Meaning of "Tumult" by Stone Sour

The lyrics of "Tumult" by Stone Sour convey a sense of anger and defiance towards someone who has hurt the narrator in the past. The opening lines, "Haven't let you in 'cause I'm in you," suggest a toxic and deeply intertwined relationship. The use of the word "goddamn" emphasizes the intensity of the emotions involved. The narrator reflects on how this person must have been difficult and painful to deal with, rejecting any notion of innocence in their relationship. The line "Put me in your vein!" can be interpreted as a metaphor for being consumed or controlled by this person's influence.

The repeated phrase "It's improbable" indicates a sense of disbelief or refusal to accept the possibility of reconciliation or forgiveness. The narrator hasn't spoken about the situation, possibly because they are still hurt or because they have chosen to distance themselves emotionally. The line "Used to be a derelict, now I have to live with it!" suggests that the narrator has experienced a period of self-destruction or instability, possibly influenced by this person. They now bear the consequences of their past choices and must learn to live with them.

In the second verse, the narrator acknowledges that this person has come back into their life, but asserts that they know better now. The line "Trip my light fantastic, rub me in your wound" can be interpreted as the person attempting to manipulate the narrator or exploit their vulnerabilities. However, the narrator refuses to be broken or used again. They declare their resilience and reject any notion of being seen as disposable or objectified. The line "I'm not broken, I'm not plastic, I'm no whore" reinforces their determination to resist being treated as less than they deserve.

The final lines of the song express the narrator's realization that this person doesn't want or need them anymore. It can be seen as a moment of empowerment, where the narrator realizes their own worth and refuses to be devalued further. The parenthetical statement, "Sometimes I think I'm crazy; other times, I know I'm not," suggests a fluctuation between doubt and self-assurance, but ultimately reaffirms the narrator's sanity and strength.

Overall, "Tumult" explores themes of betrayal, self-empowerment, and resilience in the face of past pain. It portrays a narrator who has been hurt but refuses to be defined by their past experiences, choosing instead to assert their worth and protect themselves from further harm.