The Insane (But Also Kind of Fascinating) Meaning Behind “Forty Six & 2” by Tool

Alternative metal outfit Tool has always explored fascinating themes in their music. One example is “Forty Six & 2” from Tool’s 1996 album Ænima. 

This track was released as one of a few singles from Ænima, and it got some pretty substantial airplay. It was even listed on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time”. There’s a good reason for that, too. Not only is the song sonically good, but the story behind the song is fascinating and strange.

“Forty Six & 2” is allegedly based on the Drunvalo Melchizedek teachings. Melchizedek is an esoteric researcher who became well-known for founding a number of schools of New Age teachings. Specifically, the song “Forty Six & 2” draws inspiration from the concept of human evolution and the theory that the next “version” of humanity will have a chromosome composition of 46 + 2.

If that sounds wild and a little bit out there to you, it definitely is. However, it’s also helpful to read what Melchizedek has actually said about the teachings for some insight.

What Is “Forty Six & 2” by Tool About?

“There are three totally different kinds of humans on the Earth, meaning that they perceive the One reality in three different ways, interpreted differently,” Melchizedek once explained of the theory of 46 +2. “The first kind of human has a chromosome composition of 42+2. They comprise a unity consciousness that does not see anything outside themselves as being separate from themselves. To them, there is only one energy, one life, one beingness that moves everywhere. Anything happening anywhere is within them, as well. They are like cells in the body. They are all connected to a single consciousness that moves through all of them.”

Melchizedek went on to explain that we are currently at the second level as human beings.

“Then, there is our level, comprising 44+2 chromosomes. We are a disharmonic level of consciousness that is used as a stepping stone from the 42+2 level to the next level, 46+2 … These two additional chromosomes change everything.”

There is quite a bit more to it, including concepts of “morpho genetic grids”, sacred geometry, and theories and beliefs about the nature of consciousness.

It’s worth noting that all of Tool’s music is rooted in mystery to some extent. There’s no official confirmation that “Forty Six & 2” is explicitly about this particular theory or teachings by Melchizedek. 

However, it’s clear that there is at least some inspiration there. “I wanna feel the change consume me / Feel the outside turning in / I wanna feel the metamorphosis and / Cleansing I’ve endured in” are pretty explicit. And the song itself is a wild ride full of Jungian themes, unique time signature changes, and all-around solid metal elements.

Photo by Steven Ferdman

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