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'm a cork on the ocean
Floating over the raging sea
How deep is the ocean?
How deep is the ocean?
I lost my way
Hey hey hey
I'm a rock in a landslide
Rolling over the mountainside
How deep is the valley?
How deep is the valley?
It kills my soul
Hey hey hey
I'm a leaf on a windy day
Pretty soon I'll be blown away
How long will the wind blow?
How long will the wind blow?
Oh
Until I die
Until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
Floating over the raging sea
How deep is the ocean?
How deep is the ocean?
I lost my way
Hey hey hey
I'm a rock in a landslide
Rolling over the mountainside
How deep is the valley?
How deep is the valley?
It kills my soul
Hey hey hey
I'm a leaf on a windy day
Pretty soon I'll be blown away
How long will the wind blow?
How long will the wind blow?
Oh
Until I die
Until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
These things I'll be until I die
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Like a lot of the other comments are saying, I think this mainly about voyeurism. If the song was about his girlfriend, then why would he use the word spy. If you are a spy it means you shouldn't be caught, that is kind of the whole point, and if you are a voyeur, the whole point of the pleasure you get from it, is the fact that the other people don't know you are watching them. See a bit of a connection there?
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
incredible song...illustrates how small and insignificant one life is but also how powerful and important it can be.
This song tries to explain effectively what it feel to be on a free falling at a point of our life...a person disoriented or completed adrift from the world surrounding him..."a corck on the ocean... a leaf on a tree..a rock in a landslide".But I don't agree with "the swing king" considering this album "a dark and generally forgettable period of Beach Boys music",I love the "beach/surf & girls" world of the band but I also consider that an improved formula for "cash in"(most of the songs in the early teenage albums are fillers tha handle the same subject)so when the boys chose other arguments they blossomed albums like 20/20 - FRIENDS - sunflowers- smile -pet sounds and surf'up.
This is one of my top 5 BB songs. The harmonies just melt me, and Brian's expression of how small he felt is just wonderful. Hearing it live earlier this year was an all-time highlight.
uhh what album is this on?
Surf's Up.
haunting song
I agree that the harmonies, and reverb, are great, and make it a very haunting song. I personally don't listen to it because I stick to the fun and summertime music when it comes to the Beach Boys. "Til I Die" actually has a great production qualities for this rather dark and generally forgettable period of Beach Boys music.
You keep calling this era of Beach Boys music forgettable. Their fans and music critics alike considered the late 60's/early 70s their best era. The music is experimental and creative, with contributions from all of the Boys. This music was released during an era where it become "uncool" to like the Beach Boys, hence the lackluster sales.
Best version on Adult Child/landlocked boot. 7 mins of heaven. Get it if you can!!!
Stephen Desper's extended mix on Endless Harmony my be what you are referring to. If not: add it to the list!
It's about Brian's life at the time and his suffering, how he was feeling around that time. He felt helpless; he was being forced to tour and write songs, he wasn't at the time in control of his life. The song relates how small he felt and how out of control his life was, it was a cry for help.
I totally empathize, Brian. Tired of my 48 years of anxiety and depression.