Lateralus album cover

Tool – Schism Lyrics

Rock

I know the pieces fit
'Cause I watched them fall away
Mildewed and smouldering
Fundamental differing
Pure intention juxtaposed
Will set two lovers' souls in motion
Disintegrating as it goes
Testing our communication

The light that fueled our fire then
Has burned a hole between us so
We cannot seem to reach an end
Crippling our communication

I know the pieces fit
'Cause I watched them tumble down
No fault, none to blame
It doesn't mean I don't desire
To point the finger, blame the other
Watch the temple topple over
To bring the pieces back together
Rediscover communication

The poetry that comes from
The squaring off between
And the circling is worth it
Finding beauty in the dissonance

There was a time that the pieces fit
But I watched them fall away
Mildewed and smouldering
Strangled by our coveting
I've done the math enough to know
The dangers of our second guessing
Doomed to crumble unless we grow
And strengthen our communication

Cold silence has
A tendency to
Atrophy any
Sense of compassion

Between supposed lovers
Between supposed lovers

I know the pieces fit
I know the pieces fit
I know the pieces fit
I know the pieces fit
I know the pieces fit
I know the pieces fit
I know the pieces fit
And I know the pieces fit

About This Song

"Schism" is a haunting exploration of relationship breakdown and the painful deterioration of communication between two people who once shared deep connection. The lyrics metaphorically describe watching the "pieces" of a relationship fall apart despite knowing they once fit together perfectly, capturing the frustration of being unable to bridge an ever-widening emotional gap. Musically, the song showcases Tool's signature progressive metal style with complex time signatures, intricate bass lines, and Maynard James Keenan's emotionally charged vocals that shift from vulnerable whispers to anguished cries. The track's polyrhythmic structure mirrors the lyrical theme of disconnection, as different musical elements seem to pull apart and come together in tension. "Schism" became one of Tool's most acclaimed songs, earning a Grammy Award and demonstrating the band's ability to translate complex emotional experiences into equally sophisticated musical arrangements that resonate with listeners who have experienced similar relationship struggles.

Comments (2)

  • Anonymous
    I love this song because it to me talks about our lack of communication with the universe. We have become so depersonalized to and desensitized to everything. I love James Maynard Keenans work. He sings on intellectual levels so it just depends on who you are and how deep you are to get the meaning out of his work. I am a libra so I see it on an intellectual and even spiritual level. I also believe in telekenis!! Testing our communication. He is brilliant. I would love to talk to him in person as a human being not a rock star!
  • anonymous
    It speaks of how no one really gets connected with the wold it is also a really good song and I also think it talks About our lack of communication With the universe he is talking about everything on a higher level than most can understand a lot of people just hear the catchy tune and don't pay attention to the lyrics I think he has taken a problem In this world and has made it into a great song