Lateralus

About this song

Tool built the song's structure with careful planning, and it is based on the Fibonacci sequence. The introduction runs 1:12, the first verse begins at about 97 seconds, and each verse lasts 55 seconds. The syllables in the verses follow the sequence, and the main riff's time signature of 9/8, 8/8 and 7/8 reflects the 17th term of the sequence, 987.

What it's about

The lyrics argue that over-analysis leads to a loss of control, that linear structures don't exist in nature, and that people should embrace the random while still staying human. The song's own tightly planned design is presented as a kind of double standard against that message.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 1 other song, like “I Miss Him by Tarbelo”.
• Covered 3 times, including “Lateralus by 8-Bit Arcade”.
• Written by Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, Adam Jones and Maynard James Keenan.
• Produced by Tool and David Bottrill.
• Recorded at Cello Studios.