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.
Even now the world is bleedin'
But feelin' just fine all numb
In our castle where we're always free
To choose never free enough
To find I wish somethin' would break
Cause we're runnin' out of time
And I am overcome
I am overcome
Holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
These women in the street
Pullin' out their hair
My master's in the yard givin' light
To the unaware this plastic little place
Is just a step amongst the stairs
And I am overcome
I am overcome
Baby holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
So drive me out out to that open field
Turn the ignition off
And spin around
Your help is here but
I'm parked in this open space
Blockin' the gates of love
I am overcome
I am overcome
Holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
Beautiful drowning
This beautiful drowning
This holy water
This holy water is in my lungs
But feelin' just fine all numb
In our castle where we're always free
To choose never free enough
To find I wish somethin' would break
Cause we're runnin' out of time
And I am overcome
I am overcome
Holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
These women in the street
Pullin' out their hair
My master's in the yard givin' light
To the unaware this plastic little place
Is just a step amongst the stairs
And I am overcome
I am overcome
Baby holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
So drive me out out to that open field
Turn the ignition off
And spin around
Your help is here but
I'm parked in this open space
Blockin' the gates of love
I am overcome
I am overcome
Holy water in my lungs
I am overcome
Beautiful drowning
This beautiful drowning
This holy water
This holy water is in my lungs
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