Favorite Tool Songs (Opiate)Filed Under: Music

Music has been a great source for inspiration throughout the centuries, and Tool’s music is a huge inspiration to my writing and thought process. I first discovered Tool’s music in February of 2007, and my taste in music has never been the same since. They grew on me within minutes of listening to their first, “Opiate” EP. The lyrics were so much profound than anything I ever heard before. The music itself was quite raw in their earlier days, but as time progressed, so did their music. From Opiate to 10,000 Days, Tool’s style has developed quite a deal. Their music has become much more complex, and their lyrics continue to inspire any freethinking person. The are the definition of progressive rock/metal, and they currently are my favorite band. So, I figure, why not list a few of my favorite songs separated by the album on which they appear.

I shall begin with, their first major release, and that is the Opiate EP.

1. “Sweat” – 3:46
2. “Hush” – 2:48
3. “Part of Me” – 3:17
4. “Cold and Ugly (Live)” – 4:09
5. “Jerk-Off (Live)” – 4:23
6. “Opiate” – 8:28

This album has a very raw sound, as Tool sound progression begins here. This album is better classified as “hard rock” or even “grunge” rather than “progressive rock.” The music is not nearly as layered as later Tool music either. The drums by Danny Carey are top notch, as he truly takes Tool to another level. However, the lyrics are what separate Tool from any other band. Here are some excerpts of lyrics from the three songs I enjoy the most off the Opiate EP.

Cold and Ugly Lyrics:

Underneath her skin and jewelry,
hidden in her words and eyes
is a wall that’s cold and ugly
and she’s scared as hell.
Trembling at the thought of feeling.
Wide awake and keeping distance.
Nothing seems to penetrate her.
She’s scared as hell.

Jerk-Off Lyrics:

Someone told me once
that there’s a right and wrong,
and that punishment
would come to those
who dare to cross the line.

But it must not be true
for jerk-offs like you.
Maybe it takes longer to catch a total asshole.
but I’m tired of waiting.
Maybe it’s just bullshit and I should play GOD,
and shoot you myself.*
Because I’m tired of waiting.

Consequences dictate
our course of action
and it doesn’t matter what’s right.
It’s only wrong if you get caught.
If consequences dictate
my course of action
I should play GOD
and shoot you myself.*
I’m very tired of waiting.

Opiate Lyrics:

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…

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 and blind me with your light
and your lies.

The song, Opiate is truly one of the greatest criticisms of religion in music form. An ugly aspect of Christianity and most other religions is the concept of releasing ones responsibilities onto others. Most Christians simply think, that faith will get them into heaven. They need not to think of their personal responsibility on earth, nor question anything, for others have done all the questioning for them. They simply go through the world, never wondering about any of the claims made in the Bible, and simply accepting them on face value. Yet, as the song concludes, god, religion and jesus are just one of the same, they are all lies.

Next Up: Favorite Tool Songs (Undertow)

Tags: lyrics, opiate, opiateep, song, songmeanings, tool