Hooker with a Penis

Tool

About Hooker with a Penis

"Hooker with a Penis" is a song by the American rock band Tool. It was released on September 17, 1996, as the seventh track off their second studio album, Ænima. The song is one of the heaviest tracks from the album, and perhaps one of the heaviest songs by Tool. Unlike the more progressive sound found on the rest of the album, the track has elements of hardcore punk and thrash metal especially toward the end with some of Danny Carey's fastest double bass drumming. The song is known to deviate from the themes explored on the rest of Ænima lyrically and musically. The words behind "Hooker with a Penis" are uncharacteristically straightforward except for the title which does not appear in the lyrics. The person depicted is a metaphor for a disgruntled fan, whom Maynard notes is wearing "Vans, 501s and a dope Beastie T", while sipping Coke, who claims he was "OGT", taken to stand for "Original Gangster Tool", since the band's 1992 debut EP Opiate. After introducing himself he proceeds to accuse Tool of selling out, likely due to the softer sound of 1993's Undertow. In response the intensity of the music is pushed to an almost comical level as proof that they have not lost their edge. When asked if he is "sucking up to the man", Maynard casually responds that we are all the man. He points out the hypocrisy of such a statement by noting that "all you read and wear or see and hear on TV is a product begging for your fatass dirty dollar". Keenan whispers in the left channel throughout the song. At 1:41, "consume, be fruitful, and multiply" may be alluding to Genesis, which contains the phrase "be fruitful and multiply" six times. It received generally positive reviews by music critics, although some criticized that the song detaches itself from the album's carefully plotted concept, and even that the track felt "tacked-on" to the album. Nonetheless, it remains a fan favorite. During Lollapalooza 1997, a version of "Hooker with a Penis" remixed by Billy Howerdel in the form of lounge music was played over the public address system between sets. The band played at the festival in 1997. 


Year:
1996
4:33
1,439 
#7

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I met a boy wearing vans, 501s, and a
Dope beastie t, nipple rings, and
New tattoos that claimed that he
Was ogt,
From '92,
The first ep

And in between
Sips of coke
He told me that
He thought
We were sellin' out
Layin' down,
Suckin' up
To the man

Well now I've got some
A-dvice for you, little buddy
Before you point the finger
You should know that
I'm the man

And if I'm the man

Then you're the man, and
He's the man as well so you can
Point that fuckin' finger up your ass.

All you know about me is what I've sold you
Dumb f*ck
I sold out long before you ever heard my name

I sold my soul to make a record
Dip shit
And you bought one

So I've got some
Advice for you, little buddy
Before you point your finger
You should know that
I'm the man

If I'm the fuckin' man
Then you're the fuckin' man as well
So you can
Point that fuckin' finger up your ass.

All you know about me is what I've sold you
Dumb f*ck
I sold out long before you ever heard my name

I sold my soul to make a record
Dip shit
And you bought one

All you read and
Wear or see and
Hear on tv
Is a product
Begging for your
Fatass dirty
Dollar

So, shut up and

Buy my new record
Send more money
F*ck you, buddy
F*ck you, buddy
F*ck you, buddy
F*ck you, buddy

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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, JUSTIN GUNNER CHANCELLOR, MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background
"Hooker with a Penis" is a song by American rock band Tool. The song is from their second studio album, Ænima, which was released in 1996.
Song Structure
Unlike many other Tool songs, "Hooker with a Penis" follows a more traditional verse-chorus-verse structure, simplifying Tool's usually complex song structures.
Song Title
Even though the title might sound provocative, it's not a literal descriptor of the song's content. Instead, it references a fan who accused the band of selling out.
Lyrics
The song lyrics are a direct response to fans who accused the band of going mainstream with their music, which is a common complaint in the music industry.
Band's Message
Through this song, Tool attempts to highlight the irony of fans accusing them of selling out while simultaneously purchasing their music and merchandise.
Vocalist's Perspective
The song's lyrics, written by frontman Maynard James Keenan, represent a dialogue between him and a fan, wherein he argues that everyone is a part of the "system" - meaning everyone is a consumer and a product in some way.
Music Technique
The song is known for its aggressive guitar riffs and complex rhythms, characterizing the band’s distinctive sound.
Live Performances
"Hooker with a Penis" is frequently included in Tool's live performances and is often met with opinionated fan reactions due to its subject matter.
Album Success
Despite its controversial content, "Hooker with a Penis" contributed to the success of Ænima, which went on to be certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.
Fan Discussions
The song is a consistent point of debate amongst fans due to its frank discussion about the often touchy subject of a band's commercial success.

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