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 the shortest non-segue track on the album and one of its heaviest; lyrically, the song is uncharacteristically straightforward, in contrast to the band's more progressive works.

"Hooker with a Penis"
Song by Tool
from the album Ænima
Released	September 17, 1996
Recorded	September 1995 – March 1996
Studio	Ocean Way, Hollywood, California The Hook, North Hollywood, California
Genre	Alternative metal
Length	4:33
Label	Zoo
Songwriter(s)	Danny Carey Justin Chancellor Adam Jones Maynard James Keenan
Producer(s)	David Bottrill

Lyrics and music

The song is known to deviate from the progressive 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 from '92, the first EP", taken to stand for "Original Gangster Tool".[1] After introducing himself he proceeds to accuse Maynard of selling out, likely due to the softer music and commercial success of 1993's Undertow.

In response to this, 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".[2][3] 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.[4] The song concludes with some of the band's thrashiest playing and Danny Carey's fast double bass footwork.

Reception

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.[5] 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.[6] The band played at the festival in 1997.

References

1. The Tool FAQ, G43.
2. Fruchtman, Edward (August 1997). "Never Wanted To Be Rock Stars But They Are". Circus. 8. Retrieved June 25, 2006.
3. Pareles, Jon (November 5, 1996). "Mad at Everybody, Including Themselves". The New York Times. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
4. Macrone, Michael (September 1993). "Be Fruitful and Multiply". Brush Up Your Bible. Archived from the original on April 14, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2007.
5. Brain Dead - User. Tool - Aenima. Sputnikmusic. Retrieved May 18, 2006.
6. The Tool FAQ, D7.