in the Tooliverse. So carry on analyzing as much as you want, you're on the right track and are coming into this with alot more knowledge than most..about Jung and the biblical references. You're doing great man, spiral out 🤘

[@JonnyPhive]

Arizona Bay & Learn to swim are direct references to LA sinking into the ocean and being swept away by an earthquake. Hence Arizona Bay because southern Cali is gone. It is also a reference to their friend Comedian Bill Hicks who opened shows for them and died in the 90's. "Arizona Bay" was a phase he coined.

[@MostlyCloudy]

You're gonna love The Grudge.

[@b2ickwall978]

So many good Tool songs to listen to. I would recommend Jimmy and H. from this album. If I had to choose one for you next I would say The Grudge.

[@Alarik52]

This one plays on the literal, figurative, and metaphorical all at once :)

[@aveystev112]

I like how you were able to interpret the song as positive

[@davidrodenkirk5561]

The ultimate Dis song this album was built around The comedian rutine by the late Bill Hicks .when California falls in the ocean, we can meet up in the newly made Az. Bay. Maynard now lives over the hill from me in Central Az.

[@solxplosion1978]

Arizona Bay is referring to the theory that a massive San Andreas fault line earthquake will eventually turn California into an island off the coast of Arizona. Also, the use of mother in the song is referring to mother nature.

[@LanceThompsonKssooner]

Great breakdown with the rain and renewal. I honestly never looked at it that way but I agree. I also just took it literally. People have been talking about California falling into the ocean for decades.

[@MikeyBeastPop]

Well they do have the holographic on hardcopy CD lol. But what makes them great is it’s open to interpretation. He even says “try to read between the lines” so i totally agree.

[@LanceThompsonKssooner]

@@MikeyBeastPop this is true. Didn't even think of that.

[@duanem.5738]

He's talking about when California breaks off from North America along the San Andreas fault. He's telling them to learn to swim.

[@kanyonatkins2152]

You got the best reactions man thanks!

[@emuszd]

You are officially my favorite Tool reactor now. Great stuff!

[@alethiacraven4305]

I have listened to TOOL since their first album...but listening to them with you is making me discover them again on a whole new level. You're enthusiasm is intoxicating. LOL Thank you!!!

[@georgedorney7412]

Descending has my favorite lead guitar/drum combination solo I’ve ever heard in my 61 year old life!!!!!!!

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

I second this

[@joshreed7102]

I’m 66 and I think that song is the best I’ve ever heard.

[@thomastaylor9579]

Maynard used to live in Los Angeles sold his mansion for about 8 million and moved to Arizona years ago, btw" AMEN" my brother.

[@justinmccln]

Ya, this is still "angry" Tool, but you can see the growth in them already. The title being a mixture of anima and enima is meant to mean "the cleansing of the soul". Hence the repetition of "flush it all down." Which brings a second, hilarious meaning to "learn to swim".

[@wesbeuning1733]

Angry tool and hilarious tool are the same, lol. With all of their skillful mastery it often gets overlooked that a lot of their songs are funny. What's that brownie recipe song.

[@nvogeding]

@@wesbeuning1733 Die Eier von Satin

[@ThisIsTheIkeMaster]

Ugh... I've spent the past couple hours debating evil people (in the hopes that I say something that gets them thinking) in the comment sections of different, vile youtube videos... this was a much needed refreshment, love you bro! Honestly at this point I might suggest you just go through in order listening to all their songs, if that's not what you're going to do then I suggest you rock out to 7empest, especially after this song

[@roneldridge9281]

Loved your comments. I have heard this song 1000 times and always thought it was just about California falling into the ocean forming Arizona Bay. You went beyond that and made me think about all of us falling based on our stupid self centered tendencies. We either succumb to mother nature's fix (enema) by flushing away or learn to swim and rise above (anema).

[@O_U_No_It_2]

I love your characterization of enema versus anema. Spot on.

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

Tool army, checking in. Again. Love the channel man

[@flyingardilla143]

I interpret the chaotic section at the end to be a musical representation of Armageddon.

[@DannyLeeOGT]

Funny to an OGT ( Original Gangta Tool ) from back in 93 from the 1st ep ( lyrics from the song I requested ) that in 25 yrs I have thoughts that attach to a certain feeling that I have to identify with language ( same process used to create these pieces written with duality with several interpretations of a feeling into the appropriate words ) as the Music 🎶 already has evolved into something more than a song. Maynard said once that can give you the feeling of a Devine/ religious experience or the way having a baby or falling in love gives you butterflies or looking at the sunset over a beach.. Or the balance is the feeling of mental anguish or being torn of emotion like a napkin you pull off the roll. Your perspective on learn to swim & what it means is one that, even with 7 different Tool chatrooms on fb I have never heard it referencing that meaning yet!

[@lonerangerak5232]

Hooker with a penis is a great song

[@burgervonstadt6503]

@@poncandn1 HWAP - Even Tool hate Tool fans lol

[@DannyLeeOGT]

@@lonerangerak5232 he will enjoy the song as it has anger along with dry humor! And breaking down the lyrical aspect he also will enjoy! And we will all have fun with the title 😜 and watching him try to connect the name to the song!

[@DannyLeeOGT]

@@poncandn1 I'm enjoying vicariously joining him on this ride that goes to a comfortable space, that's not only comfortable but vulnerable as I have high hopes and I feel I'm learning to fly as I'm comfortably numb

[@DannyLeeOGT]

@@burgervonstadt6503 or it's a parabol being as lord Maynard loves to move your thinking with intellect and then your probably right Maynard hates Toolagins

[@jameshotchkin8438]

My new fav reactor. Luv your breakdowns. Killer 🔥

[@mikennem9077]

The repetitive "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey" at the beginning and end (TO ME) is him trying to get listener's attention. "HEY .... HEY ...LISTEN TO ME ...HEY!" I don' tknow probably a bit elementary but that's where my mind goes when I hear it

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

Finding this band completely changed the trajectory of my life. Enjoy the ride! 🐇🕳

[@gailspaw5521]

Everything they do is so Precise❤

[@shresthabageshwar2671]

I got recommended to watch your reaction of Pneuma today and really loved watching you love it! It's always so great to watch someone discover Tool for the first time. Hope you get going down this Rabbit hole because it is very entertaining. And for my recommendations I would really suggest you listening to Schism, Vicarious, 7empest or Invincible.

[@thetruthhurtsu]

Oh my this is going to be delicious! My fav song. AEnima’s message is so funny, and realistic.

[@DannyLeeOGT]

He's talking about the fault line ripping California into the ocean so Arizona has a Bay

[@vincegedeon6583]

Another Banger by the amazing Tool!💯🔥🚒💪

[@newsbuster292]

I like watching your Tool journey man, altough it baffles me how any person in the western hemisphere can not have listened to Tool before, since it has been part of my life for over 25 years now. And you're right, they have had a huge impact, I have fond memories about the days when I used to go out and was thrilled whenever Tool came up. I have asked for Tool so many times in a club where they play this kind of music.

[@douglasdrain]

Arizona bay is signified by “fault lines that cannot sit still” and most of California breaking off into the Pacific …

[@thomastaylor9579]

TOOL ARMY.................................TOOL ARMY.................................TOOL ARMY.................................TOOL ARMY....................

[@cristianzabala332]

Hi from ARGENTINA! Your journey makes me happy!! Awesome, you remember my self!

[@O_U_No_It_2]

As always, I love your angle of interpretation of these magnificent songs sir! Obviously we can't restart and let you go on a song by song journey from the beginning. So many songs I would suggest... Recently listened to the 'Salival' version of 'PushIt' again and I really adore this version. It's originally off of this same album represented here.

[@PoliticallyAffiliated]

Mom is Mother Earth. In the context of this particular song

[@prefono]

Can I suggest you Invincibile? Great and underestimated masterpiece!

[@andrewreimer9160]

Probably my favorite song on Fear Inoculum (but that changes all the time). Maynard tells a timeless story that fits for ancient cultures & modern man. And the instrumentals are almost cinematic.

[@juicesghost8501]

My favorite off the new album as well. The long wait for the grimy riff is well worth it.

[@O_U_No_It_2]

This song feels personal to me somehow lyrically. His references to aging related to my journey into "over-the-hill" years👴

[@camjam180]

“Mom” is referring to Mother Nature here. Praying for LA (aka. California) (aka. The state of mind and way of life that he’s irritated with) to metaphorically break off at its fault line and be “flushed” into the ocean, like using an enema. Then learning to swim when it’s all flushed away, representing learning how to live differently and “welcome any change.” “See you down in Arizona bay”, when California has fallen into the ocean and Arizona has a new ocean-side view. Arizona Bay is also an album name by the comedian Bill Hicks, who Maynard references often.

[@josephclayton1835]

I think learn to swim is referring to the coming tidal wave that will wash it all away. I got into Tool from my son, when I was 50, I now own all of their albums. Some songs definitely gives me goose bumps. I love how Maynard is able to convey so much emotion in his singing. His voice can be beautiful and haunting at the same time.

[@claywangerin9423]

Maynard is a big Bill Hicks fan so there are a few references in this album.. Maynard wants mother nature to suck LA into the ocean because in his mind it's filled with shallow superficial people, which would leave Arizona with a Bay so the citizens of LA better learn to swim

[@saadesigner07]

I'm here for all of this. All. of. It.

[@claywangerin9423]

Maynard's mom saga, I'm still pushing for this, his mom had a brain aneurysm at age 11, was wheel chair bound for 27 years (10,000 days).. so the songs go in the order of Jimmy, Judith (APC), Wings for Marie part 1, 10,000 days part 2... I'm excited

[@thomastaylor9579]

i live in the suburbs of Los Angeles in a city called La Puente about 30 min from downtown Los Angeles born and raised.it sucks period

[@Atom-E.B.E.]

18:04 You nailed it. Though they were inspired by the comedian Bill Hicks who had an album called Arizona Bay. It's the best comedy album I've ever heard

[@Viking_Funeral]

Going to see TOOL for my 8th time in March in Minneapolis. It'll be my wife's 1st time seeing them live.

[@l.ronhubbard5445]

My 4th Tool show in February. Last time I saw them was in NYC in 2017

[@jessestanley1690]

Aenima is a cleansing. When he says mom he means the (mother)earth

[@snarkyguy2657]

It's interesting to hear your interpretation of the lyrics, & how you put a positive spin on them, likely because you try to see the positive in people & things. As others have mentioned, the song is about hoping that California has a massive earthquake, separating it from the continental US, resulting in the proverbial "Arizona Bay" mentioned by Bill Hicks. The survivors would have to "Learn To Swim", or they won't be survivors for long.

[@jerryg1708]

I’m really enjoying your experiencing of Tool ! Interesting to note is Maynard moved to Arizona from L.A. So if Mom (Mother Nature) brings tidal waves and washes California away he’ll have beach front property. The outro of song is like standing over the flushed toilet watching and hoping the turds get sucked down . 🌀 🌀 🌀

[@ThisIsTheIkeMaster]

Damn.. I'm finally seeing them live for first time this winter... maybe in 9 years when they tour for their next album I'll see them play down in Arizona Bay

[@NefariousPorpoise]

This isn't true. It's a reference to a Bill Hicks joke.

[@jerryg1708]

I’m only saying he actually moved to Arizona which is true and yes he is referencing Bill Hicks. Him having beachfront property bad joke on my part 😒

[@eyemoeba]

great to see you getting hit with it, getting into it and off on it, getting a hit off it, getting it, not getting it. i'm still All those things and i've heard this album hundreds of times. for me the greatest rock album of all time. doing the full album in one sitting is a must. peace.

[@Shadare]

I think Maynard takes great pleasure in leading us all down the same rabbit holes that we watch him go down here. Was a treat to relive that part of loving tool.

[@bernardcinco4917]

i think the singer is literally speaking of a flood in l.a. making arizona a bay

[@jasonwonderinthelight8098]

I love how profound of an impact that Tool is making. You said you think negatively first but you were speaking about "learn to swim" in a good way. Think more of Hating LA and wishing the San Andrea's fault Ling gives way to create "Arizona Bay" ( Maynard moved from LA to Arizona because he doesn't do well in crowds. Anxiety is super real...)

[@kylerichmond4806]

I would recommend Eulogy from this album. MJK doesn't prescribe to any organized religion, he believes in adapting to life and being a better person in the now. His lyrics touch on this in all 3 of his projects, Tool A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. I highly recommend diving into the other too as well to get a fuller look. Spiral Out my friend.

[@O_U_No_It_2]

When you really start diving into his work lyrically you realize there is a running "theme" creatively and it's basically what you just stated.

[@jessicahimmel7867]

This album in particular changed my life when it came out...I was 15 and never the same again 💕

[@sean_b_drummer]

There's a video clip of an interview with Adam asking him how it's pronounced. He said it's, ah'-neh-ma. 👍🏽😁

[@gailspaw5521]

Learn to Swim is a Metaphor Yes

[@andrewreimer9160]

You made sense bud :)Hope you can knock out their catalogue before you see them live.

[@gailspaw5521]

Maynard tells the Truth❤

[@thetruthhurtsu]

Bro! You rewinded that part, I have done that every time I listen to that song haha. I love it. As an Atheist I love this band despite what is being posted in the comment section. I’ve noticed that, some of my fav artist are very spiritual such as Bob Marley & Prince and I am an Atheist but it hasn’t driven me away from #TheMusic

[@Tepasd]

Now this is the beautiful thing about listening to Tool. It's been more than 15 years since I heard this song the first time, and I have always just seen this song as an aggressive, big fuck you to everyone that Maynard describes in the song, and I have always seen the lyrics more wishful of those "fake" people to just drown in the flood the lyrics want Mother Earth to bring into the world. Your view of the lyrics and the song has COMPLETELY changed my mind on how I view this song. After all these years it seems now so incredibly obvious how all the lyrics chanting "learn to swim" and so on are actually uplifting, attempting to push anyone and everyone into improving themselves. It's been great seeing how you perceive these songs that I and many others have loved for years, thank you for sharing that experience with us!

[@vegasviking86]

Three-ring circus is just another way of saying a spectacle

[@amandaleeborchert3745]

Maynard's voice is brilliant. Such an awesome song. 🌹

[@MaddSpazz2000]

Ænima is also a play on the word Enema. Hence all the "flushing" imagery. He wants the enema (tsunami/flood) to wash away the shit (LA/The superficial people in LA). I don't think it just means LA specifically though, it's just the prime example of a Place full of superficial people, materialism, sensationalism (circus sideshow).

[@joechurch7]

My take is Swim = Survive. There's a wave a' coming and those not equiped for survival will not fare well.

[@timmosley9068]

Learn to swim, see you down in Arizona bay is a reference to where we'll be when Cali slides into the ocean

[@MacAnAirchinnighJM]

Love all of Tool but Aenima has a special place in my heart as it was my first experience with them. Seeing them finally after 25 years in January. Can’t wait.

[@MaverickRenegade80]

I love that you've given me a new perspective on learn to swim, encouraging people to rise above the figurative shit being flushed. I'd always considered it to be a mocking or condescending way of basically laughing at dipshits for drowning to death during Armageddon. That's a line I hadn't read between.

[@JoeBlythe]

Arizona has no bay. Maynard is, at times, referring to specifically California being decimated and falling into the ocean, which would create an "Arizona Bay" "Learn to swim" has a double meaning in this regard, and is to be taking literally as well.

[@paigebarger5494]

The cd album art had a holographic California sliding into the Pacific Ocean.

[@flyinganchovy5267]

Great reaction. That sound at the end you mentioned is… to me is what revelations will sound like.The sound of it all going down. And you’re right on, he literally says see you in Arizona bay. You might as well keep going with this album and do the epic odyssey titled Third Eye.

[@sethjones6102]

I always got the impression that the guitars chugging at the end sounded like an evacuation alarm/siren 🚨, like here it comes, it’s coming!

[@beezysbeatz4924]

17:29 it's a bookend. "Like poetry" (thanks George Lucas) it's the vocalization he was doing at the beginning of the song.

[@icyflows]

Bill Hicks the comedian was influential to Maynard and this album. To get the Arizona Bay reference watch his stand up.

[@thecreatonaut6165]

"Eulogy" was my first tool song. I was hooked after that. His vocals are amazing in that song.

[@Vahj-Loveuar]

The musical "flushing" cadence at the end is brilliant.

[@holypaper]

Although I am no longer a tool soldier, I respect what this band has done musically and I am excited for your journey.

[@narcostarko]

I think at this point you should look at something from Opiate. Maybe Cold and Ugly? Something where they were first coming onto the scene and in their initial angrier state that way you can see their musical and personal transformations

[@juicesghost8501]

Just in case no one below in the comments stated the last piece- Aenima if we say is a combo with the word Enema, then flushing it all away makes more sense....

[@DannyLeeOGT]

The chorus and the Intro ties together within the same sentence!

[@christiantrubrig3786]

Every tool song is emotional......

[@christiantrubrig3786]

Emotions cannot always put into word, altough Maynard has a great way to try. ;)