There have been different theories concerning the actual premise of Tool’s “Schism”. Some say it is based on divisions in the church. Others speculate that it is founded in tension Tool were experiencing. This tension was due to frontman Maynard Keenan being simultaneously committed to another band as well as legal issues they were going through. But no matter the real-life genesis of the lyrics, one thing is clear. It is clear that the lyrics are centered on a relationship the singer is in that is suffering from a “schism”. Simply put, there is a major ideological beef between the parties involved. And to be totally honest, the way the band presents the song makes it sound like the relationship they are talking about is actually a romance.

');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })(); You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Tool's Schism at Lyrics.org.

But to make a long story short, what Maynard is basically saying in this track is that whereas he is having a difficult time seeing eye-to-eye with the other person(s) involved in the relationship, he believes things can be worked out amicably. He believes that this is possible since the parties have successfully coexisted in the past. It is beyond obvious he is bothered by the current state of the situation. However, he also perceives some “beauty” and even potential constructiveness from the current discontent. Indeed he understands that this particular union is “doomed to crumble”. However, he believes it can be saved. It can be rescued if communication between himself and the addressee is ‘strengthened’.

Conclusion

So conclusively, the singer is in a relationship which is currently defined by a high degree of discontent – so much so that it seems disagreements pose the threat of tearing it completely apart. However, he believes that the situation can be resolved with the relationship still intact. And the way this can be accomplished, via his estimation, is through effective communication between the parties involved.

Release Date of “Schism”

Tool released “Schism” via Volcano Records on May 15th, 2001. It was a part of their classic album Lateralus.

Chart Performance

The song only managed to peak at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it did reach number 2 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart.

');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();

Tool didn’t publish the music video to “Schism” onto YouTube until mid-2019. They did this to celebrate the release of their album, “Fear Inoculum”.

“Schism” was written by Tool. The songwriting credits are as follows:

The entire band also had a hand in producing the track. They collaborated with David Bottrill to achieve this.

Yes. It earned Tool a Grammy Award in 2002 for Best Metal Performance.

Yes. Lateralus had three singles (including “Schism”). The other two are: