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.
Just another kid waiting for a break is just bad news
Everybody's working 9 to 5, you got to pay your dues
Listen to your heart, don't let them take away your time
Forget about tomorrow, stop waiting for a sign
Give it everything, give it everything you've got
Give it everything, give it everything you've got
Can you hear the whistle blowin' in the night somewhere down the line
Calling out your name baby, leave your blues behind
If you wanna take a change, step right up and ring the bell
Let me see your best shot, only time will tell
Everybody's working 9 to 5, you got to pay your dues
Listen to your heart, don't let them take away your time
Forget about tomorrow, stop waiting for a sign
Give it everything, give it everything you've got
Give it everything, give it everything you've got
Can you hear the whistle blowin' in the night somewhere down the line
Calling out your name baby, leave your blues behind
If you wanna take a change, step right up and ring the bell
Let me see your best shot, only time will tell
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This track serves as a simple anthem about perseverance, determination, and pursuing your dreams wholeheartedly, encouraging you to push through obstacles, ignore doubts, and give your all in all aspects of life. Don't hold back, take risks, and strive to achieve your goals with everything you have, is the message they deliver. It's a call to action to be bold, passionate, and dedicated in the pursuit of your ambitions; You must take up the call on your own.