Tool: Fear Inoculum Meaning

1. anonymous

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   Nov 28th 2020 !⃝

   To begin with, an “inoculum” is basically a synonym for a vaccination. So on a metaphorical level, the title (Fear Inoculum) and content of this track is based on the concept of an individual, specifically the singer, vaccinating himself in order to combat fear.
   
   
   As fans of Tool are already aware of, their music tends to have heavy philosophical and even metaphysical qualities. That is to say that many of their songs, including “Fear Inoculum” at certain points, read almost like religious doctrine. For instance, the titular fear is not necessarily presented as an emotion but rather personified as an entity referred to as “the Deceiver”. Moreover there is a section near the end of the song which fans have described as an incantation, and the piece in its entirety has been likened to a ritual or prayer.
   
   And basically, the goal of Tool’s efforts via this song is the exorcism of fear. This dread seems to not only be directed at other people but also life in general. Or another way of looking at it is the Deceiver inculcating the singer with a sense of anxiety so deep that it is robbing him from enjoying his life. Thus this song serves not only as a rebuking of the Deceiver but also an active exercise on the part of the singer to get rid of him. And since this battle is something that is happening internally, he goes about doing away with this entity via chanting and consciously trying to think more positively.
   
   Conclusively, whereas the singer is relaying his own personal experiences, this song is meant to apply to the listening audience as well. That is to say that listeners are also being encouraged to partake of the “fear inoculum”. Fear being labeled as “the Deceiver” implies that such emotions are based on lies. And the implication is that doing away with such pervasive feelings requires a conscientious effort, with the ultimate goal being to form an “immunity” against fear.
   
   
   
   

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