Prison Sex
"Prison Sex" | ||||
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Single by Tool | ||||
from the album Undertow | ||||
Released | 1993 | |||
Recorded | 1992 | |||
Genre | Alternative metal | |||
Length | 4:56 | |||
Label | Zoo | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
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Tool singles chronology | ||||
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"Prison Sex" is a song by American
Music video
The video for "Prison Sex" was created with
The video primarily revolves around a battered white humanoid, robotic-like doll figure trapped in a room full of cabinets that contain other humanoids, such as a caterpillar with the main humanoid's face, a jar with a wasp inside, a robotic character with a little child's face that twists and turns, and a being made out of what looks like meat and feces. During various points in the video the main character is confronted by a larger black humanoid who causes the doll to go catatonic. While catatonic, the black figure molests the doll with a paintbrush. In the beginning of the video, the black figure severs the doll's legs (even though they still move by themselves) and hangs them out of reach of the doll. By the end of the video, the doll subjects itself to the abuse by painting itself. In the final shot, it is revealed that the doll was in its own cabinet the whole time when the black figure closes the cabinet door.
Controversy
With the release of the 1993 single "Prison Sex" and its music video, directed and created by
MTV stopped airing the "Prison Sex" video after a few viewings due to its symbolism depicting the sensitive subject of child abuse.[5] Maynard James Keenan, who wrote the lyrics, has been quite clear in concerts about his dislike for his stepfather.[6]
Before a live performance of "Prison Sex" on November 29, 1996, in Montreal, Quebec, Keenan stated:
"This song is about recognizing, identifying, the cycle of abuse within yourself. That's the first step of the process: realization; identifying. The next step is to work through it. But, this song is about the first step in the process, which is recognizing."[7]
Track listing
UK version[citation needed]
- "Prison Sex"
- "Undertow" (live)
- "Opiate" (live)
- "Prison Sex" (radio edit)
German version[citation needed]
- "Prison Sex"
- "Intolerance" (live)
- "Undertow" (live)
- "Opiate" (live)
Australian[citation needed]
- "Prison Sex"
- "Intolerance" (live)
- "Undertow" (live)
- "Opiate" (live)
- "Prison Sex" (radio edit)
Promotional radio version[citation needed]
- "Prison Sex" (radio edit)
- "Prison Sex"
Release history
Region | Date | Label | Format | Catalog |
---|---|---|---|---|
Germany | 1993 | Zoo | CD | 74321-19049-2 |
UK | Vinyl | 74321-19432-1 | ||
UK | CD | 74321-19432-2 | ||
Australia | 1994 | CD | 74321-19049-2 | |
UK | Promo vinyl | TOOL-002 |
Charts
Chart (1994) | Peak position |
---|---|
81 | |
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[9] | 32 |
Chart (2019) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[10] | 18 |
References
- ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (July 10, 2020). "The Story Behind The Song: Tool's Prison Sex". Metal Hammer (published in Metal Hammer #326). Retrieved October 3, 2020.
- hdl:1808/19147.
- ^ Toolshed article by Adam Morrison — publication: Circus magazine
- ^ Roman Sokal (2001). "Stepping Out From the Shadows". Retrieved March 6, 2006.
- ^ "A Tool for the Truly Cool - Big hit of Lollapalooza tour gears up for second album". San Francisco Chronicle. 1994. Retrieved March 2, 2006.
- ^ Kabir Akhtar. "F10" (TXT). The Tool FAQ. Retrieved March 2, 2006.
- ^ Tool - Prison Sex (Live In Montreal, QC - 11-29-'96). 1996. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2011 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
- ^ "Tool Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ "Tool Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 27, 2021.