The lyrics to through the dark seem to reference several film tropes and cinematic imagery, rather than a single specific movie. The references to “Sicilian men” and “brides in black shawls” could evoke scenes from classic mafia or Italian films, possibly drawing from films like The Godfather, which deals with Sicilian traditions and family honor. The imagery of a “silver-screen starlet,” “black and white blonde,” and a “smoke-filled room” could be nodding to the noir or old Hollywood genre, referencing anonymous blonde actresses who were often central to those films but remembered more for their image than their names. The idea of repeated televised lines and the feeling of having “seen the film before” might suggest commentary on familiar stories that we’ve seen repeated in cinema, especially those involving violence, loss, and tradition. The mixture of personal emotion and cinematic elements suggests a blending of personal experience with iconic film imagery.

Code Of Silence was basically a Cyndi Lauper penned-song that Billy Joel performed. He was on a writers block and needed to complete a few more tracks so he could cut The Bridge and had Cyndi Lauper assist him on completing the song. She also sang some vocals on the song, but it was essentially a Cyndi Lauper song in DNA with some Billy Joel lyrics. The story of the song in terms of lyrics are about someone who is bottling in their secrets or aspects of their life, when it may be better to live truthfully. The song has often been described as "labored" but I personally have always enjoyed it, even if it is more than likely a filler track on an 80s Joel album.

This song is about fulfilling your dreams, fantasizing, wishing to fall in love, and realizing that even if this happens, it might not be as heavenly as the TV makes it out to be... "we all want to be big stars...we don't know why." the ultimate moral to me is to enjoy the time you have in life, no matter what it may be, and learn to appreciate the beauty right in front of you

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.

Techno Ted may be a person who caused Chris incredible emotional pain & trepidation as well as moments of peace & happiness but now is removed and awaiting his fate. Darling may be a different person who is also free of him and can live her life free of Ted's tyranny. "In between all the laughing, and daydreams ... lies: a desert of truth" Lies are like a desert or the omission of Truth: Where there were Lies then Truth was absent. The song, "Techno Ted", may be a cathartic celebration of the downfall of this person.