Borderline personality disorder, dissociation and Tool
I have a very special relationship with Tool, I've been diagnosed borderline and other sensory issues and most of the songs really hit close to home, especially Stinkfist I know it's not a ''hidden gem'' but aside from a silly song, I'd say it's one of the few rare BPD anthems, this interpretation of the meaning is imo underrated because it's special and personal to me and maybe to others? I know it sounds strange, but those talks about overwhelming feelings, desensitization and the line ''show me that you love me and that we belong together'' along with digging to feel something or clearly saying borderline (while it's talking about a butt I am aware) makes me think about self harm through risky behavior. Staying on the edge. I just see this whole song and many other songs throughout their catalogue that either carry a humanist or hyper-empathic meaning that resonates with people who have BPD or at least shed light on some symptoms, I don't know how popular Tool is for people with Borderline, but Its one of those only bands that would have me cry about some songs with silly stories in em. I deal with dissociation daily, and it's one of those bands that just soothes some parts of my brain damaged beyond repair. If other fans here actually struggle through similar issues, what are the songs or bands that have that sort of hidden meaning to you to the point, you feel like seeing your life played in front of you. This is how this song makes me feel, along with maybe crawl away, H. or lateralus. Just talks about surges of uncontrollable emotions, jealousy, the weight of being human as a whole and obsession. Maynard's snarky and quirky writing does help making some unhinged relatable stories for me. I love Tool.
Posted Feb 14, 2026, 8:12 AM UTC