Therapist reacts to Stinkfist by Tool

Therapist analyzes the lyrics of Tool to discuss the difference between distractive pleasure and generative pleasure. To invite people to think about the way they try to shove pleasure to fill the hole of their wounding versus using pleasure to generate new life outside of their wounding.
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[@joshs8685]

Maynard is using a metaphor that will shock and provoke people to prove his larger point: that we're living in a society that increasingly requires us to become more and more stimulated in order to feel a reaction to anything.

[@friendly__drone9352]

“Nah uh it’s about fisting bro”

[@radthelad7771]

Fucking deep my dude

[@branthopolis]

Social media has been a huge catalyst in this...this trend will lead to our downfall as a society.

[@joshs8685]

@@radthelad7771 Maynard wrote it ... think of how deep that dude's mind runs!

[@HeartSupport]

YEP! - T

[@levis503]

This whole tool album is about pain and healing. It's an absolute masterpiece.

[@freethinker424]

“What’s happening here”. Welcome to Tool.

[@hadesmcfadden2982]

its called being cringey and edgey.

[@alvaro6522]

😂😂😂

[@flingonber]

I'm also a therapist, but Tool has been my favorite band for around 30 years...there's a lot to unpack in their lyrics.

[@BBaker916]

I’m not a therapist, but I’ve been on a mission to open my pineal gland (third eye) for years. Tool helped start my journey to connect with the universe.

[@danielmcfeely9151]

I’m a therapist too! Been jamming to Tool since the early 90s. They are so deep on so many levels!

[@marthablessedandsanctified]

I'm not a therapist but I went through a crap ton of things. And Tool along with Korn really helped me get thru suicidal things & a really long heroin addiction. And I completely understand that I couldn't feel anything while I was getting high. Bcuz I was abused & r*ped for 8 years. And physically beat for more than half of my life. And I'm 46 years old now. And I'm so grateful bcuz I've been clean n sober for 19 years now. And it's only bcuz of the Lord Jesus Christ Almighty that I can finally feel free & I can finally breathe!

[@rrsuda740]

​@marthablessedandsanctified Glad you were able to make it through those times. Not easy, and many fail. 46 - 19 means you were 27 when you began sobriety - that is amazing. Many push their drug use into their 30's, 40's, or until their dying day even.... whenever that may be. No one is the person they could be while under the weight of chemicals that are as powerful as the opiods or the amps, etc, that usually entail daily use.. it weakens some faster that others, and to different degrees..... but no one escapes the weakening effect, should they admit it or not. Glad you didn't join the so-called 27 club. Please consider reaching out to others going similar. You might save someone. Please do it if feasible. I lost the mother of my children on new years of 2024, this year... I won't go into details, but myself and our 4 children had not seen her since 2018.... I couldn't get through to her, maybe someone could have helped.... I don't know. Take care and Glad you made it.

[@Godlim17]

@@marthablessedandsanctifiedI love Korn also. They got me through very rough times.

[@jskipper13]

Pushit (live) - from the Salival album. Shut your eyes and go there, we’ll meet you on the other side…

[@lunaticmoon2941]

Yes !

[@MenstrualTea]

I will always love you

[@jkier333]

On my way to listen again!

[@shanegreenup5555]

It will end no other way....

[@shawnkinsey5659]

Wish they'd make an album version of how they did that performance.

[@krisgilkison4007]

Her facial expressions through this track are priceless! 😆😆😆😆

[@brainwrongbarf]

She looks like someone is waving smelling salts under her nose half the time.

[@PML78]

When she went from SCREECH FACE to STANKFACE when the beat dropped 😁🤘🏽😎

[@michaelk9284]

Everybody's gonna have a gimmick

[@crono3339]

I've been cracking up.

[@Ultra54able]

Her lips contorted so much she got lipstick on her chin.

[@myname5918]

This song is about society’s insatiable lust for increasing stimulation and desensitizing everything

[@ubiquinoxxrosiles2766]

Although it seems that a lot of people are overly sensitive.. like toward this video. I laugh inside 😅

[@gdgdgdgd5676]

@@ubiquinoxxrosiles2766yes I like to think the point of most tool music videos is a lot of shock factor

[@Illumignostic]

Nope, it’s about a toxic relationship, and crawling up each others ass.

[@DarenMiller-qj7bu]

It's also about fisting someone's ass. People forget Maynard is a huge troll.

[@NIKE-cf3xl]

~ It's about shooting up Heroin with a girl bro..... The fuck are you talking about? It couldn't be anymore clear

[@murderhobo4964]

Tool videos are not meant to a side by side to the story of the song necessarily. It’s kind of a stand alone art piece that goes with the song. But I think you absolutely nailed the lyrical meaning and your tool reactions are just fantastic to watch.

[@rpg_haven]

I wish more reactors would ignore the videos; they have nothing to do with the music. Tool just put them out to get played on MTV

[@user-vx5le4te2c]

Tool fans 😂

[@joshs8685]

PLEASE stop watching the videos - there is more than enough to digest musically on a first listen without the crazy visuals.

[@Chris.Davis.2]

I don't mind some videos being played, but, definitely not Tool videos.

[@HeartSupport]

thank you :) - T

[@Soul.Beauty.333]

As a therapist and TOOL fan, I was hesitant to listen to what you had to say but I love your analysis. This song changed my life when I was 15.

[@HeartSupport]

thank you friend :) Glad you liked it!

[@bradical7772]

For a TOOL newbie you really get it. There are many out there that will never truly understand this song. I’ve listened to this song more than 1000 times in 30 years and I could get a new life perspective every time. Sooooo many layers. Hands down the best reactions out there!

[@bradical7772]

You also nailed the Harkonen reference. Gluttony! Tool are huge Dune fans. Hence “Litanie contre la peur” . It would have been amazing for them to do the soundtrack.

[@HeartSupport]

@@bradical7772 omg I didn't know that they were Dune fans! I love that! And thank you for the support :) - T

[@jambulance]

@@HeartSupportone of my the singer Maynard’s other bands Puscifer has a song called The Rapture (Fear Is a Mind Killa Mix), the song doesn’t really reference Dune but the title sort of does, I only just saw Dune 1 & 2 recently and connected the dots

[@daniegirl1717]

For me to understand a song, it has to be vids enough to listen to. I'm 63 and have heard a lot. But i can't get into the music to then find out it's meaning. No diss, just my view

[@chrono050]

@@bradical7772 "Dune is Star Wars for Tool fans" can't stand Starwars LOVE DUNE!

[@jbird4478]

It makes you feel uncomfortable now, but you'll learn to love it.

[@charleysage5827]

Exactly

[@morgand1]

Given the lyrical content of the song my mind went straight to the gutter with your comment lol.

[@condemnedcarolina]

This may hurt a little but it's something you'll get used to

[@seminole17910]

@@condemnedcarolina 😂😂😂😂😂😂 in a good way

[@GrogMindwhip]

"It's like a new pair of underwear. At first it's constrictive, but after a while it becomes a part of you."

[@linkus7918]

Thanks for Stinkfist! Would love to see you react to The Grudge next!

[@edrueter9]

That build-up and payoff or drop, just after 5:58 may be the quintessential Tool moment. And that's amongst a million amazing moments. I just love that part.

[@rtmcmurphy6668]

Yes. One of my favorite music experiences.

[@favianvargas2047]

Absolutely. That part of the song blew my mind and I instantly fell in love with this song the first time I heard that build up and then that drop happened. It was an experience unrivaled.

[@donrodztx]

And you have finally described who and what this band is. A TOOL for healing. A therapeutic TOOL for mental understanding. A TOOL for ascension. From where you are in your life now. To where you can go after. Psychological and emotional.

[@blazinbuc99]

Dude, this comment really made me think. Thank you

[@bigmiffo]

🙏♥

[@heyskipj]

What became of subtlety is such an important lyric. Would love to see Pushit or The Patient unpacked on this channel.

[@seminole17910]

"Pushit" is TOOL's greatest song ever IMHO. It's my favorite song of all-time. This album is flawless perfection.

[@TheATOMICGOBLIN]

this song helped me quit smoking! Haven't had one since 2017

[@HeartSupport]

Hey friend! so proud of you! Glad you had music to help you through - T

[@alvaro6522]

Ohh!! Well done!!💪💪💪

[@snipera4526]

Please do Prison Sex by Tool sometime. I would love to hear your thoughts about it!

[@Emilie-one]

Yes!

[@FrankWhite1990]

man that's one song I wish I never knew the meaning behind... lol

[@Qliphirot]

Yes please

[@KillerCutie89]

Do IT!

[@BA-pz3lo]

no fam that song is too much 😳

[@animoley8012]

Love your interpretation and analysis, it feels very wholesome. You’re an absolute joy!

[@HeartSupport]

Thank you :) glad you're here! - T

[@Mantis74]

Holy shit. Been a while since I’ve watched any reactions to tool. Always amazing to see someone just get it. Loved this reaction, subscribed

[@bubbasboyngirl]

Absolutely fantastic reaction and analysis. I love how they make you experience and feel through the music, what the lyrics are saying. Pure lyrical and sonic alchemy!

[@BBaker916]

This was also a dis track, very cleverly written by a genius.

[@dhaktizero4406]

"i dont want it i just need it...stepping through the shadow...prying open my third eye" there is the song by itself, and as it is part of the total journey the album details.

[@RogerFlynt966]

"I'll Keep Digging, Until I Feel Something...." same brother Maynard, same

[@lawrencefine5020]

Should always do the studio version first. Tool videos are very distracting from the music.

[@SteelSean6]

It’s a metaphor to describe how desensitized we all have become

[@stimulationstation4054]

I’m speechless. This was a BRILLIANT & immensely insightful reaction/analysis. Going to share this far & wide. I can’t thank you enough.

[@crono3339]

Just want you to know I've been crying for like an hour listening to you react to Tool. Also laughing my ass off at the faces you make while watching the videos haha. I've been a fan of Tool for a quarter century and as a combat vet and an addict of many kinds it really helps me to listen deeper into these songs. As much as I loved them as a kid now I understand them and I r really appreciate you taking the time to analyze this art.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

New Tool fan! Yay. Welcome to the fam 🤘

[@bryanstoke3381]

I generally don’t subscribe to your type of channel. But I have to admit it’s really good and I’m glad I did 😊

[@donotenter4842]

Bottomline, I think it was a good thing that I never understood any of Tool music videos. That way I did not feel like the need to burst my head open. Just enjoyed the beautiful music so f$&king relaxing

[@sgtstank]

Honestly, you actually caught it again. The "need" to satiate our desires to the point that whatever we seek comfort in is no longer effective. We need MORE and MORE to numb the craving but it never actually addresses WHY we are looking for this change, the flipping of the bit from 1 to 0, in ourself to begin with. Maynard DOES like to obscure his message of enlightenment behind more blatant interpretations at times. The above is merely opinion, to be clear.

[@lithiumkc8]

The way you jam gets me every time! 🥰

[@da9pauly]

Brilliant song about how human nature is to seek out the more and more stimulation like a drug addiction

[@parkerwilliamson1205]

Even though there really is no right answer for a song interpretation your way of looking at things is really refreshing. I always thought music generates raw power or has the power to regenerate whats broken. Great job

[@neonomad6078]

She pretty much nailed it yet again! Really enjoy watching these.

[@RallyBud]

Shared. You are a breath of fresh air to anyone needing a little perspective or awareness. Much love!

[@HeartSupport]

Thanks for sharing! - T

[@nedrini1055]

Yes! My favorite tool song

[@joemiller6001]

You know it hits a deep dark place when a therapist gets uncomfortable talking about it.

[@vanilla_milkshake]

goddamn I love this take on the song. thanks again for letting me see an old song under a different light!

[@toolfankrk]

Love your Tool reactions.

[@marmarsmandalas]

Hey girl!! Love your channel! TOOL Army forever!❤

[@HeartSupport]

thank you! glad you're here :) - T

[@doodlewop]

Your facial expressions are the highlight of my day! Love your channel!! ❤

[@drobinson8158]

What a wonderful reaction... such an intelligent peace of mind.

[@XathexX]

Tool videos are not connected implicitly to the songs. This video seems to be made make someone uneasy... so GOOD job!

[@HeartSupport]

DEFINITELY made me uneasy LOL! thank you :) - T

[@wickman33]

finally! always more tool

[@williammann376]

The Hollow by A Perfect Circle (one of Maynard's other bands) goes nicely with this song. Underneath, they have a similar message. Also, Prison Sex by Tool please. I would recommend the extended live version. It has an extra verse that needs to be heard.

[@FractilOpacity]

Your insight into the lyrics and music score is special. I don't normally do this, but please listen to Judith by A Perfect Circle (another of Maynards bands) and Wings for Marie (part 1) and 10,000 days (Wings part 2) by Tool. All 3 songs are connected, but beautifully depict the stages of grief. As a heads up, you very well might cry during 10,000 days part 1 and 2.

[@user-hf5jk4io7o]

Agreed! Jimmy would also be good to add in.

[@josephberg1586]

I wish I could share the video of My Brother and I screaming WHOO !!! For the 1st drop. Saw them Live twice in 1 year, NOLA and Biloxi.

[@AHB2112]

I did as well.🤘⚡🎵

[@dustinanderson7768]

I've been listening to Tool for years and I thought I was entirely alone in this level of resonance with Maynard's lyrics. Now, I don't have a degree, but I'm thoroughly impressed with your ability to feel and understand the depth of Tool's music on the first listen. I just subscribed. You've opened up a whole new level of depth for me when I didn't realize it could get any deeper. Please, keep doing what you do.

[@brianthornton5836]

I commented too soon. I have been trying to numb and avoid. But I have been doing inner work for 15 years and still have fragments. I only discovered TOOL last year. DAMN. Thanks for your message

[@BajaSnoopy2024]

Nailed it. Nicely done & impressive.

[@inglcaraballo]

shes feeling weird but still rocking to it

[@brianthornton5836]

High recommend printing the lyrics so you can follow any of their songs. Their depth is so incredible.

[@jeffsauceda]

I'm grateful for the therapy session.. thank you, ma'am. Sitting here alone in the dark drinking bourbon and 2 40oz budw.. smoking a whole pack of cigs. Thank you❤

[@DanielFleischman-lj5rb]

Music is the language of the soul,it resonates with our inner being much like a specific tuning fork to a specific piano string whether positive or negative it also gives you a glimpse of your internal environment.

[@buildyourarmy]

Love your analysis here.

[@kasag37]

Your tool reactions just got you a sub...your awesome

[@XathexX]

That point of friction where you are out of your comfort zone is where you become open to the most powerful lessons.

[@theologyofthebody2870]

Thank you for this one. You put it in a healing way I never thought about. Whoever thinks this is about other people (society) and not our own relationship to ourselves, then they need more introspection. Personally, I use Tool reactions as a pleasure distraction. This is the only one that generated a vision forward.

[@Burke_Motorsports]

The pain is overpowering the numbness I feel.

[@jaredmort54]

Distractive vs. Generative pleasure. Excellent!

[@Sheisthedevilyouknowwho-ft9we]

Gawd , I remember when this was on the radio a lot 😊

[@randomsasquatchwithwifi4090]

I love the looks on her face...mortification...then she totally figures it out. Still cant wait for Pushit.

[@christophersteel1424]

This song is cathartic for someone who suffers from addiction.

[@tomauclair5560]

Really enjoying your analysis of Tool songs. Very thoughtful and thought-provoking. Kinda like Tool!

[@ozerfrettelter]

Thank you!

[@cBodhi]

Childbirth is a frequent esoteric topic in Maynard's lyrics/videos. I was quickly reminded of that when I saw the nails coming out the belly button, what looks like umbilical cord, lack of hair, naked, etc. Obviously not the entire meaning of his music but it seems to pop up everywhere over the years of his career

[@chadholladay6228]

Not sure which is more awkward, Tool’s music video or watching the therapist dance to the music. Either way, it’s fantastic!

[@kadster65]

I enjoyed watching you make the stinkface while listening to Stinkfist. 😄 Excellent analysis, BTW.

[@GhostCrow666]

Taken in the context of the entire album, this is a fascinating song. It's about reaching inside himself to find the raw, not-numb part that used to feel and breathe.

[@bh5584]

very applicable song for today...i.e. social media. i remember this song came out when I was a senior in college. we thought it was about drugs.

[@illuminahde]

There's another song MJK wrote for A Perfect Circle called _Gravity_ which is the last song on the album The 13th Step. My guess is he wrote both of these around the same time in his life. I mention this only because you are right in line with his thinking when it comes to feeding whatever addictive force is pulling us. "Calm these hands before they Snare another pill and Drive another nail down another needy hole Please release me I am surrendering to the gravity and the unknown Catch me, heal me, lift me back up to the sun I choose to live" That's the ending of the album in fact.

[@rachelroberts1241]

Yes!!! I listen to this song all the time. That album and specifically that song really helped me in early sobriety. 6 years now! I played gravity in a group therapy session for addicts and everyone absolutely loved it.

[@illuminahde]

@@rachelroberts1241 Congrats 🎉 3 years for me and same thing man. Choosing to _actually_ live changed my life. 🤜🤛

[@rachelroberts1241]

@@illuminahde awesome job! It’s the first few that are the hardest. Proud of you!

[@MrCashewkitty]

13th step was years later and the entire album deals with addiction and recovery, which you probably already know. That being said, those songs were all written in that same time frame with Billy. His writing process is different with Tool than it is with APC and most certainly Puscifer. I have a Revolver mag with him and Billy talking about it

[@el-violador]

There is also that sometimes we just need to be bored. If you always need stimulation you will numb to the stimulation. With that you need it more intense and deeper. Sometimes you just do something quiet and gentle so you can feel the intensity when it comes

[@cliffadams1795]

"We always try to fill these holes..." had me going 🤨 when you started the statement. 😅

[@Maltozombie]

I still think to this day that Stinkfist is the most excellently produced Tool song, it’s just sonically perfect (down to the last minute details) and is a perfect union of raw aggression and absolute insightfulness.

[@bradley3017]

Every time I play this song it gets deeper. No pun intended

[@davidward9737]

She is brilliant. Nailed it on the 1st listen, love her breakdown, insight and explanation. Especially her saying "the wound will eventually get smaller" after the wound has been fisted and stretched that the wound or burden you carry is huge. Prison Sex and Pushit are ones im waiting for. But all of her reactions even with other bands are gold.

[@KillerCutie89]

One of my favorites since i was 14. im 34 now. only gets better with time. I suggest listening to the songs without lyrics or video the first 100 times.

[@papaclark90]

Oh!💜 yes

[@nonamegonzalez5711]

No cookies in the cookie jar sounds like some sleeper agent activation phrase

[@tankerboysabot]

Maynard is a musical genius and lyrical master!!!

[@cliftoncoloff1245]

I always thought there was more to tools music then just incredible music

[@bigdaddypiggy]

I saw Tool in Baltimore in ‘06 ….it was the weekend Paris Hilton had to spend in jail & Maynard dedicated this song to her

[@aronbresztyak7517]

I hope it's not just me, but... I feel like you would enjoy Gojira. They have thought-provoking and motivating lyrics, whit awesome music supporting it. I would recommend: The Art of Dying, Esoteric Surgery, L'enfant Sauvage, The Heaviest Matter of the Universe, Our Time is Now, Vacuity, The Gift of Guilt. These songs helped me a lot to formulate/express my thoughts, so I hope it can help someone else too. But whatever you react to next, keep up the good work.

[@vovindequasahi]

Tool at their heaviest and most trippy. The lyrics are all very spiritual and real. To understand the Center of Consciousness that is Self, and its relationship to flesh and temporary pleasures that the physical body gives, it creates a dichotomy. Cmon understand the moment Now is All there is. Dreams, Awake, Being is constant. No matter which vehicle you are it is always I-AM. The Consciousness clothes itself in vehicles to inhabit worlds, like this one. Surrounded by the Four Elements, the Seven Planetary Energies, and the Zodiak...

[@joegensmer4023]

Love the reviews doc. I think it’s best to just listen to the whole discography which is tools best song!

[@meatwax]

I totally love goes she goes from being totally into the song and uncomfortable. Welcome to the family, sister. I love that she "gets it" on the first try.

[@hwplugburz]

I`d love to see your analysis of "Lost keys and Rosetta Stoned" 😊😉👍 (as a Tool fan since 1993 I think your analysis of these Tool songs are wery impresive, and I`ve got some new lines o f thoughts on several of them)

[@dustytool]

YESSS!!YESSS!! Tool!!!!!!!

[@krisunderwood177]

For tool, it's probably best to watch a lyric video first and then the actual video lol. It can be totally distracting 😂 but you nailed it

[@MsNicka]

Have you ever listened to Blue October? Listen to the live version of a song called light you up. I used to work in drug and alcohol detox facilities facilitating groups and would very often implement their music as a tool for recovery and empowerment. 8m not sure how I stumbled onto your page but Im certainly happy that I did. You my sweet one are a special soul. You are changing peoples lives and how they think of themselves. You are the voice of reason and your energy is like no other. Thank you for what you are doing in this lifetime. Thank you for being you! If you haven't done so already, I invite you to check out the band Blue October. For me Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer and Blue October are my therapy go to bands. Maynard James Keenan is a huge inspiration to me. I struggle with my own issues and his lyrics have lessened the hard blows that Ive endured. Thanks, again.

[@chrono050]

Just saw Maynard on his 60th birthday tour wit A Perfect Circle Puscifer and Primus ... Tool only showd up at LA but man they were SO LUCKY all 3 Maynard bands in one show PLUS primus and James Iho (smashing Pumpkins/ A Perfect Circle), Paz and Troy OG line up

[@chrono050]

When i was younger i thought this song was about Heroine... lol Kinda still do

[@Andy-nl8uq]

I cant find the quote, but i know Maynard has said something along the lines of "maybe its a song with a deep meaning... Or maybe its just a song about f*sting 🤷" 😂. The beauty of tool is that they tend to leave meanings up to the listener, or give things dual meanings. Wonderful band. Side note, i dont think ive ever seen someone *bop* to tool like you did in the creschendo 😂👍

[@nicholasminns694]

OMG ❤ let me take you to the next Tool concert. You seem like heaps of fun

[@lonestar3433]

Hi therapist! You're looking good! Great reaction.

[@Tunda2]

If I remember correctly it’s about his friend (or him) sinking further into addiction. The metaphor of the fist being shocking to get you to pay attention. The chorus changes slightly as the addiction gets worse. Finger deep, knuckle deep, elbow deep: Parties, fun, junkie. As a recovering addict I interpret the guy in the video as the addict, when he puts the part of the growth back into the jar that’s when he’s in the party stage, finger deep, then by the end when he can’t keep it under control, he has become a junkie, elbow deep. Acceptance is the first step to recovery

[@munchaking1896]

There is layer upon layer in the meaning of every lyric in TOOLs songs.

[@gaijinronnie]

Please do live versions!! Tool is meant to be experienced live!!

[@kenraty76]

It would be so much fun to sit down with this person and just get meta,, digging into what we’re all about.

[@timcarr71]

Oh girl,tool is an experience