Schism (song)

"Schism" is a song by American rock band Tool. It was the first single and music video from their third full-length album, Lateralus. In 2002, Tool won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song. "Schism" was released as a DVD single on December 20, 2005. The DVD contains the music video, audio commentary by David Yow, and a remix by Lustmord.

Background
Most of the songs on Lateralus use math and science as metaphors for human issues. Singer Maynard James Keenan says, "They're all about relationships. Learning how to integrate communication back into a relationship. How are we as lovers, as artists, as brothers - how are we going to reconstruct this beautiful temple that we've built and that's tumbled down? It's universal relationship stuff." As for the trademark hook, bassist Justin Chancellor said, "The twiddly 'Schism' riff came from fooling around. I just play as much as possible, and I don't write stuff down - so when I get a good idea, I play it until I can't forget it."

Overview
"Schism" is known as a prime example of Tool's use of complex rhythms and changing meters. It is also well known for its distinctive bass line throughout. An extended version of the song is performed live. "Schism" was Tool's only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 until "Fear Inoculum" in 2019, peaking at number 67 and staying on the charts for 20 weeks. It also hit number two on both the Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. It almost reached number one on both charts, but was blocked behind Staind's "It's Been Awhile".

The song is featured in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour.

Time signature
"Schism" is renowned for its use of uncommon time signatures and the frequency of its meter changes. In one analysis of the song, the song alters meter 47 times. The song begins with two bars of, followed by one bar of , followed by bars of alternating and , until the first interlude, which consists of alternating bars of  and.

The following verse exhibits a similar pattern to the first, alternating bars of and. The next section is four bars of followed by one bar of. This takes the song back into alternating and. Another and  section follows, and after this the song goes into repeating bars of  and. The section ends with the music hanging suspended over a bar of.

The middle section is subsequently introduced at 3:29, maintaining a group of three bars of then one of  until 5:02. Then a series of, , , , then heading into "Between supposed lovers..." which is a three bar group of, and , played twice.

It breaks down with a measure of then. then repeats 3 times then  and  once. The signature riff takes over again, then. The final riff is.

The band has referred to the time signature as.

Track listing

 * Promotional single


 * DVD

Credits and personnel
Tool
 * Danny Carey – drums
 * Justin Chancellor – bass
 * Adam Jones – guitar
 * Maynard James Keenan – vocals

Production
 * Produced by David Bottrill
 * Art direction by Adam Jones