The Stinkfist Reaction That Almost Wasn't

[@MusicCatsandCoffee]

Thanks for those of you who watch the whole video before telling me things. Gold star for you. :)

[@johncarpenter3751]

I always answer the question when you ask it 😉

[@jeffhelton3364]

General checking in. Love the review, love watching you squirm. Love watching the eyebrows raise up in uncertainty. Also, I remember the first time I ever heard this song and I remember the first time I ever listened to it as well. Now I just drive around blasting it down Pacific Coast Highway.

[@marcavianx5642]

This song already packs a punch on surface level. When you grasp the lyrics,it becomes quite an...eye-opener ( or a kickass experience). As long as it doesn't make you shit the bed ( that's for another Tool song) 😃

[@markspooner4883]

Love you and your welcome. I dont know why anyone would skip you. Your my favorite part!!

[@markspooner4883]

Army here. I love the song but often pair this song with Sober. Alot of people like those songs cause they were big hits but imo it was cause they were more simple and easier to like upon 1st listen. I would of picked almost any of the songs off this album over this one. Still Tool has 0 bad songs!!!! ☺

[@jaysonkelly4830]

You had EXACTLY the reaction Maynard wanted you to have: shock and revulsion at the surface meaning, understanding and enlightenment at the under layers. Perfect reaction.

[@a-testforthefuture1817]

Yep confirmed Spiral out 🌀

[@VoltWrangler]

Stinkfist is to society as Sober is to individuals

[@mikepeace2112]

Having watched a bunch of Tool reactions, I absolutely admire your honesty here. Not only with regards to your opinion of the song, but also when you're uncertain. Discovery is exploring the unknown, and your openness about those moments in the void are refreshing.

[@Qliphirot]

And no, Tool does not provide lyrics for their records, the only exception was their last album Fear Inoculum which was the first time they put lyrics in the booklet.

[@crazydrummer181]

Wait, haven’t the lyrics always been on the website?

[@Qliphirot]

@@crazydrummer181 They put lyrics on their website but they don't match quite well. According to Blair the lyrics were provided by Maynard because he (MJK) supossedly always got sick from fans asking him about it. The only real official lyrics are those that comes within the F.I. album.

[@crazydrummer181]

@@Qliphirot one thing I learned as a Tool fan. Don’t believe a word from Blair.

[@gustavibrowzinbehrd3871]

I like hearing a vocal range that Maynard can no longer reproduce.

[@cloudbloom]

Man I love this song so much, especially the part at 10:02 where you have that driving bass line and crazy guitar sound. Such a phenomenal band and Danney Carey is one of the greatest drummers who ever lived his skill is otherworldly

[@jcbaber7521]

So glad you didn't delete this video....it was sooo good. The editing for this was freaking perfect. I'm not lying, I loved this reaction vid.

[@israelolguin1156]

He's singing through a police megaphone.

[@michaelcolthart4006]

That’s on Eulogy, not this song.

[@andrewj3398]

Great reaction as usual. Again I Highly recommend “Pushit” studio version and then the masterful live newer version of the song. That song is a tragic masterpiece.

[@SDGBiscuitJWilcox]

The song deals with how technology tends to desensitize people and keeps them from really feeling. It purveys that only way to really feel true emotions is by experiencing things with other people; really connecting and stripping them of all their outer layers and really penetrating the person underneath that, hence the fisting metaphor. Side note: You should pick up Maynard's biography "A Perfect Union of Contrary Things" It will give you some really good insight into his lyrics and where they come from. :)

[@michaeltiideberg2670]

This is it exactly. Yes the analogy is apt.

[@Blindkenshi6969]

Lol. Exactly. Adorable reaction. Totally understood that silent pause.

[@davidchristopher9704]

Another Great Review! Thank You for being sincere, Your honesty is appreciated!!! Greatest part about tool is how deep and layered the meaning of their songs are and plenty of rabbit holes to fall through. And all their songs get better the more you listen to them. And you can't just listen once. I think they leave a lot of room open for the listeners interpretation. Another great review! Your sincerity is very appreciated... Oh and "Descending" is Epic!

[@mr.monroe4076]

Yes so the song is a giant metaphor as you thought it's not actually about what the name would suggest but using strong visuals to make a point. All about overstimulation and everyone wanting instant gratification and the more that happens the more numb you get to the result leading you to want to up the stakes in order to feel that feeling again and again. It's funny the last tour the band wouldnt allow anyone to be on their phones or record anything for the entire show except for the last song and it was this song they played every time. Oh the irony.

[@thegrenademan1]

That's actually amazing, this is why I love tool, the layers, the deeper meanings, and just the people themselves in the band and in the community.

[@danielrivera1005]

That's why we consider Maynard to be such a great writer/lyricist , he could write something and make your mind go in the most obvious direct but once you actually listen to what he is saying you realize the deeper meanings. * just fyi he does a few songs where he is more direct and to the point in tool and apc but he does it a lot in Puscifer.

[@rleandro315]

I really like your reactions and nice personality. Thanks for sharing your take on Tool's music.

[@GoldTop57]

Maynard enjoys his twisted humor, knowing those that don’t look deeply will only pay attention to the metaphors and take it literally. You clearly understood it’s not literal.

[@Soundtracks92]

12:22 those high notes that Maynard hits at “If I really don’t feel a thing at all” are heavenly 😍

[@andrewverrett568]

Its about our over use of media and being plugged in. Addicted to tragedy that we aren't going through. Same meaning that vicarious has except vicarious just is straight forward about it.

[@joshuanelson3874]

Most Tool songs have a deeper meaning. Vicarious is a newer version the same ideas from this song.

[@MrBonsav]

You’re my favourite Tool Reactor Awesome…

[@MrBonsav]

Mine too!!! My favourite reactor

[@richardjones1498]

“Relax, turn around and take my hand” is probably one of the most layered lyrics of this era. Also for Angry Maynard you need to do “Ticks and Leeches”. Probably the angriest. But yeah, it’s a song about our need for excess and inability to find contentment that’s told through the metaphor of anal fisting. Because, why not?

[@sean_b_drummer]

Glad you didn't delete it! And that you gave it the benefit of the doubt. 👍🏽😎

[@1898scurley]

Hello! I really enjoy and appreciate your Tool reactions.

[@07blacksummer16]

Thank you for not deleting, I enjoyed your reaction to this one. 😄 Looking forward to more. 👍

[@Soljarag5]

Ha yeah, that line is a big wtf moment

[@MrsS3lfDestruct]

I don't know who you are, and I don't know how I even found you, but I am enjoying watching your reactions to each Tool song for the first time. I'm going to keep watching

[@ExploreNC]

Pretty sure he's using a megaphone !

[@homeforbreakfast]

Always watch to the end on your reactions! So you’re the best!

[@Soljarag5]

Hahaha, you gotta dig deeper! He's using it as a metaphor..... They have been ending their recent concerts with this song..... It rocks so hard

[@Soljarag5]

Nice! you dug deeper at the end of the video 😝

[@jasonstuart9382]

I like that your honest!

[@voidwraithprime8521]

"Descending" is my current favorite Tool song, but I voted for "Stinkfist" on that poll because it's also great and I feel people should experience Tool in the order they released their material when possible.

[@robertjones4361]

Descending......Tool at its absolute finest.....

[@davidchristopher9704]

Love all thier music and since the first listen to descending it is extremely EPIC and is currently my favorite. Been a fan for 30 years. I also voted for stinkfist tho. I think this shows how tool is layered and not everyone is ready for the rabbit holes until they realize what is happening when listening to TOOL.

[@PongGod]

Yeah, Descending is on another level. Truly epic.

[@23Nemesis]

The pause at the 4 min. mark was absolutely hilarious. Somethings are best left unsaid 😄

[@luvL3e]

Lol, I love yr honesty and love this song. Always be you.

[@Andrew46_2]

Lol this is exactly the reaction I expected. Watch out for their song prison sex.

[@walterbell193]

I loved your reaction. I would imagine it was the same as most of us had when first hearing this song. It takes a few listens (and finding the lyrics online) before you really understand what he is actually trying to say. I think the extreme metaphor was used to great effect, it grabs your attention and gets the cogs in your mind whirring.

[@blitzhos]

Entertaining reaction. :-) Good self awareness and bravery on your part. Well done.

[@brians2869]

Saw tool last in Hampton, va.. No filming, no phones policy... They did "stinkfist" as an encore, and invited everyone to film....

[@23Nemesis]

Stinkfist is not one of the best song to react to but it'll do. I love the element of humor in this one. Definitely looking forward to the reaction to Jambi ⚡

[@hvitekristesdod]

I can definitely read between the lines of “take my hand” LOL

[@jamier4792]

One of my favorite Tool songs, made for a great reaction video.... good job to you 👏👏

[@stevenmiller9419]

I liked your reaction. My interpretation of this song has always been about substance abuse. The borderline into addiction. Using substances so much that you need more and more to get the same effect. When this song came out there were a lot of songs about drug addiction. Naming it Stinkfist goaded me into looking deeper into the lyrics and and creating my own ideas.

[@EiriUesugiKun]

11:45 - No there were no lyrics on the sheets. And back then there was no google to get the lyrics either. So you had to listen, REALLY listen what he was singing and write it down yourself. Which explains why there are still so many wrong lyrics floating about. :)

[@chrismueller1328]

I love to watch how you Jody through these songs

[@ericgoodwinart]

I think your reaction was perfect and entertaining haha! Since Tool albums didn’t come with lyrics until the Fear Inoculum album, I heard this song a hundred times before even thinking why it was called that and before reading the lyrics, so I always just liked it musically. Knowing Maynard’s weird and often dark humor, I think this metaphor is perfectly just as shocking and off-putting as the actual act of fisting for the very reason that some people DO engage in acts like that. I’m sure that at its core, that act WOULD be about being desensitized to everything, and that feeling could explain a lot of addictive and harmful behaviors that really are just seeking connection and love, just in ways that probably create more and more of a void than fill it.

[@yakamen]

Basically you're hearing the difference between "young man" Maynard vs. "middle age" Maynard. Let's all hope we're so lucky as to learn what "old man" Maynard will sound like.

[@masochist9233]

Oh, I recommend 'Bottom' for some angry Maynard; my current favorite tool song as of right now.

[@trecool3458]

In the song intolerance he's very angry too.

[@dpaquette69]

A couple of angry Maynard songs would be “Ticks and Leeches” or “Aenema”. Tool army🤘🏻

[@chriskastner1938]

She has already done Ænema.

[@dmb8624]

Tool lyrics should always be assumed to be rife with triple+ entendres

[@ohiotoolfan2755]

Loving your Tool journey so far...I'm guessing this song won your poll because of the lyrical content alone, musically its one of their most straight forward songs. I would suggest staying away from the new album until you've done more of their old stuff to see their progression. I would also suggest Hooker with a penis if you want to hear a different side of Maynard, both angry and funny, and lastly save lost keys/rosetta stoned for as long as you can. my personal favorite. enjoy

[@Sauerkrautbooger]

maynard's voice being so back in the mix has a reason, it i about him considering himself another instrument in the band and not a frontman who is above everyone else in the band, so he said he is not a singer but another instrument, a part of the whole, nice huh? long live TOOL!!!

[@theawakener4360]

It's not literally about that.....unless its someone that reads just on the surface of things.Maynard like the word play with the lyrics alot lol

[@hvitekristesdod]

It didn’t have the lyrics in the booklet, they never do. I think they have official versions on their website though. The Aenima booklet is awesome though with some 3d image effects you can see through the ridged jewel case

[@pwph8361]

Songs that I don't like at first always end up being my favorites, much like people really :)

[@heavenearth3703]

When he performs this song live he’s singing through a megaphone in certain parts. I’m sure that’s how they did it in the studio when they recorded it.

[@danielrivera1005]

Oh yeah , thanks for the Tool fix!

[@jodythomas2724]

Maynard is complicated but so interesting. Hes not meaning what u think. He loves to make people think

[@jeremy0099]

Theres 3 part video of Maynard showing his winery in Az

[@claywangerin9423]

This song is exactly what you think it's about and nothing like what you think it's about all at the same, that's what great about Tool, everything is a double meaning, and Maynard never discloses his lyrics, everything you read is from fan interpretation

[@fataaron285]

omg! im 34 seconds in and already lmao. this is great!

[@exerciseforidiots2296]

You’re becoming one of us👊🏿

[@coolhand62]

You really haven't been paying attention. #metaphors #metaphors #metaphors Tool is a band to help, to assist, to find a path. There is always a deeper meaning, except Vicarious. ;) Maynard is an expert with the English language and uses it to it's full advantage. Let's get out of the shallow end of the pool, shall we? Also, the official video for this song is just awesome. You need to check that out. Also listen once to the song without concentrating on the lyrics and what a great song it is. Literal is the last thing Maynard does. Then again, getting thrown is probably what at least 90% of the people who listened to this song did, but listening over and over is when the real message rings through. Journey on!!

[@shep4life]

Love this song. So much more than the surface. Tool has ask many layers. Genius lyricist

[@da9pauly]

Maynard really has such a funny/crazy sense of humor…

[@insaned4666]

If you want happy-sounding, yet dystopian Maynard, do APC’s “So Long And Thanks For All The Fish”

[@jaypeterson2311]

Finger deep, elbow deep, shoulder deep. It's about we need more

[@neurochris]

“You have to be ready” XD

[@CraneArmy]

the insinuation is definitely there but "shoulder deep" ? I'm not willing to take that literally.

[@AL13NM]

An amazing track from their best record!

[@brismithejedi]

I voted for the song because I love the sound of it. Was I interested in your reaction to the lyrics? Yes, I hoped that you would get it and, of course, you did towards the end. BTW, like most Tool singles, it has a really weird video and when played on MTV it was only called "Track #1". I guess the title, "Stinkfist" was too much for a classy channel like MTV, which helped to bring the elegant genre of television known as "reality TV" to popularity. I guess the "M" in MTV meant "morality". I mean, it makes more sense that "MusicTV" nowadays.

[@jonkwape3097]

Lauren, I got All Them Witches in the recommendation for this video. I know that's on me though, but it the stars align, might that band be in your 'to do' list?

[@tidewell]

Stinkfist was the 1st single released off the Aenima (1996) album. Tool lyrics were never included in any of their releases until their most recent, Fear Inoculum (2019)

[@tidewell]

I think you will really enjoy "The Patient" - arguably the most underrated song off the Lateralus album

[@munkeeBraynStoo]

For angry Maynard, listen to Jerk-off (live) from the Opiate album. You haven't heard Tool until you hear Sweat, the 1st song on their 1st album. It has a hint of everything they've become, packed into one short but really sweet song

[@denislaferriere2693]

It is not what you think it is....its metaphorical......100% positive....

[@alexhartman6144]

If you're looking for angry Maynard, Jerk Off is a classic on the angstier side of Tool :)

[@theawakener4360]

Tool usually don't have the lyrics with their CD or albums.You would have to do the work and research it.....but with the latest album "Fear Inoculum" they had lyrics with the album

[@TRIUMVIRATEMEDIA]

I think we all take it at face value at first, that's the beauty of his lyrics. My favorite line is "what became of subtly" Given the ridiculous unsubtle fisting used as metaphor.

[@chrisclinard1249]

If you want angry Maynard, you need to listen to Ticks and Leeches. It's a song to their record label.

[@EiriUesugiKun]

Last two weeks I have mainly been listening the Undertow album at work in the mornings. Bottom usually gets couple of listens.

[@jasonwerner4335]

Your favorite Tool song is whichever one you are currently listening to

[@brians2869]

Omg, you didn't... The fact there's a tool song for this...

[@scottmayo7545]

I always thought that when viewing a porn that contains fisting, "Man, I could never satisfy that person if she can take half an arm inside". So the point I got was it's a metaphor for anything in excess numbs you to where you need more just to enjoy or feel it. Alcohol is a good example or staring at cell phones. I told my kids how can you be bored when you have a room full of toys and games. Overstimulation doesn't solve it. Other comments were better but that was my take prior to this video

[@charleysage5827]

I just watched you reaction to Jambi. I know it's almost impossible to pick a favorite Tool song but if I had to pick, it would be Stinkfist. My interpretation is yes, it sounds like something sexual but it's more about how we get used to bad things in life to the point that it has to get worse and worse to affect us. I think Vicarious is another one along this mindset.

[@austinhawkins5922]

If you want to really see Angry Maynard, you should check out Bottom, or literally anything else off of Undertow. The whole album is just pain and anger put to music

[@munkeeBraynStoo]

Right in Two is my favorite Tool song

[@notimportant3686]

yes.... aenima is indeed my favorite tool song

[@beelzebob23]

You can take this song literally OR you can find the metaphor.

[@kappstevens2876]

I recommend the song "Sober" for some great early, angry Maynard.

[@MaddSpazz2000]

The other two songs in the poll are amazing, don't count em out

[@Supergod8]

Hey Lauren pls check Despise by Slipknot. It's the demo song of purity by them.

[@onetrick.pony1]

No lyrics with the CD. They just barely give ya the song titles lol Forgot how cool that case is. Has a 3D effect on the front, a perfectly offensive picture inside (which is on the CD itself as well), and a nice tribute to Bill Hicks.

[@evoj9028]

You should have a listen to “wings for Marie pt1 & pt2 - Tool “ Long but worth it

[@DecapitatedPlaythings]

Angry Maynard?? Go to song would be "Ticks and Leeches"...

[@grntbggr126]

One thing I've noticed, and I mean this as a constructive criticism, is that a lot of attention gets paid to Maynard and his lyrics. However, my 30+ years of being a Tool fan has taught me that one cannot (or should not) listen to Tool as one would listen to most other bands. Maynard's vocals are set so far back in the mix, and one should treat him as another instrument rather than a prototypical frontman. Often, all four members will switch and interplay roles. For example, AEnima is not Maynard's best lyrical composition, but I don't think it's supposed to be; it's too overt in its messaging. But, it is one of Danny and Justin's best performances. Danny really takes the lead on that song, so it one is caught up on lyrics and what they mean, AEnima seems like an uncomplicated song, but rhythmically and musically, it's an unreal composition. Don't base your evaluation of the song based on the lyrics and the meaning. Listen with a more musical ear rather than a meaning-making, poetic interpretation. Tool is more of a sonic rather than textual experience. Hope that helps

[@toodrunktotastethischicken]

30+ years and you throw up the same regurgitated summary as a new fan fresh on his Tool journey? I bet you have a dope Beastie tee as well.

[@grntbggr126]

@@toodrunktotastethischicken Wow ... unnecessarily harsh, and obviously fishing for a fight. Good luck with that.

[@toodrunktotastethischicken]

Harsh? That's funny, I typed it while chuckling. No fight needed. Take care.

[@vainguymarz477]

hi laureen, you should one day react to TOOL LIVE PERFORMANCE.. the old videos will take time to absorb the way MJK presents himself, yet if you dig deeper, there is a meaning why he appeared that way.. but as time passes by he no longer appears as flashy around early 2000s.. his screams of their early performance are really amazing.. and as time passes, in my perspective, their song became more deeper and complex, specially the polyrythm aspect of the instruments.. for me, albums before aenema are vocally RAW and the instruments feels mildy complex..lateralus and recent are off the rails as a package from the vocals feeling like an instrument as well, some songs you might notice is the vocal have a different time signature as well.. thats it for now.. when the time comes you will react to PNEUMA try to react to the DRUM CAM LIVE PERFORMANCE, you wont be disappointed.. more power to your CHANNEL..

[@ingobordewick6480]

Classic Maynard lyrics, talkin' in metaphores. By the way, no TOOL-Album has the lyrics in it, that's always something they want you to figure out on your own.

[@Forty_six_and_two]

The lyrics are tongue and cheek

[@malhondize3898]

to me its about any kind of relationship whether it be friends or lovers or addiction. when you get to know something or someone new you dont dive in . thats why he says finger deep than knuckle deep and so on. getting more comfortable with someone or something and everutime you go further. to me anyway

[@meganbeshear8644]

This is one of my favorite Tool songs. The meanings in the lyrics are so layered. The words- on the surface- are very sexual in nature, and the idea of "fisting" is extremely off-putting to most people. But then you think...it's probably a metaphor for over stimulation in general, or the numbness to violence and horror we all develop by overexposure to it in the media...or maybe the tolerance an addict develops to their substance of choice over time. Then again...it could also be about a toxic/abusive romantic relationship where one partner basically has to hurt the other to "feel" anything. OR it could also allude to a consensual BDSM type sexual encounter. Maybe I'm kind of a freak, but I find this song to be extremely sexy. The part with Maynard whispering indistinctly and moaning...UGH! And the musical drop/climax is just... ecstatic. Ok I'll stop my weirdness now.

[@corey6393]

I cannot help but think you would be doing yourself a big favor to listen first, without the lyrics in front of you. You are missing so much, and are distracted. Upon a second listen you seem to have figured out a basic feel for the metaphor, but still missed much of the music. I bought this CD while traveling through upstate NY for a friend's wedding. Great memories of the 90's.

[@mikemorris2625]

Yes the lyrics are vulgar but essentially it’s about being overstimulated until you go numb and you can’t feel anything so you keep needing more and more

[@jamesstevens4795]

The purpose of a tool song is to make you think, so………