"Drag the Waters" is a song by the American heavy metal band

Pantera Pantera () is an American heavy metal music, heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas formed in 1981, and currently comprised of vocalist Phil Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, and touring musicians Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante. The group's best-kn ...

. It first appeared on the 1996 album ''

The Great Southern Trendkill ''The Great Southern Trendkill'' is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Pantera, released on May 7, 1996, through East West Records. It reached number 4 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, and stayed on the chart for 16 weeks. Dur ...

'', and later on the band's compilation album, '' The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!''.

Background

Pantera guitarist

Dimebag Darrell Darrell Lance Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004), best known by his stage name Dimebag Darrell, was an American musician. He was the guitarist of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, both of which he co-founded alongside his ...

has said that this song "is about a lifetime of dealing with people that you can't tell what they're really comin' at you for, or what their motives really are. You've got to drag the waters to get to the bottom and find out the truth."

Music video

The music video starts with a warning by a voice saying, "In everyday life, there is more than meets the eye. To reach the depths of truth, we must drag the waters." This song is the first single released from the album, and the only one to have a music video. The video was directed by Darrell.

Reception

Metal Hammer ''Metal Hammer'' is a heavy metal music magazine and website founded in 1983, published in the United Kingdom by Future, with other language editions available in numerous other countries. ''Metal Hammer'' features news, reviews and long-form ...

'' ranked "Drag the Waters" No. 18 on their list of the 50 best Pantera songs. ''

Guitar World ''Guitar World'' is a monthly music magazine for guitarists – and fans of guitar-based music and trends – that has been published since July 1980. ''Guitar World'', the best-selling guitar magazine in the United States, contains original art ...

'' ranked "Drag the Waters" No. 8 on their ranking of the 25 greatest Pantera songs.

References

1996 singles Pantera songs Song recordings produced by Terry Date Songs written by Dimebag Darrell Songs written by Vinnie Paul Songs written by Phil Anselmo Songs written by Rex Brown 1996 songs {{1990s-rock-single-stub