Monkey Killing

I'm listening to Tool's "Monkey Killing" off of '10,000 Days'. And I'm reminded of the discussion I over heard New Year's Eve concerning the story of 'Ishmael'. Now, while it must first be stated that I have not read the book, I do have a general understanding of the synopsis.

I have no opinions on the story itself (as I haven't read it) but listening to this song something occurred to me. Ishmael is from the perspective of an Ape. A Guerrilla if I'm not mistaken. Species separated by mere chromosomes. The same self righteousness, and judgment can be found in a narrative from a like species. And while both were written by humans, "Monkey Killing" ventures into the abstract. The un-relateable. The unknown. The Observation of "Angels" on humans without judgment. And I suppose that is the significance... The lack of judgment that humans cannot seem to overcome. The comparison of one to another, rather than simple existence.

"Angels on the sideline,
Puzzled and amused.
Why did Father give these humans free will?
Now they're all confused.

Don't these talking monkeys know that
Eden has enough to go around?
Plenty in this holy garden, silly old monkeys,
Wonders when you're bound to divide it

Right in two

Angels on the sideline,
Baffled and confused.
Father blessed them all with reason.
And this is what they choose.
(and this is what they choose)
Monkey killing monkey killing monkey
Over pieces of the ground.

Silly monkeys given thumbs,
They forge a blade,
And brothers wonder
bound to divide it,

Right in two.
Right in two.

Monkey killing monkey killing monkey
Over pieces of the ground.
Silly monkeys give them thumbs,
They make a club
And beat their brother..down.
How they survive so misguided is a mystery.
Repugnant IS THE CREATURE WHO WOULD SQUANDER THE ABILITY TO LIFT AN EYE
TO HEAVEN CONSCIOUS OF THIS FLEETING TIME HERE

Cutting it all right in two (x4)

Fight over the clouds, over wind, over sky
Fight over life, over blood, over prayer, overhead and light
Fight over love, over sun, over another
Fight...

Angels on the sideline again
BEEN SO LONG WITH patience and reason
Angels on the sideline again
Wondering when this tug of war will end


Cutting it all right in two (x3)
Right in two

Right in two... "
-Tool 'Monkey Killing'