Cold And Ugly
Tool · Opiate [1992]
Underneath her skin and jewellery
Hidden in her words and eyes
There's a wall that's cold and ugly
And she's scared as hell
Trembling at the thought of feeling
Wide awake and keeping distance
Nothing seems to penetrate her
'Cause she's scared as hell
I am frightened too
I am frightened
Oh, oh, oh
Trembling at the thought of feeling
Wide awake and keeping distance
Nothing seems to penetrate her
'Cause she's scared as hell
I am frightened too
I am frightened
Wide awake and
Keeping distance from my soul
Wide awake and
Keeping distance from my soul
Safe
Underneath her skin and jewellery
Hidden in her words and eyes
There's a wall that's cold and ugly
And she's scared as hell
Trembling at the thought of feeling
Wide awake and keeping distance
Nothing seems to penetrate her
'Cause she's scared as hell
I am frightened too
I am frightened too
I am scared like you
I am frightened
Cold And Ugly
Cold And Ugly stands as a defining track from Tool's early independent release, Opiate, recorded in 1992. This recording captures the band's nascent sound before they achieved mainstream success with their major-label debut. The song showcases the heavy, sludge-infused alternative metal style that would come to characterize their discography. Featuring the distinctive interplay between Maynard James Keenan's vocals and the band's complex rhythmic structures, the track highlights their ability to blend atmospheric textures with aggressive instrumentation. As part of their initial body of work, it offers insight into the creative direction that would later evolve into the intricate compositions found on albums like Undertow and Ænima. The recording remains a significant song in their catalogue, demonstrating the raw energy and experimental approach that established Tool as a formidable force in progressive rock.