Defamed

Oh, just thought I'd add -

the lyrics at the end seem to be:

"You don't owe them anything You don't owe me anything You don't owe them anything ELSE"

listen to the last word Billy sings at the end of the song - clearly ends with an "s" (plus it makes sense within the context of the rest of the song)

Just a thought: do you think he may be singing about Maynard? He's gone through so many changes in both his music and his personal life, and so many people hang on his every word and action ("demanding prophecies when you speak" and "they hang on every word that you speak"). I can't tell you how many times I've heard people declare "Maynard is god," but Mr. Keenan is really a private person with his own life that, like everyone else, is constantly stating. As he has said before in an interview, some "fans" complain that Tool's music has changed over the years, and his reply was, "Of course it has, because the people who write the music (he & his band-mates) have changed."

Billy knows Maynard personally, and I've got to wonder if this song wasn't directed towards him, as he watches his friend try to grow and develop in the confines of the spotlight.

No comments? Okay, I'll be the first - this seems like, to me, to either be referencing a celebrity/the celebrity lifestyle, or perhaps even a religious/moral leader (no doubt in a position of respective responsibility).

Billy's perspective seems to be coming from the sidelines, removed from the whole process, "My face pressed against the glass wanting to know"

• He is attempting to objectively advise the person in question, on how they should "come clean" to those whom they are deceiving/stringing along. Billy is fully aware of what goes on behind the curtains. He's even witnessed said person, miss a valuable opportunity to reveal the lies, and break down all the pretence once and for all, "I watched you wash away any chance of coming clean to anyone"

However, Billy doesn't come across as aggressive in his stance, but rather, somewhat sympathetic for the position the person in question, finds themselves in, "You're trying hard to change, but they won't let you"

• This is because the context of their position requires that they play out a certain type of role, for the 'benefit' of the masses - this traps them (ironically so) into a place where they are responsible for maintaining the illusionary/fantastical construct they are an integral part of - which in turn, restricts their options, and opportunites for escape. Ultimately, he desires everyone to leave the situation unscathed, and to go their seperate ways, and be their own people, "You don't owe them anything You don't owe me anything"

Anyway, a great song - has hints of new-wave (and by that, I mean the original, post-punk era definition of 'new-wave') all over it. Very catchy, and uplifting. In fact, I think it would make a great single for the UK - with the right kind of backing/promotion behind it, it could definitely be successful. I'd love to see an accompanying music video for it, too.

I feel the song is simply about someone who either loves someone and feels that that person is or has tried to change to be what is wanted from them, but just can't because of those around them who won't allow it, and now they are either apologizing but it may be too late...

Great song no matter what!