Tool - Eulogy Lyrics Meaning

First of all, this is just my opinion, based on what I have learned about tool. It could be one hundred percent false because there is so much incorrect information circulating about tool, no doubt I have acquired some of it. Not to mention the fact that the band itself is alleged to enjoy spreading lies about themselves and their music.
On the issue of who writes the song lyrics. Most people I am sure would assume it was just Maynard. But in my opinion, that would be contrary to what he and the band stand for. They are always saying to question authority. So why would Maynard set himself up as the authority in the bands lyric writing rather than share it amongst the whole group? From what I have learned about tool, they believe in synergy, the sum being greater than the individual parts. That doesn't leave room for one person having a monopoly on any one aspect of the band. So it is my opinion that in tool, every member shares in all aspects of the creation of their music. Take for instance the interviews with adam jones where he says that when practices by himself and creates the riffs he wants to present to the band, they are all in standard 4/4 time until he starts to play them with danny, in that instance, danny has some control over how the quitar is played. Make sense? I dunno if I communicate very clearly.
Now for my opinion on what the song actually means. Well, its called "Eulogy." Someone or something died right? If you believe Maynard is genuine in his lyrics and not just trying to make something that he thinks wil grab your interest then you must come to the conclusion that whatever Maynard is singing about is something he is very passionate about. Now this is what I have heard. Before this record was released, a very close friend of the bands had died in a senseless manner and they were all very angry about it. That close friend was the comedian Bill Hicks, whose picture is inside the album cover and whose jokes about drugs enhancing everyones lives are on the record. So, logic tells me that even though the song is written in a general manner and could be seen as being about a lot of different people, Bill Hicks makes the most sense to me. I honestly can't see the band giving half a shit about Kurt Cobain, especially not enough to write a song about him but that's just my opinion. Bill hicks had a lot to say, he was a political comedian.
Ok now assume that it is about bill hicks and they were all good friends. look at the lines where he says we'll miss him, we're gonna miss him. Now why would he say "we" instead of "I". To me that is further evidence that even though Maynard is the singer he is more of just a spokesperson for the entire group, meaning he isn't the only one with a hand in the lyrics and its not just what he cares about that he sings about, he sings for the whole group, its a collective effort. And that is all very congruent with being against authority.
And just one more thing. Just an observation. I think that what you think a song means, is more reflective of who you are rather than what a song is about. A huge Nirvana fan will no doubt think this song is about Kurt. People like music because they relate to it. Whatever your closest relation that song is, is no doubt what you are going to believe the song is about, it shouldnt be any other way.
bob
retrobird2007@aol.com

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