"Forty-Six & 2" is a song by American rock band Tool. The song is consistent with the sound by which Tool has become famous, and, like many of Tool's recordings from the album from which the song comes, Ænima, is lyrically sophisticated, addressing a number of complicated issues.

The title references an idea first conceived by Carl Jung concerning the possibility of reaching a state of evolution where the body would have two more than the normal 46 chromosomes. Furthermore, the song references a wish to experience change through the "shadow"; an idea which represents the parts of one's personality that one hates and fears, which also exists as a recurring theme in the work of Carl Jung. Since the human DNA holds 44 (autosomes) and 2 (sex) chromosomes, the next step of evolution would likely have 46 and 2 chromosomes in their DNA, according to Jung. Along with this is the idea behind the anima/animus influences on human behavior. Again referencing the album title, the anima/animus is believed to be the subconscious influence on the dream patterns of human beings.

Tool has not been shy about referencing controversial and little-held beliefs in many of their other songs. For instance, they used a clip from Art Bell's radio show as the basis of the track "Faaip De Oiad" on their album Lateralus, as well as continued the consciousness theme on the single "Schism".

There is an overall spiritual meaning and/or perspective to many of Maynard James Keenan's lyrics for Tool, as exemplified by this song, as well as the aforementioned songs in their follow-up album Lateralus, and perhaps these perspectives are conveyed in a more direct way (as opposed to using metaphor) in their second single from Lateralus, "Parabola".

(Source: Wikipedia.org)