The Meaning Behind The Song: 10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2) by Tool

Publish date: 2024-05-05
TitleArtistWriter/ComposerAlbumRelease DateGenreProducer
10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)ToolAdam Jones, Justin Chancellor, Danny Carey & Maynard James Keenan10,000 Days (2006)May 2, 2006Rock, Alternative Rock, Post-Metal, Alternative Metal, Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive RockTool

Tool’s “10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)” holds a special meaning and emotional weight for lead singer Maynard James Keenan. The song is part of a two-part dedication to his late mother, Judith Marie Gridley, who passed away three years prior to the release of the album, which shares the same title as the song.

When Maynard was just 11 years old, his mother suffered a brain aneurysm that left her paralyzed for the rest of her life. Despite her unfortunate condition, she maintained a steadfast faith in God. Throughout Maynard’s life, he sometimes found himself at odds with his mother’s beliefs, as highlighted in A Perfect Circle’s “Judith.” However, in the album’s two-part dedication, Maynard acknowledges the strength of her conviction during such a challenging period and believes she is deserving of Heaven more than anyone else.

The title “10,000 Days” refers to the 27 years that Maynard’s mother lived after her paralysis. This significant number represents the amount of time she endured her condition and serves as a tribute to her resilience and unwavering faith.

Personally, “10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)” has always held a deep emotional resonance for me as well. The song’s lyrics resonate with the universal human desire to find meaning and purpose in life. It explores the themes of faith, redemption, and the passage of time.

As I listen to the hauntingly beautiful melodies and Maynard’s powerful vocals, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of individuals who vicariously experience the hero’s journey through tales and stories. The song questions the authenticity of our own claims and delves into the hypocrisy of those who preach compassion while lacking the true understanding and empathy that comes from personal experience.

The chorus of the song emphasizes personal agency and self-empowerment. It reminds us that we are the only ones who can hold our heads up high and take control of our own destinies. The lyrics encourage us to defy the limitations set by others and to assert ourselves in the face of adversity.

The bridge of the song is particularly poignant, with Maynard expressing his appreciation for his mother’s unwavering faith. He refers to her as his witness, eyes, and evidence of the power of belief. The unconditional love and strength she displayed throughout her life left an indelible mark on Maynard and his art.

Throughout the song, there is a constant undercurrent of longing, of striving for something greater and a sense of mortality. The lyrics capture the inevitable passage of time, the fleeting nature of our existence, and the ultimate journey we all must take. The idea of meeting one’s maker and being able to face them with honesty and integrity serves as a powerful metaphor for living an authentic life.

Tool’s “10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)” is a profound exploration of faith, love, and the complexities of the human experience. The song pays tribute to Maynard James Keenan’s mother, Judith Marie Gridley, and the impact she had on his life. It serves as a reminder to cherish our loved ones, embrace our own agency, and strive to live a life that is true to ourselves.

So, the next time you listen to “10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2),” let yourself be captivated by its emotional depth and profound message. Embrace the power of music to connect us, heal us, and remind us of the beauty and fragility of life.

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