Opiate (song)

"Opiate"
Song by Tool from the album Opiate
Released	March 10, 1992
Recorded	December 1991 - January 1992
Genre	Alternative metal, progressive metal
Length	6:06
Label	Zoo Entertainment
Writer	Tool
Producer	Sylvia Massy, Steve Hansgen, Tool

"Opiate" is a song by Tool and the title track from their debut EP. 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". The song's chorus of "Jesus Christ why don't you come save my life, open my eyes and blind me with your lies" may refer to the antagonist, or his victim, either seeking forgiveness or salvation.

Live performances

"Opiate" has held a regular position on Tool's concert setlist since 1992. In 1994, it was often played back-to-back with "Flood," transitioning smoothly between songs and skipping the lengthy "Flood" intro. By 1996, "Opiate" would often serve as the second final song of concerts, preceding "Ænema." Maynard James Keenan has dedicated the song to psychologist and author Timothy Leary on multiple occasions and to former Tool bassist Paul D'Amour on others, referring to him as "Paul of Love."^[1]

Various musicians have collaborated with Tool in performing "Opiate" live. Examples include Layne Staley in 1993 and '94,^[2] Tricky in 2001,^[3] and Heitham Al-Sayed in 2006.^[4] Limp Bizkit is also known to have covered the song live.^[5]

References

1. ^ TOOL-Opiate 11.1.2001 Audio w/Tricky YouTube.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.
2. ^ Metal News - Tool's Keenan 'Near Perfect' For Alice In Chains ( Metal Underground . com )
3. ^ The Tool Page: Tour Reviews
4. ^ Heitham Al-Sayed with Tool
5. ^ Limp Bizkit Opiate Cover YouTube (March 16, 2006). Retrieved on August 9, 2008.