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.
From dehumanization to arms production
For the benefit of the nation or its destruction
Power is power, the law of the land
And those living for death will die by their own hand
Life's no ordeal, if you come to terms
Reject the system dictating the norms
From dehumanization to arms production
To hasten the nation to its destruction
Power is power, the law of the land
Those living for death will die by their own hand
Life's no ordeal, if you come to terms
Reject the system dictating the norms
[repeat]
It's your choice, your choice, your choice, your choice
Peace
Or annihilation...
For the benefit of the nation or its destruction
Power is power, the law of the land
And those living for death will die by their own hand
Life's no ordeal, if you come to terms
Reject the system dictating the norms
From dehumanization to arms production
To hasten the nation to its destruction
Power is power, the law of the land
Those living for death will die by their own hand
Life's no ordeal, if you come to terms
Reject the system dictating the norms
[repeat]
It's your choice, your choice, your choice, your choice
Peace
Or annihilation...
Lyrics submitted by prayingmantis84
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My views on this song are up there some where and I'm glad you weren't offended, since that wasn't my intention.