The meaning of Carpet Crawlers by Tool

Carpet Crawlers is a song by the American rock band Tool from their 2001 album Lateralus. The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on societal pressures and conformity, with the "carpet crawlers" referring to those who are content to live in comfort and security, without questioning or challenging the status quo.

The song's opening lines, "Where do we go from here?/How much more can we bear?" suggest that the protagonist is searching for a way out of this complacent existence. The repeated refrain, "Carpet crawlers, all fall down," implies a sense of inevitability and collapse, as if the current system will eventually crumble under its own weight.

The lyrics also contain references to the search for truth and authenticity, with lines like "We're not so different, from you and me" suggesting that the speaker is trying to connect with others on a deeper level. The song's chorus, "Can we find some common ground?" emphasizes this desire for understanding and shared purpose.

Musically, Carpet Crawlers features Tool's signature blend of progressive rock and heavy metal, with complex time signatures and intricate instrumental work. Maynard James Keenan's distinctive vocals add an air of mystique to the song's abstract lyrics, inviting listeners to interpret the song's themes in their own way.

Overall, Carpet Crawlers can be seen as a call to arms against the forces of complacency and apathy, urging listeners to question authority and seek out truth and authenticity. The song's abstract nature allows for multiple interpretations, but its core message remains one of resistance and rebellion against the status quo.