So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
Another sound sprung out on the icy mountain,
And there's blood everywhere and smoke and broken bones.
But I won't stop to help them, 'cause I'm drving to my favorite motel
So I can watch CNN and Full House and MTV.
Yeah, the world's just a big fucking baby factory.
You know the hooker in 301's screamin' at the top of her lungs:
"Won't you be my man? Won't you be my baby boy?"
But you know that she is fakin',
'Cause everybody's gotta make a livin'.
And then you just feel like shit,
'Cause you know that you'll die alone.
How bizzare, as the skies gaping jaws swallow you whole.
And it's a long way
From the master to the slave.
Yeah, it's a long way
From New York City to Santa Fe.
Back where we belong.
You got luxury problems.
I got Daddy's membership card that gets me into every mansion.
And every butler in the country knows me by name.
Because I hang out at the dinner parties
And I try to talk to their daughters
Because I want to marry rich,
But they all treat me like shit.
Between the cocaine and the sex,
And your bank account full of Daddy's checks.
"Excuse me, mister,
But the roof is full of rotting babies.
The ocean's black with decaying flesh."
Well, what a thing to say at the table.
Oh yeah, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
Well, go on and chew your food,
Talk about sports, weather, and stocks,
And all the things that keep you from putting a gun in your mouth.
And it's a long way
From the master to the slave.
Yeah, it's a long way
From New York City to Santa Fe.
Back where we belong.
You got luxury problems.
And there's blood everywhere and smoke and broken bones.
But I won't stop to help them, 'cause I'm drving to my favorite motel
So I can watch CNN and Full House and MTV.
Yeah, the world's just a big fucking baby factory.
You know the hooker in 301's screamin' at the top of her lungs:
"Won't you be my man? Won't you be my baby boy?"
But you know that she is fakin',
'Cause everybody's gotta make a livin'.
And then you just feel like shit,
'Cause you know that you'll die alone.
How bizzare, as the skies gaping jaws swallow you whole.
And it's a long way
From the master to the slave.
Yeah, it's a long way
From New York City to Santa Fe.
Back where we belong.
You got luxury problems.
I got Daddy's membership card that gets me into every mansion.
And every butler in the country knows me by name.
Because I hang out at the dinner parties
And I try to talk to their daughters
Because I want to marry rich,
But they all treat me like shit.
Between the cocaine and the sex,
And your bank account full of Daddy's checks.
"Excuse me, mister,
But the roof is full of rotting babies.
The ocean's black with decaying flesh."
Well, what a thing to say at the table.
Oh yeah, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
Well, go on and chew your food,
Talk about sports, weather, and stocks,
And all the things that keep you from putting a gun in your mouth.
And it's a long way
From the master to the slave.
Yeah, it's a long way
From New York City to Santa Fe.
Back where we belong.
You got luxury problems.
Lyrics submitted by iLL Ronald
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Ave Grave
Thee More Shallows
Thee More Shallows
Show Me a Little Shame
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
He certainly did earn that reputation.
Grand Theft Auto
Insane Ian
Insane Ian
The way this song speaks to me🥺🥺when I sing it I feel like I relate
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
The ROOM is full of rotting babies.
They're sitting at the dinner table, eating, talking about sports, weather and stocks, and can't be bothered just because the room is filled with rotting babies. Its very sarcastic and exaggerated.