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.
Ev'ryone in town knew Mr. Webster;
He worked at the bank for forty years.
And each week Mr. Frizby made his check out
For sixty-eight dollars clear.
And through the years he thwarted twenty-seven robberies
And each time Frizby promised him a raise.
They gave a retirement party for Mr. Webster
Everyone from the bank was there.
They had a cake and flowers ordered special
And Frizby had a speech prepared.
And a little white box that held a watch with this inscription
"To Mr. Webster, with regards."
Then came the telegram from Mr. Webster
Said, "Sorry...stop...Cannot attend..
I've flown away and taken all your money
Wish you were here to help me spend."
And one by one all the people left the party
And Mr. Frizby locked the door.
He worked at the bank for forty years.
And each week Mr. Frizby made his check out
For sixty-eight dollars clear.
And through the years he thwarted twenty-seven robberies
And each time Frizby promised him a raise.
They gave a retirement party for Mr. Webster
Everyone from the bank was there.
They had a cake and flowers ordered special
And Frizby had a speech prepared.
And a little white box that held a watch with this inscription
"To Mr. Webster, with regards."
Then came the telegram from Mr. Webster
Said, "Sorry...stop...Cannot attend..
I've flown away and taken all your money
Wish you were here to help me spend."
And one by one all the people left the party
And Mr. Frizby locked the door.
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Ahh, never could quite catch what they were saying in the song. Not particularly fond of it, seems trying to be The Beatles tooo much. Glad it's got a sorta funny story to it instead of somber as the tune would suggest. Stinky Mr. Frizby, why not give Webster that dollar raise, would've been Nice.