Hush
M.J.K. (Tool) Lyrics

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Fuck You

I can't say what I want to
Even if I'm not serious
I can't say what I want to
Even if I'm not serious

Fuck yourself

Fuck yourself
You piece of shit
Why don't you just go
Kill yourself?

I said
I can't say what I want to
Even if I'm not serious
I can't say what I want to
Even if I'm just kidding, yeah

People tell me what to say
What to think and what to play
I said, people tell me what to say
What to think and what to play

I say
Fuck yourself
Fuck yourself
You piece of shit
Why don't you just go
Kill yourself?

I can't say what I want to
Even if I'm not serious
I can't say what I want to
Even if I'm just kidding

Fuck yourself
Go fuck yourself
You piece of shit
Why don't you go fuck yourself?

People tell me what to say
What to think and what to play
I said, people tell me what to say
What to think and what to play

Just kidding

Just kidding
Just kidding

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tool's song "Hush" are a statement against censorship and the limitations placed on freedom of speech. The repetition of the phrase "I can't say what I want to" highlights the frustration and anger of the singer, who is being told what to say, think and play. The repeated use of expletives throughout the song, including "fuck yourself" and "kill yourself," adds to the aggressive tone of the lyrics.

At the same time, the song acknowledges the power that language can have, even when used jokingly. The line "Even if I'm just kidding" suggests that words can have consequences, even when spoken in jest. This idea is reinforced by the final line, "Just kidding," which brings the song full circle, highlighting the tension between the desire for free speech and the responsibility that comes with it.

In many ways, "Hush" is a call to action, urging listeners to speak out against censorship and to use their voices to make a difference. By highlighting the importance of free speech, the song encourages individuals to take responsibility for their words and to use them wisely.

Line by Line Meaning

Fuck You
This song is a direct message to someone who MJ.K. wants to say 'fuck you' to.

I can't say what I want to
MJ.K. feels like they are not allowed to speak their mind freely.

Even if I'm not serious
Even if what MJ.K. wants to say is not meant to be taken seriously, they still feel restricted from saying it.

Fuck yourself
MJ.K. wants the person they are addressing to go and engage in sexual activity with themselves, as an insult.

You piece of shit
MJ.K. is insulting the person they are addressing by comparing them to feces.

Why don't you just go Kill yourself?
MJ.K. is suggesting that the person they are addressing should commit suicide.

People tell me what to say
MJ.K. feels like they are being influenced or pressured by other people to say certain things.

What to think and what to play
MJ.K. feels like they are being told what opinions to have and what kind of music to create.

Just kidding
In the chorus, when MJ.K. repeats the phrase 'just kidding', they are using irony to show that they are not really joking, but instead are serious about their frustrations and anger toward the person they are addressing.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Paul M D'Amour, Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Daniel Carey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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