Therapist analyzes the lyrics of Opiate (extended with the Gaping Lotus Experience) to discuss how many people abdicate the choice in their life instead of being active participants in their decision-making processes. This often leads to bad habits and behaviors. This song is a call to be an active mind in your life.
Since you listened to 10,000 Days you need to finish out the trilogy of songs about his mother. Jimmy (Tool) and Judith (A Perfect Circle) Great reaction and I like your interpretations and different perspectives you bring to Tool songs. I have heard vocal coaches reactions, fan reactions, etc. etc. but never a therapist.
Thank you for playing the rawer, angrier version of this song.
This is the very first song I ever heard from Tool.
Got me hooked bigtime.
I love the angry Maynard.
Karl Marx - “Die Religion […] ist das Opium des Volkes” and is often rendered as “religion […] is the opiate of the masses.” The full sentence from Marx translates (including italics) as: “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” As such it leaves one open to being victimized by those who are mouthpiece of that religion.
This is written from the point of view of a charlatan. Which you could argue most of not all religious leaders are. Taking advantage of vulnerable people who can’t think for themselves.
I’m abdicating with alcohol at 43, since college. Although I’ve made it and live a normal life, it’s a problem only I like to carry the burden. I’m glad I saw this video because I’ve heard and interpreted the song a million times but your word “abdication” helped me point the mirror at myself in a different way and I appreciate that.
Religion is the opiate of the masses. Still true. Look at religious leaders and their mansions paid for by the poor they say they serve. Some would say they were taken advantage of, maybe violated. You may not like that line, but it’s not untrue.
