Most of the songs on Lateralus use maths and science as metaphors for human issues. Singer Maynard James Keenan says, "They're all about relationships. Learning how to integrate communication back into a relationship. How are we as lovers, as artists, as brothers - how are we going to reconstruct this beautiful temple that we've built and that's tumbled down? It's universal relationship stuff." As for the trademark hook, bassist Justin Chancellor said, "The twiddly 'Schism' riff came from fooling around. I just play as much as possible, and I don't write stuff down - so when I get a good idea, I play it until I can't forget it."[3]
Overview
"Schism" is known as a prime example of Tool's use of complex rhythms and changing meters. It is also well known for its distinctive bass line throughout. An extended version of the song is performed live.[4] "Schism" was Tool's only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 until "Fear Inoculum" in 2019, peaking at number 67 and staying on the charts for 20 weeks.[5] It also hit number two on both the Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. It almost reached number one on both charts, but was blocked behind Staind's "It's Been Awhile".[6][7]
"Schism" is renowned for its use of uncommon time signatures and the frequency of its meter changes. In one analysis of the song, the song alters meter 47 times.[8] The song begins with two bars of 5 4, followed by one bar of 4 4, followed by bars of alternating 5 8 and 7 8, until the first interlude, which consists of alternating bars of 6 8 and 7 8.
The following verse exhibits a similar pattern to the first, alternating bars of 5 8 and 7 8. The next section is four bars of 6 4 followed by one bar of 11 8. This takes the song back into alternating 5 8 and 7 8. Another 6 8 and 7 8 section follows, and after this the song goes into repeating bars of 5 8 and 9 8. The section ends with the music hanging suspended over a bar of 9 8.
The middle section is subsequently introduced at 3:29, maintaining a group of three bars of 6 8 then one of 9 8 until 5:02. Then a series of 8 4, 10 4, 8 4, 8 4, then 9 8 heading into "Between supposed lovers..." which is a three bar group of 9 8, 10 8 and 9 8, played twice.
It breaks down with a measure of 13 8 then 9 8. 5 8 then 9 8 repeats 3 times then 5 8 and 6 8 once. The signature riff takes over again, 5 8 then 7 8. The final riff is 8 8.
The band has referred to the time signature as 6+1⁄2 8.[9]
