Tool is known for their cryptic lyrics and intricate music, and “Forty Six & 2” is no exception. This song, from their album “Ænima,” has fascinated fans and critics alike for years. At first glance, the lyrics may seem impenetrable, a series of abstract thoughts strung together. However, a deeper look reveals a rich tapestry of meaning, touching on themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the Jungian concept of the shadow.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the layers of meaning behind “Forty Six & 2.” We’ll break down each section of the song, providing insights into its complex themes and offering interpretations that will help you appreciate this masterpiece even more. Whether you’re a long-time Tool fan or new to their music, this analysis will give you a greater understanding of what makes this song so compelling.
The Meaning of “Tool” by Forty Six & 2
In the song “Forty Six & 2,” the band Tool takes listeners on a profound and introspective journey, exploring themes of personal growth and transformation. The title itself hints at a mystical concept—referring to the idea of evolving beyond our current genetic make-up (44 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes) to reach a state of enlightenment and higher consciousness. Tool’s haunting melodies and cryptic lyrics invite us to reflect on the shadows we carry within, urging us to confront and integrate these darker aspects of ourselves. Through this process of self-discovery and acceptance, the song suggests, we can transcend our limitations and move closer to our true potential. It’s a powerful reminder of the inner work required for genuine change, making “Forty Six & 2” a compelling anthem for anyone on a quest for deeper understanding and personal evolution.
Lyrics
[Intro]
Join in my—
Join in, my child, and listen
Digging through
My old numb shadow
[Verse 1]
My shadow’s shedding skin
I’ve been picking scabs again
I’m down, digging through
My old muscles, looking for a clue
[Pre-Chorus 1]
I’ve been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could’ve been
I’ve been wallowing in my own confused
And insecure delusions
For a piece to cross me over
Or a word to guide me in
I wanna feel the changes coming down
I wanna know what I’ve been hiding
[Chorus 1]
In my shadow
My shadow
Change is coming through
My shadow
My shadow
Shedding skin
I’ve been picking
My scabs again
[Spoken]
Join in my—
Join in my child
My shadow’s
Closer to meaning
[Pre-Chorus 2]
I’ve been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could’ve been
I’ve been wallowing in my own chaotic
Insecure delusions
I wanna feel the change consume me
Feel the outside turning in
I wanna feel the metamorphosis and
Cleansing I’ve endured in
[Chorus 2]
My shadow
My shadow
Change is coming
Now is my time
Listen to my muscle memory
Contemplate what I’ve been clinging to
Forty-six and two ahead of me
[Bridge]
I choose to live and to grow
Take and give and to move
Learn and love and to cry
Kill and die and to be
Paranoid and to lie
Hate and fear and to do
What it takes to move through
I choose to live and to lie
Kill and give and to die
Learn and love and to do
What it takes to step through
[Outro]
See my shadow changing
Stretching up and over me
Soften this old armor
Hoping I can clear the way by
Stepping through my shadow
Coming out the other side
Step into the shadow
Forty six and two are just ahead of me
The Opening Lines
Join in my—
Join in, my child, and listen
Digging through
My old numb shadow
The song opens with a call to the listener, inviting us to join in and pay attention. This sets the tone for the introspective journey that follows. The phrase “digging through my old numb shadow” suggests a process of self-examination, of confronting parts of oneself that have long been ignored or repressed.
This notion of examining one’s shadow is central to Jungian psychology. According to Carl Jung, the shadow represents the unconscious aspects of the personality that the conscious ego does not identify with. These can include both positive and negative traits that have been pushed aside. By digging through his “old numb shadow,” the narrator is beginning the process of integrating these hidden aspects of himself.
Shedding Skin and Picking Scabs
My shadow’s shedding skin
I’ve been picking scabs again
I’m down, digging through
My old muscles, looking for a clue
Here, the imagery of shedding skin and picking scabs suggests a painful but necessary process of healing and transformation. Just as a snake sheds its old skin to grow, the narrator is shedding his old self to make way for a new one. However, this process is not without pain, as indicated by the act of picking scabs.
The line “digging through my old muscles, looking for a clue” further emphasizes the idea of searching within oneself for answers. Muscles, which represent strength and action, indicate that this search involves not just thought but also action and effort. The narrator is actively working to uncover and understand the hidden parts of himself.
Crawling on the Belly
I’ve been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could’ve been
I’ve been wallowing in my own confused
And insecure delusions
For a piece to cross me over
Or a word to guide me in
I wanna feel the changes coming down
I wanna know what I’ve been hiding
The act of crawling on the belly invokes an image of humility and vulnerability. To crawl is to be close to the earth, to be grounded and humble. This suggests that the narrator is in a state of submission, willing to face his deepest fears and insecurities.
The phrase “clearing out what could’ve been” speaks to a sense of regret and the desire to move past missed opportunities. The narrator acknowledges his “confused and insecure delusions,” recognizing that these have held him back. He seeks a “piece to cross me over” or “a word to guide me in,” indicating a longing for guidance and transformation.
The Shadow and Change
In my shadow
My shadow
Change is coming through
My shadow
My shadow
Shedding skin
I’ve been picking
My scabs again
The repetition of “my shadow” emphasizes the central role of the shadow in this process of change. The shadow is not just something to be confronted but also a catalyst for transformation. The shedding of skin and the picking of scabs are ongoing processes, suggesting that change is continuous and requires ongoing effort.
The line “Change is coming through my shadow” indicates that the transformation the narrator seeks is not external but internal. It is through confronting and integrating his shadow that he will achieve true change.
A Closer Meaning
Join in my—
Join in my child
My shadow’s
Closer to meaning
This section reinforces the idea that the shadow is key to understanding oneself. By inviting the listener to “join in,” the narrator is extending the invitation to undertake this introspective journey. The shadow is “closer to meaning,” suggesting that true understanding comes from facing the parts of ourselves we often ignore.
The Metamorphosis and Cleansing
I’ve been crawling on my belly
Clearing out what could’ve been
I’ve been wallowing in my own chaotic
Insecure delusions
I wanna feel the change consume me
Feel the outside turning in
I wanna feel the metamorphosis and
Cleansing I’ve endured in
Here, the theme of transformation is further explored. The narrator wants to be “consumed” by change, to feel it deeply and completely. The phrase “feel the outside turning in” suggests a profound internal shift, where external influences are internalized and lead to significant personal growth.
The desire for “metamorphosis and cleansing” indicates a need for renewal and purification. The narrator seeks to emerge from this process transformed and cleansed, free from the insecurities and delusions that have held him back.
The Time for Change
My shadow
My shadow
Change is coming
Now is my time
Listen to my muscle memory
Contemplate what I’ve been clinging to
Forty-six and two ahead of me
The repetition of “my shadow” once again highlights its importance. The phrase “now is my time” signals a readiness for change. The narrator is prepared to listen to his “muscle memory,” to learn from his past actions and experiences.
The concept of “forty-six and two” is often interpreted as a reference to human evolution. Humans currently have 46 chromosomes, and the addition of two more would result in a new level of consciousness or spiritual evolution. By contemplating what he has been clinging to, the narrator is preparing for this next stage of growth.
Choosing to Live and Grow
I choose to live and to grow
Take and give and to move
Learn and love and to cry
Kill and die and to be
Paranoid and to lie
Hate and fear and to do
What it takes to move through
I choose to live and to lie
Kill and give and to die
Learn and love and to do
What it takes to step through
These lines reflect the complexity and duality of the human experience. The narrator acknowledges the full range of emotions and actions, both positive and negative. To “live and grow” requires experiencing everything from love to hate, from joy to sorrow.
The repetition of “I choose” emphasizes the narrator’s agency and determination. Growth and transformation require conscious choices and actions. The narrator is willing to do “what it takes to step through” his shadow and emerge on the other side.
The Changing Shadow
See my shadow changing
Stretching up and over me
Soften this old armor
Hoping I can clear the way by
Stepping through my shadow
Coming out the other side
Step into the shadow
Forty six and two are just ahead of me
In this final section, the narrator observes his shadow changing, symbolizing his own transformation. The shadow “stretching up and over me” suggests that it is becoming an integral part of him. The “old armor” that protected him is being softened, making way for growth and vulnerability.
By “stepping through my shadow,” the narrator hopes to clear the way for a new self to emerge. The reference to “forty-six and two” reiterates the idea of moving towards a higher level of consciousness or evolution.
Conclusion
Tool’s “Forty Six & 2” is a profound exploration of self-discovery and transformation. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the song delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the process of integrating the shadow. By confronting and accepting the darker aspects of ourselves, we can achieve true growth and evolution.
This analysis has provided insights into the song’s lyrics, highlighting the themes of change, humility, and the quest for self-understanding. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Tool’s music, we hope this exploration has deepened your appreciation for “Forty Six & 2.”