The Gentle Art Of Making Enemies

Uh, prison rape, seriously everyone?

I think this song means exactly what the title says, making enemies. On purpose.

Mike Patton has said so in an interview himself, "People think too hard about my lyrics. I'm just the kind of guy who chooses words because they rhyme, and not because of the meaning."

But I guess some people have a point when it comes to this album being about prison.

To me, this song must be about Jim Martin and the events surrounding his not amicable departure.

I think it's about how Patton likes to rape his groupies.

for anyone used, abused, intolerated, looked down on etc. this song kicks ass especially when you are in one of those i hate everyone moods but it isnt just another crap song about hate, the song is written properly

This is when General Patton is pissed off, particularly he wants to hear no excuses from Layne Staley

Personally I think the song is about someone in the Corporate world who hates being in that world and Finally just flips the fuck out.

This song is about never learning from your mistakes, and highlights the absurdity of being committed, as some people are, to blaming everything except themselves for their problems - "So wear the hat and do the dance, and let the suit keep wearing you". Specifically, wanting to make friends but instead repeatedly making enemies and then making things worse, instead of breaking bread. Ironically, this all comes of feeling insecure and defensive about being judged and made an enemy of, prompting one to 'pre-emptively' strike first, in the process making another enemy, thus self-sabotaging and being an enemy to yourself, instead of looking out for yourself. It's never been about the enemies, unless, that is, you have come to the conclusion that your only consistent enemy has been you. You couldn't break bread with yourself you. You deny that part of yourself and allow it to punish/fuck you. And repeat. You were probably (or will be) the last person to see it.

Check out the book by artist James Whistler entitled "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies"

The line happy birthday fucker just sums things up so well. I write it on all my cards

Whenever I hear this song, I always think about those people who are always looking for a reason to fight, but when they have the opportunity, don't take it. More of a personal insight than anything, as someone who always wants to hurt people but hates doing it. Or something like 'at. My ideas are kind of blurred at the moment, perhaps someone else could make these a bit clearer.

"And all you need is just one more excuse." "This year you'll sit and take it."