Tool Songs Written and Inspired by Bill Hicks
The two Tool songs that were written about Bill Hicks are “Third Eye” and “Ænema.” These songs pay tribute to the late comedian and social critic, who was known for his thought-provoking humor and political commentary.
With this article, we show more details about the meanings behind these two songs and explore the ways in which they pay homage to Bill Hicks. Here is short summary of who is Bill Hicks?
William Melvin Hicks (December 16, 1961 – February 26, 1994) was a stand-up comedian, social commentator, satirist, and musician from the United States. Bill Hicks shows, which covered a wide spectrum of societal themes such as religion, politics, and philosophy, were sometimes provocative and laced with black humor.
Which songs were written by Bill Hicks for the Tool band?
Tool’s song “Third Eye” is a tribute to Bill Hicks’ philosophy of opening one’s mind to new ideas and experiences. The song begins with a sample of a Bill Hicks performance, in which he speaks about the importance of expanding one’s consciousness. This sample is followed by a haunting instrumental section that builds up to the main section of the song.
The lyrics of “Third Eye” are a reflection of Bill Hicks’ ideas about the power of the human mind. The song encourages listeners to open their minds and look beyond the limits of their everyday reality. It speaks of the importance of breaking down the barriers that prevent us from seeing the world as it truly is.
Tool’s song “Ænema” is a commentary on the state of the world and the need for change. The song references Bill Hicks in its lyrics, with the lines “Learn to swim, see you down in Arizona Bay” is a nod to a routine in which Hicks talks about the potential for Los Angeles to one day fall into the ocean.
The song speaks of the need for a new way of thinking, one that is not bound by the constraints of religion or politics. It encourages listeners to look at the world critically and to question the status quo.
Maynard James Keenan also talked about Bill Hicks:
“It was hard for us to be accepted. We would play somewhere and we’d have these moshing skinheads dudes saying ‘play faster,’ and we’d be like ‘listen slower.’ They came here to see us, I’m not sure why I’m supposed to give them what they want… Bill and I discussed this. It was early enough on in our career that we think we could at least weed out the people that didn’t want to see that, somehow resonate on that level.”
These two Tool songs written about Bill Hicks are “Third Eye” and “Ænema.” These songs pay tribute to Hicks’ philosophy of opening one’s mind to new ideas and experiences, and his commentary on the state of the world. They encourage listeners to look at the world critically and to question the status quo. Tool’s music and Bill Hicks’ humor and social commentary are a perfect match, and their influence can still be felt today.
