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.
Butter on a summer day
When she's around
I was on the tracks
When the gate came down
Suddenly I recognized
Those bloodshot rear view mirror eyes as mine
I heard that whistle call my name
I almost drove away
But Megan I had a feeling that you would be on that train
So I just waited there for you
Caught a ride to another town
Where the air was clean
And the sun never goes down
Everyone was standing in a line
Between the landing and the stairs
I heard somebody call my name
I almost climbed the stairs
But Megan I had a feeling that someday you'd meet me there
So I just waited there for you
Butter on a summer day
When I hear that name
It's a dream that never came true
Sat down on the tracks
And waited for a train to take me back to you
Somebody came and took my hand
I finally had to go
But Megan I just want you to know
That I waited as long as I could
Butter on a summer day when she's around
When she's around
I was on the tracks
When the gate came down
Suddenly I recognized
Those bloodshot rear view mirror eyes as mine
I heard that whistle call my name
I almost drove away
But Megan I had a feeling that you would be on that train
So I just waited there for you
Caught a ride to another town
Where the air was clean
And the sun never goes down
Everyone was standing in a line
Between the landing and the stairs
I heard somebody call my name
I almost climbed the stairs
But Megan I had a feeling that someday you'd meet me there
So I just waited there for you
Butter on a summer day
When I hear that name
It's a dream that never came true
Sat down on the tracks
And waited for a train to take me back to you
Somebody came and took my hand
I finally had to go
But Megan I just want you to know
That I waited as long as I could
Butter on a summer day when she's around
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Well, having the name Megan kind of inclines me to love this song already =] but it really couldn't be written any better. It's fucking amazing. I wish I could see them live...