The meaning of Ticks & Leeches by Tool

Tool's "Ticks & Leeches" is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the themes of existential crisis, mortality, and the human condition. The track, which appears on their 2019 album Fear Inoculum, is characterized by its atmospheric instrumentation, featuring a soaring guitar solo and a driving rhythm section.

The lyrics, penned by vocalist Maynard James Keenan, paint a vivid picture of a world beset by decay and disintegration. "Ticks & Leeches" can be seen as a metaphor for the parasitic nature of societal expectations and the ways in which we allow others to suck the life out of us. The song's protagonist is trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, struggling to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

The title "Ticks & Leeches" itself is a powerful symbol of the way in which our lives can be drained of vitality by external forces. Ticks are notorious for their ability to attach themselves to hosts and feed on their blood, while leeches are similarly infamous for their habit of attaching themselves to skin and feeding on bodily fluids. In this sense, the title can be seen as a commentary on the ways in which we allow others to drain our energy and vitality.

Throughout the song, Keenan's vocals are marked by their characteristic intensity and emotional range, soaring through the track's chorus with an almost otherworldly beauty. The lyrics themselves are characteristically opaque, inviting listeners to draw their own conclusions about the song's themes and meanings.

Despite its somber subject matter, "Ticks & Leeches" is ultimately a song of hope and resilience, urging listeners to break free from the cycle of self-doubt and find their own path forward. As with much of Tool's work, the song is a call to arms, encouraging listeners to confront the darkness head-on and emerge stronger and more compassionate as a result.