Lyrically, I’ve been an admirer of Maynard James Keenan since the early ‘90s. His words resonate as deeply – either spiritually, emotionally, or bitterly – as his wide-ranging vocal intonations.
However, with Puscifer, yet another manifestation of Maynard’s multi-faceted psyche, the topical aspect of the songs is far more simplistic and straightforward. The title of the album, V Is For Vagina, pretty much spells this out even before the CD packaging is opened.
Keenan opens the album by expressing his superficial side via voluptuous women in “Queen B.” “This lady got the thickness/can I get a witness?/this lovely lady got the thickness/can I get a hell yeah?” Yeah, I know. Let’s blame it on the Bikini Bandits. Absurd lyrics aside, the song does boast funky drum beats mixed with experimental sounds that make you want to shake your posterior, regardless of its size.
“DoZo” contains menacing keyboards and guitar, with subtle, disturbing samples of random voices and chanting. Maynard’s voice has the throaty drone similar to Anthony Kiedis’ vocal style in the title track of RHCP’s Blood Sugar Sex Magik. A “Dozo” is a term for a certain hunter native to the Ivory Coast and also means “please” in Japanese, but neither seems readily relevant to the song.
Keenan pulls no punches in “Momma Sed” in which he overtly lectures about the pains of life. “Changes come/keep your dignity/take the high road/take it like a man.” An accordion, dog barks, and a slow, woeful guitar exemplify pity in the drum-driven “Drunk with Power,” in which Maynard raps (literally) about a white pimp trying to keep his world intact. The overall tone of the song echoes the absurdity of “Queen B,” making it impossible to take seriously.
The rumors surrounding Keenan’s conversion to Christianity sparked much discussion and disbelief amongst fans. He provides cryptic confirmation or, possibly, is laughing at the manner in which the public reacts to the smallest rumor in “Sour Grapes” and “Rev. 22 20” (Dry Martini Mix). The aforementioned song comes across as a serious plea to accept Christ, whereas the latter revolves around a seductive woman even Christ couldn’t resist. “Christ is coming/and so am I/you would be too if this sexy devil caught your eye.”
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Article comments
1 - charlie
Excellent review, but one thing: I don't think the religious themes of "Rev" and "Sour Grapes" actually contradict each other. You can be a sinner and accept Christ. Even Jesus had his "Forgive me Father" moments. Christianity is a very forgiving religion - that's why those of us who subscribe to it have the option of going to confession.
Back to the music, I'd say this is a headphones-type of record, very well done. Do you know what tracks Tim Commerford of RATM/Audioslave is on? I'll listen to anything he plays on.
2 - Matt
I feel kind of mean for just coming out here and saying it, but Maynard is very anti-Christianity and organized religion. Though, his lyrics ARE mighty spiritual.
On the Puscifer website he used to offer a Jesus dart board that says something about Jesus giving us a sense of humor, so use it.
I agree that Sour Grapes and Rev. don't contradict each other, but that's because Sour Grapes was absolute sarcasm which had a foundation in mocking the stereotypical fundamental ignorance of Christianity. And, well, Rev. isn't about a sinner, it's about having his "rocket" sucked. And, it's "Jesus is CUMMING, and so am I." And then . . . "Jesus has risen, and so have I." It's a reference to oral sex from some whore . . .
. . . Sour Grape is definite tongue-in-cheek sarcasm.
3 - David Miller
Tim Commerford's only contribution to the Puscifer album is that he wrote the lyrics for the track, "Momma Sed."
In regard to my perceived notion that "Sour Grapes" and "Rev" are contradictory... I sensed no sarcasm within the "Sour Grapes" track. I guess I take things too literally. Admittedly, while I have not researched Tool's 10,000 Days album to be able to accurately analyze and interpret the lyrics, there were some that seemed to advocate Christianity. Assuming he is being sarcastic, perhaps it wasn't enough for Keenan to ridicule his mother's faith on the first APC album, because he mentions his mother on the 10,000 Days album as well.
Thank you for your comments.
4 - Daniel
I feel your interpretation of the Sour Grapes lyrics is WAAAYYY off.
Maynard is not advocating that one 'accept christ'
If you actually listened to the lyrics you would see he never takes a position for or against christ, but does take a jab at organized religion and dogma. My interpretation is that those who realize the true beauty of the teachings of Jesus, and Muhammed, and Krishna, and other mystics and don't get blinded by dogma will be the ones reaping the true rewards of life. Wow for a guy hoping to be a professional writer you really have no literary comprehension and seem to be stuck on the superficial level of things.
Just what the world needs...
5 - Daniel
I also want to add the last section of the lyrics in Sour Grapes:
'Go now, child, tell them all. The ignorant, the blinded by dogma, blinded by faith, the doubters, the nay sayers.
Tell them all, child, they can not see the kingdom of god, they can not see paradise unfold before them,
they can not drink from the chalice which holds the blood of christ, the water of life, until they get right with jesus.
Until they get right with jesus.
It's always gonna be sour grapes with you, boy, until you get right with jesus.
Him saying "get right with Jesus" does not mean "become a christian" it means, look beyond the dogma and see that Jesus teachings were beautiful lessons of love, forgiveness, etc, but that one should not get sucked into the b.s. cycle of religion, faith, sin, heaven/hell, etc.
6 - Dammerung
I don't think Sour Grapes is sarcastic. I think Maynard is on a jihad - a conversation with God. That's the difference that brings authenticity to his music - he struggles with God and Jesus and his upbringing instead of mindlessly barfing out the same tired Eric Cartman Christian rock. In an ironic way, I think Maynard is one of the few singers out there following Christ's example - struggling with faith and poking a finger directly in the eye of the religious establishment.
7 - homes
Dozo means "go ahead" in Japanese.
8 - s.g.
sour grapes is obviously satire, but it also sends a more than likely serious message:
'Righteous are those
who look up and sway with the wind,
who look down and dance with the shifting of the soil,
who swim with the movement of the tides
who seek the truth around them
and discover that we are
and have always been in paradise.'
seems to translate directly to: stop worrying about what happens after we die and LIVE LIFE; those who already do so live richer more fulfilled lives.
9 - ecsa0014
@s.g.
That's also the way I interpreted this song. I have a few "saved" relatives who are so preoccupied with what will happen after they die or the end of the world (whichever comes first), that they can't see that they are neglecting to live the life they were given. It's almost like they feel that they were born to just wait and die. The joy that they claim to have sure does look a lot like depression.
10 - mageezacks
We dont see the common ground we all walk on instead we all argue bout who is right and wrong. I think to truely believe in god/jesus or any spiritual path use your heart not what religion tells you to follow. I think we all have a spiritual compass we just set to many boundaries for ourselves. I think the song is a message saying that enjoy the time you ARE alive dont try to confuse yourself, just live dont waste it. Thats what jesus really wants.