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.
I call you up, you pick up.
You call my bluff, on the cards of love.
You hold too close, your hands to your chest.
I can read your eyes, but I confess.
It's lonely far from you, even when you're right by me.
It's only while I wait for you, to take my hand
Why do I beg like a child for your candy? Why do I come after you like I do?
I love you. Whatever you are, I swear. You'll be my angel.
You.
I play my cards as best I can. But I lose my luck when you're not here.
My darling heart, won't you please give in?
I may be strong but I want you back again.
When you're not here, oh, it's hard to pretend
It's all alright again.
When you're not here, love, it's hard to pretend It's all alright, still
Why do I beg like a child for your candy?
Why do I run after you like I do? I love you.
Whatever you are I swear, you'll be my angel.
You.
Watch the day, count your cards.
It makes no sense that I'm always losing when you're gone.
Why do I beg like a child for your candy
Why do I come after you like I do? I love you.
Whatever you are I swear, you'll be my angel.
You.
When you're gone.
You call my bluff, on the cards of love.
You hold too close, your hands to your chest.
I can read your eyes, but I confess.
It's lonely far from you, even when you're right by me.
It's only while I wait for you, to take my hand
Why do I beg like a child for your candy? Why do I come after you like I do?
I love you. Whatever you are, I swear. You'll be my angel.
You.
I play my cards as best I can. But I lose my luck when you're not here.
My darling heart, won't you please give in?
I may be strong but I want you back again.
When you're not here, oh, it's hard to pretend
It's all alright again.
When you're not here, love, it's hard to pretend It's all alright, still
Why do I beg like a child for your candy?
Why do I run after you like I do? I love you.
Whatever you are I swear, you'll be my angel.
You.
Watch the day, count your cards.
It makes no sense that I'm always losing when you're gone.
Why do I beg like a child for your candy
Why do I come after you like I do? I love you.
Whatever you are I swear, you'll be my angel.
You.
When you're gone.
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae
Angel Lyrics as written by David Matthews Glen Ballard
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I agree! before you say dave is a sellout just put on a dave song and close your eyes and just listen. like everyday...listen to how it makes you feel. his music isnt just for the ears, it'll move your whole soul. if you dont like him, dont listen. what's wrong with him wanting more people to like his music? why shouldnt he be trying to make everyone feel his music the way his first real fans do. honestly...any chord he plays, any note he sings...he will make it great. he DOES play for the fun of it. i dont blame him AT ALL and no one else should either. i love all of you who stuck up for him! phew