The Grudge (song)

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"The Grudge"

Song by Tool
from the album Lateralus
Released	2001
Genre	Alternative Metal Progressive Rock
Length	8:36
Label	Zoo Entertainment
Producer(s)	David Bottrill Tool
Lateralus track listing
	"The Grudge" (1)	"Eon Blue Apocalypse" (2)

"The Grudge" is a song by American rock/metal band Tool.

The song is written in 10/8 time and is another example of the wide variety of diverse time signatures employed by the band. The lyrics contain several references to astrology (specifically, the "Return of Saturn"), and to alchemy. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is alluded to in the lyrics, but the precise meaning is unclear.

The novel is about a Colonial American woman who is caught in an act of adultery and is punished by having a scarlet letter "A" (for adultery) placed on her clothing. The letter's significance changes as she resists the townspeople and their religious dogma, and the song's lyrics parallel this story.

In other interpretations of the song and album, which is supposedly based upon the breakdown of a relationship, this song signifies the initial point of separation.

The song more specifically relates to a grudge, or misguided attempts at holding one, with the significance of Saturn being that which rules over a negative person (the Saturnist). The lyrics advise the listener to "let go" of a "fated anchor" before Saturn "consumes you." Hence, let go of the grudge before it drags you down.