Song reaction - Tool - Invincible

[@timmiller2913]

When my dad was dying of cancer, this song made him cry. Now it makes me cry everytime I hear it.

[@chadwilliams7119]

I feel for ya Tim. My dad died of cancer back in February. This album got me through many tough days. Hugs for ya brother.

[@Satrapo]

It's the destiny of all of us. It will be your turn. It will be my turn. We are all tragic heroes, but what we call life, what we all reality, are just an illusion created by our brains. We don't know what this incredible universe is. We might all meet again when this dream ends. I do wish that for you and all of us.

[@edostork8121]

So sorry Tim I hope that somehow the song helped him and now you. My condolences and wishing you (warrior) strength to deal with this loss.

[@fullysuppressed]

On the bright side, atleast he got to hear it

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Not easy. My brother and l lost our beloved aunt to cancer. It was so tough and painful. I feel you. Hope you're doing ok. Hang in there.

[@olafm2416]

IMPO ....no doubt... Tool is the best band on earth...... so important!!!!! I listen to almost any genre in music, but I always come back to tool at certain points in time.....Tool is simply the summary of all!

[@garrettmarshall1288]

I think this is a song about time and the toll it takes. When we are young we feel we are invincible but the struggles eventually wear us down, and a reflection of things done along the way, good and bad. This may be where Maynard is in his life. As well as many long time fans are at this point. Probably my fav song. Oh, Ponce de Leon also spent his life and died looking for the Fountain of Youth

[@psycho42069]

I feel like this song is an introspective metaphor. It is from the perspective of a warrior who has done many things, defeated every enemy, won every battle. He felt invincible. Now he is getting older and is realizing that he is aging and is not the great warrior he once was. A metaphor for being a young naive person without fear, maturing into an adult that realizes they will not live forever and should cherish the moments you have. I think (as so many others I've read) of this song as Tool's modern take on Pink Floyd's "Time".

[@cracker3932]

Been a Tool fan since the Opiate days and for me this is the best song they've ever done. I simply cannot get enough of it.

[@jClayT6]

Lol same...a drug in itself is this song. I've been saying the same thing..it's arguably becoming my fav song all time

[@plentyonions]

Fan since 93..not an "OGT"..but I agree joint best song with Vicarious

[@plentyonions]

@@Jericho363 it's the voice .then I got the lyrics...I'm 51..and this made so much sense ..we live on past conquests, still think we have...but everyday is a slog...and you ache more...it's the song that made me realise I'm getting older

[@olafm2416]

over time it's always another song being my fav....... finally it's Tool as a band and their general heritage to us all what makes it so important to me and obviously to many other out there..... one try guys....make the best from it!

[@DCBabos]

YES!!!! My favorite song from this album! I'm 53 years young lady and I love this song about aging. Thank you for your reaction!

[@zillaFCB10]

Ponce de Leon was searching for the "tree of life/fountain of youth" trying to be invincible

[@robertdysonn]

This song is clearly about our mortality, our weakening as we get older. It’s about our struggle to remain relevant and consequential despite our aging lives that do not have forever.

[@bradennichols3154]

More about being able to maintain an erection

[@joshreed7102]

A song for us aging people.

[@Daniel-xu6kd]

which would be all people

[@rubaidaallen2764]

I felt that 🙌🙌

[@kentclarkp8461]

Pumps the adrenaline through the old veins! 😃

[@mrmeach1967]

Prog rockers pushing 60. This is about them.

[@garrettgearhart6123]

This song really resonates with me as where I’m at now in my life, one of my favorite songs.... Hero’s journey..... good call man 👍🏻

[@garrettgearhart6123]

Descending is mainly for us in America IMO but maybe humanity as a whole.

[@mateuszstrybel8398]

if you don't know the Tool's history and it's influence to the music you will not understand this epic creation. Masterpiece

[@edostork8121]

Here are my 2 cents: it is like the album is referring to some type of test for humanity to face a mayor storm (7empest) and with all our might to try to overcome this challenge (descending) in unisone together (pneuma). For us to face this challenge without fear, and with an open new mindset (fear inoculum), embracing our warrior spirit also using our relevant experience no matter who we are young or old, to face up to this challenge (invincible). Following the tracks sequentially we get in order to face the 7empest storm/challenge: as a first step to get rid of our fears (fear inoculum), then to work together as humanity to confront the challenge (litanie contra la peur being the joint prayer or invocation to come together against fear), then kindling our warrior spirit no matter our age our experience thereby forming a warrior legion (legion inoculant) to confront and engage the challenge (descending) without being side tracked (culling voices) and finally to battle and engage our challenge full on (7empest) with mockingbeat as the final result of our battle. (I am finding it hard to fit in the chocolate chip trip in here).

[@psycho42069]

@@betazep "doing a line"

[@daniccrn]

Wow

[@SoonersR]

Stellar

[@ronbreault4547]

I have been listerning to Tool since 1990s i am 60 the music and lyric make me always want more. Glad seeing other young as you"s enjoying Tools music Great job !

[@craighuras1516]

Big thing with Ponce is he was in search of the fountain of youth. That adds a little something to some lyrics as well.

[@craighuras1516]

I see now someone else mentioned this.

[@initum1599]

Yes, it adds up a lot actually, I wish I researched him before this reaction. The history of Ponce's search of the fountain of youth seems to be a common knowledge for many of you, yet, unfortunately, this is not something I ever heard before. She

[@garrettgearhart6123]

@@initum1599 chasing ponce is squaring the alchemical circle

[@moon_pan_]

@@garrettgearhart6123 🤔🤔

[@EisensteinPrime]

This song reminds to grow and get better each day. Getting older doesn't mean you need to stop or give up on dreams you once had. I've returned to old dreams and it has reinvigorated my warrior's spirit. Good thing my name means warrior of the people, this song reminded me of that.

[@psycho42069]

First? Been waiting, here we go! Look who came out of his shell! Good to see the other half of the channel in the video!

[@TheLast-BoyScout.33]

Yes I totally agree, good to see you on the screen my brother... Cheers from Canada

[@josefelixdiaztorres1938]

"litanie contre le peur" is French for "litany against fear." taken from Frank Herbert's science fiction classic Dune.

[@josefelixdiaztorres1938]

the Litany Against Fear, which goes: I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Beautiful film. Love that the band incorporates it into the album.

[@BurgerFlips]

Awesome book

[@Soljarag5]

This song was amazing to see live... Twice

[@DCBabos]

I agree! I saw it live once @ The Shock Festival In Sacramento, California October 2019

[@cranboogie]

Same, 2 times.

[@Soljarag5]

I saw them Oct 2019 in Houston... Then early 2020 in Dallas.... I can't wait for them to go back on tour

[@cranboogie]

Justin’s bassline still gives me instant chills.

[@garrettmarshall1288]

I saw it. It was their grand finale and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I felt transported out of my body. Then they did an encore of stink fist. 🤣

[@clustersnake]

Dude! this is the first time I see you two! this feels more like a conversation... great work BTW

[@stevenrumney3182]

The sound coming from your channel is perfect. Thanks

[@initum1599]

Thanks, we appreciate it

[@bretthorton6377]

I think it's about aging. Ponce de León was searching for the fountain of youth. He was invincible, but now he is old, realizing his mortality. Weapon and belly in for appearance, so he doesn't look weak. He knows he's getting old.

[@sherlock595]

Many believe this song is Tool reflecting on their relevance in their later years after being relatively absent from the music world for thirteen years before returning with this album.

[@sidneymartin7346]

This is my take. ✔

[@joshs8685]

After Tool had a 13-year hiatus before Fear Inoculum... and most members were in their mid/late 50s upon album release... "struggling to remain relevant" and "feeling time bearing down"... I wonder if the interpretation of the song's meaning could be applied to the band itself.

[@joshs8685]

@Siegfried Sieger I think the struggle is with their own perfectionism from everything I've read about the band :)

[@thegoonbats]

Imagine having the pressure that they had to release music that compares to the greatness of what came before. I'm sure that those lyrics at least reference said pressure in some way.

[@joshs8685]

@As Above, So Below. Yeah I tend to agree

[@DMKali]

That’s what I got as well, totally agree! 👊🏼

[@thegoonbats]

One of the most beautiful parts of Tool is the subjective, multi-layered meanings throughout their discography.

[@jimmy45481]

Happy to be your 500th like. Both of you have great energy congrats

[@waltleinhauser7111]

Good to see both of you, really love the reviews.

[@waltleinhauser7111]

Pounce de Leon chased the fountain of youth, Caligula would grin about a life of decadence.

[@liquididentity101]

In my time, I have seen several warriors forced to put their heavy shields down... not all looked back with enough ferocity to cry aloud bold and proud. This saddens me. My deep respect to all our warriors who are no longer able to fight. Please don't go quietly. Tap into who you were.. and that warrior within that will never die... and shout out long and loud so that we can all hear you one more time.

[@windog551]

There are some bass solos in this song that are sick.

[@cirotonino3186]

Here comes "Descending" my personal favorite but I like them all and I can't wait for "culling Voices" just can't wait

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Descending. Good lord. The crown jewel on Fear. I weep everytime. So beautiful 😌😌

[@daClaytonBigsby]

Fk yes Culling Voices!

[@anthonypallen7919]

He exists !!! Greetings warm blooded human lol

[@fast_mattw8059]

I jumped put of my seat and said “oh my god its him!” and smiled from ear to ear hahaha it was the highlight!

[@medhead964]

This track is more than just growing old, it's about losing your purpose in life because of time... about a fighter, warrior, alpha type personality that is aging and unable to continue to perform as he/she once did: "Tales told of battles won Of things we've done Caligula would grin" - him/her remembering past accomplishments/battles, and alluding to Caligula who had a macabre need for depravity and torture though it also most likely means just seeing death and destruction... but then he/she comes to grips with the sad fact that his one purpose in life, as a warrior/fighter he can't do anymore no matter how hard he tries to turn back time (like Ponce de Leon), and that in reality there is no Fountain of Youth. In the end he realizes that he's been lying to himself and that aging has taken it's toll... "Tears in my eyes, chasing Ponce de Leon's phantom soul Filled with hope, I can taste mythical fountains False hope, perhaps But the truth never got in my way Before now, feel the sting, feeling time bearing down" - Any retired soldier who's seen combat, fighter, firefighter, cop, professional athlete, or many number of jobs that require mental and physical acuity and fitness or work in a dangerous profession will feel this way in the long run if they live long enough. This really is a powerful song!

[@fast_mattw8059]

4:44 we finally see him!!!!!!!! I expected way shorter hair and older looking myself. Not a bad thing at all!

[@jClayT6]

Best song on the album and has climbed to the ranks of one of my fav TOOL songs..it gets better with every listen. Literally each listen blows your mind more and more...make sure you go back to this song. The Patient, 46& 2, eulogy, the grudge, etc etc etc, but this one hands down from F.I. which is another perfect album by the greatest band of all time. Invincible truly gets better every listen..you hear nuances you missed the previous listen

[@jClayT6]

Ppl have yet to realize how special this song truly is...arguably their best from top to bottom. It's absolute perfection

[@Trepanation21]

Which people? Because Tool fans are certainly paying attention to it.

[@baxterbozeman9072]

Probably already been said by now, but Ponce de Leon spent alot of time searching for "The Fountain of Youth" which explains the line "I can taste mythical fountains..." This is my first time listening to this song *with lyrics* and I now absolutely LOVE this track. I cried, ngl. Too good.

[@BrianKotek]

I think they missed the point on this one. The reference to Caligula is about hedonism, not inflicting pain. And they looked up Ponce de Leon, but stopped reading before getting to the most important part: the fountain of youth. The song isn't about guilt or doing bad things in the past. It's about growing old and feeling the the ever-growing truth of mortality. "The truth (of our finite lives) never got in my way before now. Feel the sting. Feeling time bearing down."

[@Mboogie69]

My favorite track on the album. Just means more to me as I’m around the same age as the band and that struggle to feel relevant as we get older is beautifully presented in this song.

[@aaroncole3941]

YES! Made it to one of my favorites!!!

[@aaroncole3941]

As beautiful as you are, I knew your man would be a handsome dude! He dared to show his face finally. Lol

[@joemac6280]

Ponce De leon also is linked to the fountain of youth, which is why he is referenced in the song.

[@SwordfighterHayate]

For me this song is the fear of dying, the song starts peaceful, he's reminiscing of the good times but then age gets to him but he's still chasing that feeling of being invincible even though his body is giving up (heavy shield down). The false ending signals death but I have heard that at the moment of death the body releases all these chemicals to try and keep you alive so the song picks up again more frantic than before.

[@bartowwideout8]

Just came back to this channel but you helped me through the pandemic thank you so much

[@MostlyCloudy]

I think the reference to Caligula has more to do with the hedonistic ways he lived and the hedonistic ways the members lived at one point.

[@destroyermaker]

A little hedonism is good for the soul

[@MostlyCloudy]

@@destroyermaker absolutely.

[@StfuFFS]

@@destroyermaker aka the "Bikini Bandits Go To Hell" years...

[@destroyermaker]

@@StfuFFS Never got around to watching that. Holy shit this is legendary

[@samneedsanap7802]

I was watching your cover a pneuma when this came up. It's my favorite on the entire album. So many ways to relate to the lyrics & the music is like a race

[@glynnmason1050]

I think he is saying how we are really not invincible. We just think we are sometimes.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

Initum each track just gets better and better. ✌

[@tyranid05]

I love every track on every tool album, but this one tugs at my heart. I feel it in my tired bones and my heavy shield

[@n0tk0sher]

Great reaction. Can't wait for Descending and 7empest.

[@gurumatthew2017]

Tool approaches their music the same way an author approaches a story. They set a tone and make a promise to the audience, lead you through with maintaining both tone and progress towards the promise, hit you with a twist where you seemingly hit an obstacle, approach the climax by fulfilling the promise by either giving the audience what was expected or even expanded and finally then closing with connecting it back to the beginning. True Artist

[@al4385]

I just imagine an old warrior dragging his heavy shield through the mud across the battlefield with bodies lying around remembering his younger days.

[@efjefe]

Okay. This album i was like yup tool. I love tool. But me and my friend camped and at mushrroms in the desert and wow. It made me more spiritual and happy even after my wife having a breakdown and loosing it all. I discovered how Tool is a religious place. Its heaven and dmt and jordan peterson all in one. Where i am. But here i am. Art. Spirit. Sacred and Tool

[@mrmeach1967]

5:32 Loved her reaction here. Yes, Maynard can really sing. I didn’t know the full extent of his capability and was pleasantly surprised by this as well. His phrasing is perfect. Kudos to production for this bit of genius.

[@chrislegner4816]

Good stuff. The middle instrumental section seems to be evoking whatever battle it is that life is throwing at us.

[@redhotchilifan98]

Some of Maynard's best vocals in my opinion his voice sounds so good on thr chorus

[@Borodovich21]

I like their thoughts, and it's extremely interesting whether the understanding about 7empest is the beginning will come in the end

[@DCBabos]

I'm pretty sure this song is about aging... one of my favorite parts of this song is. "Beating tired bones Tripping through remember when Once invincible Now the armor's wearing thin Heavy shield down" getting older. And also, "Feel the sting... Feeling time bearing down".

[@Vince-pm2ui]

More precisely it's about staying revelant while ageing, hence creating a great album after 13 years and while all band members are nearly fifty or even way ahead of it (Dany is nearly sixty for ffs :) )

[@CO6883-o3c]

After Tool, consider the song 'Anesthetize' by the band Porcupine Tree. A song that delves into child and teen psychology. 🤘

[@cjnniko]

Yes pls

[@Retexid]

Wait till you hear 7empest

[@chrono050]

My favorite song on the album Descending sometimes comes in #1

[@erichowell8089]

Excellent song. One of my favorites!

[@jackospade0418]

I'm going to be bummed when this journey's over.

[@TheLast-BoyScout.33]

I believe when this journey ends, the true journey begins... Godspeed and safe travels

[@Demoncleanerrr]

@@TheLast-BoyScout.33 both your comments are awesome. Just kinda bringing forward my own mortality, I'm joining the Military soon and this song hits home directly and I've got a whole bunch of unprocessed feelings about the huge lifestyle change. When this journey ends another one begins... Wicked!

[@nunomuacho446]

@@TheLast-BoyScout.33 Puscifer - Grand Canyon to compliment that reply :)

[@cp5419]

Really enjoying your reactions and discussions on this phenomenal band. Thank you

[@thexen3120]

As a veteran and with the current situation with Russia's Invasion of Ukraine I have a new take of this song. I can tell you this explains the conflict of wanting to go right again even though I am well past my prime. But I want to go as the younger stronger man I used to be. Things happen in war and at times we lose control and allow the hatred to take over, "the things we've would make Caligula grin ". We are hardened and calloused professional warriors desperate to help. The frustration and desperation of not being able to take up arms is drenching this song perfectly. To go further for Ukrainian veterans having to weapons out and belly in with no other choice feel the metal in their hands again, rusty at first and then it all comes back when the music finally syncopates with the actions of fighting. It's surreal how perfect this song relays the terrible truth within us to seek anything to be young again and be effective and consequential.

[@fatjonseatingadventures5429]

I think this is about us getting older, but also the band with time. Making music when you're older and trying to stay relevant.

[@nickmagrick7702]

nice, now you guys are giving me analysis I haven't thought of yet

[@PongGod]

Descending is up next. I have a feeling you are really going to LOVE that one! IMO, it has the best vocals on the album and also some amazing guitar work from Adam.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Gold. Pure gold 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@rubaidaallen2764]

One of my faves on Fear. Beautiful song. Its about getting older, looking back and being content with where you are in life now even though you're still longing for your youth. Wait till you hear it live 😌😌😌

[@joshuacanipe7688]

You guys got it wrong, this is all about an aging warrior now battling time and the decline of his physical abilities. Re-read in that context. "Weapon out and belly in"...he is now getting fat but still trying to be a badass. Armor wearing thin, heavy shield down...not as strong as he used to be. Ponce de Leon was searching for fountain of youth. This song is a lament on aging.

[@initum1599]

Yes, it brings a whole new context that I didn't grasp after first listen. Thank you for this (She)

[@sidlee3118]

Yes, this song is about an aging warrior... and by extension, it is about Tool themselves. Can they achieve immortality through their music? Can they stay relevant, or will they fade into obscurity like so many other artists? Perhaps Tool are trying to inoculate themselves against this fear through this album, which may possibly be their last.

[@kylestafford712]

I think this song just contemplates your mortality.

[@daClaytonBigsby]

To me this song is about getting older and dealing with your past in your own Mind. I think it was a Great break down

[@dannydean2077]

Beauty. There is no double sided fence with Tool. You either love them.., or you're wrong.

[@KodeLiMe]

Not only my favorite from Fear Inoculum, but my desert island Tool song 🛡

[@ryanm776]

@ 13:52 one of the greatest sounds I've ever heard!

[@Dahench]

16:09 Yes. It bears down.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

You can take the WARRIOR out of the WAR but you can't take the WAR out of the WARRIOR. ✌

[@Trepanation21]

Hopefully you can, because it's fucking horrible when the warrior's war shows up everywhere else but the battlefield.

[@MrTelorix]

Rior. Just did it

[@Dr.Faceman]

I believe this song is Maynard dealing with his impending death. It is about realizing that time is not static and that regardless of your ignorance of it, it will eventually catch up to you. When he was young he feared nothing and felt invincible, but as the years have progressed he has realized that it is getting harder to turn a blind eye to his mortality. Long in tooth and soul refers to being old and tired. The false hope and the line about truth is in reference to hoping that he could live on in perpetuity, whether in physical or spiritual manner. He knows that it is impossible, but the truth has never gotten in his way. It is a sad and scary thing to realize your mortality. Some people realize it at an early age, but even then it is a lifelong struggle to come to terms with it. If you ever actually do, that is. Litany against the fear being just before this song is very fitting. No matter what you have done or achieved, death comes for everyone. The point is not to regret what you have or haven't done. It's to remember the good times and celebrate the fact that you are still alive.

[@abangbangpow]

My God, that's beautiful! The light you have is surprising. And your right that is the coolest house around. How did you get permitting to build that?

[@50NewEyes]

Letting go of the ego is letting go of fear...

[@whitejosh444]

Cannot wait for you guys to do descending...:)

[@Ramoono]

I just wanted to clarify something, you mention "Fear Inoculum" is inject the fear, but that's not really the meaning. "Inoculum" refers to a vaccine, not in terms of the injection itself, but in terms of it being used to prevent an illness, in this case, "Fear". It's a vaccine to prevent fear. On the other side, Littany Against Fear is the same objective but like a form of mantra, or prayer instead of a vaccine. This whole concept comes from the book *Dune* by Frank Herbert, some of the main characters in the book had a kind of training they used to prevent fear (literally called Littany Against Fear), because for them fear was something that make them not able to perform an action, or decision.

[@fudhater8592]

"Chasing Ponce de Leon's phantoms/So filled with hope..."

[@tood6459]

Is it "phantoms" or "fountain", as in the fountain of youth? I always assumed he was saying fountain.

[@nucl3arboNg]

@@tood6459 It's phantoms

[@fudhater8592]

@@tood6459 The lyric book that comes with the CD says "phantoms"

[@DavidTangman]

If you aren't already there yet, wait until you get to your mid to late 50's. This song will make so much sense to you then.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

To quote Robert Barattheon (GOT) "GODS, I WAS STRONG BACK THEN!"

[@barrybarry8564]

Cool reaction. Something that most people don't realize is that those sounds youre hearing at around 12:25 in this video aren't prerecorded, it's actually Danny using this big xylophone looking drumppad thing. You can see it in the video below. Sometimes he doesnt have that live and instead plays the sounds using a more normal synth keyboard too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV6XZ6t3gsahZpI

[@anthonypallen7919]

Always a good day when you post a reaction

[@jakeo1209]

This is just sad. The lyrics are so clear. Everything is laid out. Spelled out. An old warrior is going into battle, struggling to remain relevant and consequential. He is old. His armor is wearing out. But he still wants to show that he means something. And what did these two hear in these lyrics? Caligula would grin. Yeah, let's concentrate on that. All the terrible things he did. People he killed. He is a serial killer.

[@xavierhenriques1116]

You’re both so good Thank you 🙏

[@qostka]

Invincible could be considered also as a statement of the old warrior who really doubts if he can still fight and faces battles he has had before.. Some say that is manifesto of Tool who are about to give the legend up and release Fear Inaculum as their last battle/album.

[@IceKoldKilla]

Litanie contre la peur is also a palindrome. It's the same played backwards. Reverse the entire track and listen. 😁

[@psycho416s]

The old man doesn't see himself as dangerous any longer. (The Truth) No longer consequential. Time is bearing down. (Death) Ponce searched for the fountain of youth most his life. (False hope perhaps)

[@bozydarwolnowski3413]

Don't know why but in this video, song sounds better than from any other sources i played it. Sorry for my English. Cheers

[@initum1599]

We don't do anything fancy, just a high quality song file, on separate track, not changed in any way, the microphones record to separate tracks and manually muted them if nothing is spoke during playback. So it should be, in theory, as good as just an official music video on KZbin

[@garygregg7694]

His voice is magical!!!!

[@juggy-ik7qy]

This song is about getting old and realizing you don't have the invincibility of your youth.

[@tonykepple5389]

Do the two of you plan on reacting to any of TooLs music videos?

[@tbierer04]

Instead of individual struggle possible that its about the band as a whole going thru the struggles and keeping together as a band and fans anticipating an album and that they are staying relevant compared to their early days

[@israelolguin1156]

Over thinking and over analyzing... I sure this song reflects a fear of time and aging. Maynard was in the Army and Im sure hes using his experience in this song and for all soldiers fighting in the middle east. When we are young we are fearless and do things without realizing how easily we could die. In the beginning he says tooth and soul longing for another win. So its a soldier at war lurching into the fray with his weapon out (his rifle) belly in like he is ready to shoot. Young and fearless. The tales told and things they have done in war would make Caligula grin because hes done far worst. Bellow and cry aloud. Bold and proud. Hes done his duty honorably but now he he is struggling to make sense of what hes done and who hes become and to fit in to society. Did you hear the rockets and machine gun fire in the song? If not please review and listen for it. As we get older our amor wears thin and we now fear getting old as tome bears down counting down to our end. Its scary to all of us because we are not young any more we now chase a fountain of youth. We start reflecting amd realizing time is against us now. We reach a point where we start counting down how many years we actually have left. So many insights to this song but I believe its just this simple in interpreting the lyrics. Cant wait to see your drum cam reaction to Pneuma Live. Great song Great Album. Thank you.

[@50NewEyes]

Definitely my new favourite Tool song......

[@EiriUesugiKun]

Again, I think this is rather straight forward. Warrior struggling to remain relevant. And the things they did (during wars) would make Galicula grin. To me this is basically and old man looking back to his life and trying to find his place in the world that has moved past him.

[@baxterbozeman9072]

And so he emerges!

[@scottst1112]

I think this whole Album is about the harm society is doing to oneself, the American empire and the global and domestic impact, the state of humanity, and taking a step back from the direction human beings find comforting. I feel this song is about this false sense of pride and security in our Imperial conquest. It has caused destruction throughout the world and the soul is starting to become aware of the ending of the height of its prosperity, but the mind will not. Setting ourselves up for failure in our own naive and proud beliefs, with the coming reaction of a sudden humbling of an egocentric society that has believed they're invincible. Maynard's trying to warn us we are not as secure as what many people believe we are. We're seeing the splitting of the military industrial complex into private militaries contractors employed by the elite. The shield was the values and morals, we Americans, once claimed we stood for and now that shield has become weakened by our pride, ego, conformity, naivety, and comfort and now our protection remains in the hands of a few agenda driven individuals. We the people may become even more vulnerable and are subject to a takeover by the global elitist without a military to defend us at home at this scenario. Maynard later goes into "calling all to arms and order" and "one drive to stay alive," maybe speaking of a coming and indefensible genocide, if people do not wake up and prepare themselves. (intro to another forthcoming song) Don't want to give away lyrics to a certain song. My fellow Americans may laugh at this or say it is a conspiracy, but we are struggling in many aspects of health, economy, and ego. This song is sort of implying we're too comfortable and confident in what we believe we are to this world. Both collectively and individually. We've been sold fear and our warriors are coming home crippled from these latest wars. We haven't been the best stewards of resources we imported and we haven't contributed much of any goods to other nations, besides food, drugs, and weapons. Our two biggest industries are military and pharmaceuticals. Both are necessary when used properly, but this hasn't been the case and the opioid epidemic and constant wars are the evidence. The more we go into debt, the less of our own food and medicine we will be able to receive at home, which raises the costs. Vanity and ego have taken their toll on this nation and its time for us to be "true to its nature."

[@scotts4825]

My take on the meaning of the lyrics to me is : (Historically Aware) Memory of the past, the warrior inside emboldening the fearless stance and heart of humanity, (Presently Aware) but now humanity is domesticated, weakened, the memory of who and what they stood for and the strength is loosing its essence. Standing still with crowds of people moving all around me, (Self Aware) I remain with my integrity and strength intact. I haven't forgotten who I am. I hold true to my beliefs and identity. Ignored the truth, I feel my flame is slowly growing dim and counting down the days. I can see clearly now looking backwards. I continue to move forward relentlessly until the last day.

[@nickmagrick7702]

39:42 im glad you brought this point us, because this is where I feel the song is relevant right now with everything going on. Lots of people feeling trapped into their own political sides, afraid to admit when they are wrong or betraying someone they trust by interacting with the enemy.