"Prison Sex" by Tool is a song addressing themes of abuse, powerlessness and restoration. It is written from the perspective of someone whose life has been shaped by experiences of oppression and trauma, and reflects the journey they are taking to find understanding and strength in an attempt to reclaim their sense of self. The chorus of "Do unto others what has been done to me/Do unto others what has been done to you" suggests a deep irony – that although the speaker is the victim of the oppression inflicted on them, they can gain strength and freedom by transforming it into a lesson of compassion for others. The significance of the images of being "treading water", "bound", "head down", and "eyes closed" are a reflection of being stuck in a situation from which there is seemingly no escape. The ultimate hope of the song is found in the bridge and outro, when the speaker acknowledges their "temporary sanity" and "full circle" return to basic needs for belonging, trust and love.