4°

Tool's song '4°' delves into the profound journey of self-discovery and the liberation of one's inner self. The lyrics encourage the listener to 'free yourself from yourself,' suggesting a need to break free from internal constraints and explore the hidden depths within. The metaphor of a 'cavern of treasures' beneath 'the calm beneath castles' symbolizes the untapped potential and hidden aspects of one's psyche that are waiting to be unearthed.

The song's invitation to 'go digging' and 'bring it out and take it back in' implies a cyclical process of self-exploration and reintegration. This process is not without its challenges, as the lyrics acknowledge the difficulty of confronting one's true desires and emotions. The repeated lines 'I'll kill what you want me to' and 'take what's left and eat it' suggest a willingness to confront and consume the darker aspects of oneself, emphasizing the importance of embracing all parts of one's identity.

The phrase 'four degrees warmer' serves as a powerful metaphor for the gradual process of opening up and becoming more vulnerable. The song suggests that this vulnerability can bring people closer together, transcending even the most profound experiences of 'dying and cancer and crying.' The repeated exhortation to 'take it all in' and 'let it go in' underscores the importance of fully embracing one's experiences and emotions, no matter how intense or uncomfortable they may be. Ultimately, '4°' is a call to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, recognizing that life's brevity demands a wholehearted engagement with oneself and the world.