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.
Let me off of this boat
I'm sick of this ride
The world is heading ever southward
And I can't stay in here
And you're lying awake
Away on your side
The feeling comes in waves and burns us
And I don't want to die
From the slippery hands
To the line of your throat
The fever now consumes us both
In a fire now we will go
Santa Maria
Why did you have to go?
Santa Maria
One day we will know
In a bowing of heads and a passing of hands
And all we thought they'd understand
Is lost and they won't know
And what have we left
It's all that we've got
There is no 'X' to mark our spot
What's past is done and gone
Santa Maria
Why did you have to burn?
Santa Maria
One day you will learn
I'm sick of this ride
The world is heading ever southward
And I can't stay in here
And you're lying awake
Away on your side
The feeling comes in waves and burns us
And I don't want to die
From the slippery hands
To the line of your throat
The fever now consumes us both
In a fire now we will go
Santa Maria
Why did you have to go?
Santa Maria
One day we will know
In a bowing of heads and a passing of hands
And all we thought they'd understand
Is lost and they won't know
And what have we left
It's all that we've got
There is no 'X' to mark our spot
What's past is done and gone
Santa Maria
Why did you have to burn?
Santa Maria
One day you will learn
Lyrics submitted by x_t_rex_killa_x
Santa Maria Lyrics as written by David Odlum Colm Macconiomaire
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The live version of this song on "Set List" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
Glen has mentioned he wrote this because of an album he listened to quite a bit...I don't remember the artist...but I think it was titled "Music for Egon Schiele."