Maynard's interpretation of Ænema, which is funnily enough, his own song:
"It's certainly a metaphor for change...on several levels. It's about
actual physical changes in the earth which will result in spiritual
growth, depending how you look at it. You can choose to see it as an
apocalyptic scenario, or look at it like global awareness and realize
changes in the earth are inevitable. The refrain of the song is kind
of a joke. 'Learn to swim' is rather than just 'shit's hitting the
fan, better learn how to swim,' but it can also be looked at as
involving the whole collective environment and how all of us as
individuals need to learn how to go into the deep dark waters."
courtesy of Maynard James Keenan himself and toolshed.down.net