Tool - Schism

Schism came out earlier in 2001 on Tool's album, "Lateralus." I was pumped for a Tool show in Cleveland on Sept 15th, and listening to a lot of them. Thing is, I was going to college on Long Island, but staying with a friend in Cleveland. It was going to be a long drive to get there.

Then 9/11 happened. Instantly, Schism became iconic of 9/11 to me... 2nd verse (but I could quote the whole song): "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 whole song, to me, took on a theme of trying to understand, having urges to be reactionary, but the realization that there is no one reason it happened. And no one side to blame.

(This, as many people were shouting for revenge, etc. I feel like NYC was more hurt than angry, like "they hit my city" hurt... but driving to/from Cleveland... never saw so many little plastic flags flying out of windows - they are much more "patriotic" west of jersey.)

Brian Levine