Opiate

Tool

About Opiate

"Opiate" is a song by Tool and the title track from their debut EP recorded by producer Sylvia Massy at Sound City Studios in 1991. While never released as an official single, it is one of the best known songs among their early work. "Opiate" serves as the final track of the Opiate EP and contains the hidden track, "The Gaping Lotus Experience". The song's title and lyrics apparently elaborate on the Marxist concept that "religion is the opium of the masses". Keenan's lyrics liken religion to rape and abuse by a person or group of people to another person or group of people. The lyric "deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow, what you need is someone strong to guide you" supports this notion. Sometimes when played live, Keenan sings "...what you need is someone strong to use you". 


Year:
1992
5:22
436 
#1

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Choices always were a problem for you.
What you need is someone strong to guide you.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow,
What you need is someone strong to use you
Like me,
Like me.
If you want to get your soul to heaven,
Trust in me.
Don't judge or question.
You are broken now,
But faith can heal you.
Just do everything I tell you to do.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow.
Let me lay my holy hand upon you.
My God's will
Becomes me.
When he speaks out,
He speaks through me.
He has needs
Like I do.
We both want
To rape you.
Jesus Christ, why don't you come save my life.
Open my eyes, blind me with your light now
And your lies.

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Tool

Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up includes drummer Danny Carey, bassist Justin Chancellor, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. more »

15 fans

Written by: Adam Jones, Daniel Carey, Maynard James Keenan, Paul M. D'amour

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Formation
"Opiate" is a track by the American rock band Tool. The band includes vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey, and bassist Paul D'Amour who was later replaced by Justin Chancellor.
Album Insight
"Opiate" is the title track of Tool’s first studio EP. The EP was produced in 1992 after only about six months of the band's formation.
Musical Style and Lyrics
The track, like the rest of the album, showcases the heavy, progressive metal sound that Tool would become known for. The lyrics tend to be dark and philosophical.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, the song and album received critical acclaim for its fresh sound and innovative, complex song structures. Tool has since become one of the most successful progressive rock bands.
Artwork
The artwork for the album, including the "Opiate" single, was created by guitarist Adam Jones, who worked as a professional special effects designer before forming Tool.
Live Performance
"Opiate", like many Tool songs, is well-regarded for its powerful live performances. Band members have often expressed their preference for performing live over recording in a studio.
Concept and Meaning
The song is named after a term coined by Karl Marx, "religion ... is the opium of the people". The lyrics reflect singer Maynard James Keenan's critical views on religion.
Influence
"Opiate" and the other songs on the debut EP helped establish Tool's place in the Rock and Alternative Rock scene. Many bands that emerged in the late '90s and 2000s have cited Tool as a key influence, specifically noting the heavy, progressive sound exemplified in "Opiate".
Anniversary Edition
On the EP's 21st anniversary, the band released a limited edition package with new artwork, a bonus track, and a video for "Opiate".
Popularity
Today, "Opiate" continues to be one of the band's most popular songs, despite not being released as a single. It's well-known among fans and is frequently played at concerts.

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