Tool Codexery

Stinkfist

A song whose title and perceived subject matter caused TV and radio programmers to shorten the track and display it only as "Track #1".

"Stinkfist", also referred to as "Track #1" due to the perceived offensiveness of the actual title, is a song by American rock band Tool. It was released as the only commercial single from their second studio album, Ænima (1996). It is one of four songs on Ænima to have songwriting contributions by former bassist Paul D'Amour.

Quick Facts

Artist
Tool
Album
Ænima
Released
1996
Genre
Alternative metal
Length
5:11
Label
Zoo
Writer
  • Maynard James Keenan
  • Adam Jones
  • Danny Carey
  • Paul D'Amour
Producer
Tool; David Bottrill

Lore & Background

The song title, the lyrics, and the perceived subject matter (fisting and drug addiction) caused changes to be made to the originally released version by TV and radio programmers, who also shortened the track. The track has also been remixed by Skinny Puppy. Maynard James Keenan said the use of the words "stink" and "fist" and the resulting perception of "fist fucking" is actually symbolic in dealing with a friend of drummer Danny Carey who "isn't afraid of getting his hands dirty" rather than a "write-off" of the sexual term. Instead, fisting is a metaphor for the real cause of ailment.

Reader's Guide

The song was released as the only commercial single from Tool's second studio album, Ænima (1996). The track has been remixed by Skinny Puppy. The music video was directed by guitarist Adam Jones, who had previous experience in art direction and animation. The video was shown on MTV only with the title "Track #1" because MTV found "Stinkfist" too offensive for public consumption.

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1Stinkfist5:11
2Hooker with a Penis4:33

Side A

No.TitleLength
1Stinkfist5:11
2Opiate5:20

Side B

No.TitleLength
1Sober5:06
2Prison Sex4:56

More in Albums & Discography

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