“Duality” is a song by American massive metal band Slipknot, released on June 15, 2004 as the first single from their third studio album, “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)”. The Trail is one of the band’s most well-known songs and showcases their aptitude to blend aggressive steel with melodic elements.
The song was recorded at The Mansion in Los Angeles, California, and created by Rick Rubin, a celebrated director known for his work with diverse artists ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Johnny Cash. “Duality” was a critical trail for Slipknot as it marked a slight shift in their musical direction, integrate more tune and clean vocals while maintaining their signature force and heaviness.
The music video for “Duality,” directed by Tony Petrossian, is iconic for its description of the band’s fans devastate a house while the band performs. This video symbolized the chaotic energy andsolid connection between Slipknot and their fanbase, known as “Maggots.”
Lyrically, “Duality” deals with themes of inner fight and the battle between inconsistent impulses, mirroring the band’s intense and often dark thematic content. The chorus, with the memorable line “I push my fingers into my eyes,” captures the raw, reflex emotion that characterizes much of Slipknot’s music.
“Duality” was both a commercial and critical success. It peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock trails chart and has been certified Gold by the RIAA. The song remains a staple in Slipknot’s live interpretation and is considered a tracking track in their discography.
Lyrics
I push my fingers into my eyes
It’s the only thing that slowly stops the ache
But it’s made of all the things I have to take
Jesus, it never ends, it works it’s way inside
If the pain goes on
I have screamed until my veins collapsed
I’ve waited as my time’s elapsed
Now, all I do is live with so much hate
I’ve wished for this, I’ve bitched at that
I’ve left behind this little fact
You cannot kill what you did not create
I’ve gotta say what I’ve gotta say
And then, I swear, I’ll go away
But I can’t promise you’ll enjoy the noise
I guess I’ll save the best for last
My future seems like one big past
You’re left with me ’cause you left me no choice
I push my fingers into my eyes
It’s the only thing that slowly stops the ache
If the pain goes on
I’m not gonna make it
Put me back together
Or separate the skin from bone
Leave me all the pieces
Then you can leave me alone
Tell me the reality is better than the dream
But I found out the hard way
Nothing is what it seems
I push my fingers into my eyes
It’s the only thing that slowly stops the ache
But it’s made of all the things I have to take
Jesus, it never ends, it works it’s way inside
If the pain goes on, I’m not gonna make it
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
I push my fingers into my eyes
It’s the only thing that slowly stops the ache
But it’s made of all the things I have to take
Jesus, it never ends, it works it’s way inside
If the pain goes on, I’m not gonna make it
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane
All I’ve got, all I’ve got is insane