Intolerance

Tool's song 'Intolerance' delves deep into the emotional turmoil and moral conflict experienced when dealing with deceit and betrayal. The lyrics express a profound sense of disillusionment and frustration. The narrator begins by expressing a desire to avoid hostility and dismal feelings, yearning for a life free from apathy. This sets the stage for the central conflict: the narrator's struggle to maintain faith and trust in someone who repeatedly lies, cheats, and steals. The repeated refrain of 'You lie, cheat, and steal' underscores the betrayal and the difficulty of tolerating such behavior.

The song also explores the theme of hypocrisy, as evidenced by the lines 'Veil of virtue hung to hide your method' and 'Shroud of virtue hung to mask your stigma.' These metaphors suggest that the person being addressed hides their true nature behind a facade of virtue, making it even more challenging for the narrator to reconcile their feelings. The narrator's internal conflict is palpable as they smile, laugh, and sing praises despite knowing the truth. This duality highlights the complexity of human relationships and the pain of realizing that someone you trusted is not who they seemed to be.

As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges their own complicity and guilt, stating, 'I am not innocent, you are not innocent, no one is innocent.' This admission adds a layer of depth to the song, suggesting that the struggle against deception is not just external but also internal. The final lines, 'I will not tolerate you, I will go down beside you,' indicate a resolution to confront the betrayal head-on, even if it means facing the consequences together. 'Intolerance' is a powerful exploration of the emotional and moral complexities of dealing with betrayal, highlighting the pain, anger, and ultimately, the resolve to confront the truth.