The Grudge

About this song

Tool often builds lyrical themes into the music itself, and here the unusual 5/8 time signature divides the song into units of 10 beats per line, echoing the importance of the number 10 in the lyrics. The song keeps a steady tempo throughout, while Danny Carey adds inventive drumming, and the stresses shift between sections, such as 3+3+4 in the chorus and 5+5 in the "let go" outro, changing the pulse and creating contrast.

What it's about

The song deals with maturity and personal development, drawing on alchemical, astrological and mythological symbolism. It portrays someone who cannot move past old wrongs and so fails to grow up, with the repeated "let go" making the message clear by the end.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 1 other song, like “I Miss Him by Tarbelo”.
• Covered 2 times, including “The Grudge by 8-Bit Arcade”.
• Written by Maynard James Keenan, Danny Carey, Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor.
• Produced by David Bottrill and Tool.
• Recorded at Cello Studios.