Tool's Rosetta Stoned

I came up with my theory of the puzzle behind 10,000 Days, th best album I have ever heard.

Stick with me here.

First of all the entire thing (with the exception of the parts about Maynard's mother) seems to revolve around the theme of several main ideas of Tool's and my favorite comedian: Bill Hicks. If Bill Hicks isn't the key to the puzzle, then the album is at least an ode to his philosophy.

There are some direct references to Hicks. First of all, Hicks claimed to have experienced contact with aliens, and all kinds of other-worldly things when tripping on acid and his favorite, mushrooms. Very Terence McKenna. He claimed that he discovered his ideas about humanity through this psychedelic revelation. Basically, he got high and learned the secret of existence.

The song "Rosetta Stoned" seems to be an almost literal, or at least inspired telling of Hicks' story. "DMT" which Maynard references, is a powerful hallucinogenic substance known for its users' tendency to experience alien encounters and such. Maynard quotes Bill with several phrases he uses: "Stealth banana" and "Picture this if you will" are both phrases literally used by Hicks in his famous bits. "I forgot my pen" the way I interpret it, means that the character in the song has failed to comprehend, or has comprehended but will fail to tell humanity about the truth revealed to him. Bill Hicks died without a lot of people appreciating what he told them.

This one is a bit of a stretch, but it makes sense. Bill Hicks frequently performed in and visited Australia. He talked about it in his routines, and was diagnosed with cancer while visiting there. Perhaps this explains why the doctor has an Australian accent? It represents the end of Bill Hicks' enlightened life.

The theme of drugs opening your eyes, at least on the tracks "Lost Keys" and "Rosetta Stoned" seem to be a definite ode to Bill Hicks. I think I'll go look for Bill in the pictures on the album. Whether or not this is related to the mysterious puzzle I keep hearing about, I'll let you know.