Tool’s “Opiate” Lyrics Meaning  

In the literal/physical sense of the word, an “opiate”, as you likely already know, is a drug and more specifically one that is commonly utilized in the name of pain relief (i.e. dulling the senses). However, to describe something else as an opiate is a fancy way of saying that said object or what have you has a tendency to make people overly-relaxed or numb. 

And with that in mind, a highly-regarded 19^th century philosopher known as Karl Marx once referred to religion as being “the opium of the people”. It is upon that quote which this song is actually based.

As implied, what Marx was saying is that people relied on religion as if it were an opiate. In other words, their lives may have sucked, having to deal with Industrial Revolution-era oppression and all. So one of the functions mainstream religious institutions played was keeping them compliant, if you will. 

The above is the general concept which the intro of this song appears to be speaking to. It is talking about the masses being so intimidated with the prospect of making their own choices that they willingly give direction over to questionable religious leadership.

These Bl–dy Religious Leaders!

But again this is religion we’re talking about, not politics. And the primary difference between the two is that religious leadership tends to present themselves as those who are actually propagating the will of God. So as revealed in the actual verses their shtick, if you will, extends beyond coming off as if they’re ‘stronger’ than the next man. Moreover they proclaim to have God on their side. They also claim they have the power to bring about the “faith” needed to overcome oppression and an unsatisfactory life.

But as relayed in the chorus, their intentions are not genuine. Instead, as implied, they basically perceive the masses as being too ‘deaf, dumb and blind’ to lead themselves. So basically, as most forcefully put forth in the pre-chorus, religious institutions are being depicted as exploiters of the discontent and lack of resolve of the layman. 

Or viewed alternatively, conventional religious leaders, regardless of how pious they may be, don’t tend to render their spiritual services for free. Indeed harping back to the time of Karl Marx, it is well known that some institutions may even demand adherents to actually pay physical cash in the name of making peace with God.

Takeaway

So it doesn’t take rocket science to conclude that, if anything, Tool is not fond of conventionally-practiced organized religion. However, reading in between the lines, it can also be ascertained that they don’t regard the masses too highly either. To them, the religious everyman, so to speak, is someone who would rather let another person guide the direction of his life as opposed to stepping up to the plate and doing so himself.

Facts about “Opiate”

“Opiate” served as the title song to what is considered to be Tool’s debut EP, a project that a now-defunct label called Zoo Entertainment brought to us on 10 March 1992.

The four musicians who have been holding down the Tool brand since the mid-1990s are as follows:

• Maynard James Keenan
• Danny Carey
• Adam Jones
• Justin Chancellor

Keenan, Carey and Jones, who were down from day one, are credited as the co-writers of “Opiate. And the other author would be Paul D’Amour. Paul served as the band’s bassist prior to Chancellor.

“Opiate” is an EP that eventually, well after Tool had established themselves as one of the top early 21^st century rock bands, went on to achieve platinum certification in the US and Australia. However, at the time it was dropped, even though it had an impressive chart showing for a debut EP, Tool wasn’t popular like that. That would logically be the reason why “Opiate” (the song) was never issued as a single.

However, Tool did re-record this piece. They dropped the re-recorded version under the revised name, “Opiate²” (aka “Opiate Squared”), in early 2022. That said, it should be noted that the actual revision dates back to 2016). 

And that version of the song did chart in New Zealand. 

So all of that considered, the implication would be that “Opiate” is a fan favorite of the band.

The “Opiate” Album

On March 10 of 1992, a 6-tracked EP with the title “Opiate” was released.

“Opiate” was recorded at the Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, California. It had the band itself, Sylvia Massy and Steve Hansgen as its producers.  

Zoo Entertainment, a record label currently owned by Sony Music, was responsible for the release of the album.

In March of 2013, a limited edition of the album was released as part of its 21st anniversary.

The album peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard 200. It received Platinum Certifications from the RIAA and ARIA of the United States and Australia respectively.