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.
She called me up today
Meet me down at the old cafe
I jumped into the shower
I was getting my marching orders
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
She'd never stand for any lies
She's got an out tray full of guys
I could sense a breath, a whole new feeling
Now she says she wants to call a meeting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
I'm a slave to work
I'm only living when I walk amongst the office staff
And catch up with the office wag
I'll be in bed by nine
My curtains drawn
My thoughts composed
I get to work on time
She gave me some dictation
But my strength is in administration
I took down all she said
I even took down her little red dress
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I'm want to give you the job
I'm pushing for a raise
I've been pushing now for days
My output is in decline
I was burned out after Thatcher
My banner I laid down with a sigh
Now I doubt if I'll ever catch her
I've got to change my ways
Dress for business every day
A sharp suit and a kipper tie
A big arrow pointing to my fly
Have you shaved for work yet baby
Don't go out the boss is waiting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
Meet me down at the old cafe
I jumped into the shower
I was getting my marching orders
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
She'd never stand for any lies
She's got an out tray full of guys
I could sense a breath, a whole new feeling
Now she says she wants to call a meeting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
I'm a slave to work
I'm only living when I walk amongst the office staff
And catch up with the office wag
I'll be in bed by nine
My curtains drawn
My thoughts composed
I get to work on time
She gave me some dictation
But my strength is in administration
I took down all she said
I even took down her little red dress
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I'm want to give you the job
I'm pushing for a raise
I've been pushing now for days
My output is in decline
I was burned out after Thatcher
My banner I laid down with a sigh
Now I doubt if I'll ever catch her
I've got to change my ways
Dress for business every day
A sharp suit and a kipper tie
A big arrow pointing to my fly
Have you shaved for work yet baby
Don't go out the boss is waiting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
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The sexual innuendo in this song is absolutely genious.